Footpaths Are For Wimps - Helvellyn- 18/07/24
Our adventure began at Gillside Campsite, briefly delayed by a necessary pitstop. With excitement buzzing, we embarked on our ascent to Striding Edge. The climb proved challenging, taking a solid 2.5 hours. Let's just say, our legs felt it! Tracey even had a near-choking scare with her water bladder, adding a touch of humor to the strenuous climb.
After a well-deserved lunch break, we tackled Striding Edge. Along the way, we stumbled upon a haunting reminder of the mountain's dangers – a grave marker for Robert Dixon, a stark reminder of the power of nature.
The weather, however, decided to test our resilience. Suddenly, strong winds and rain swept in, catching us by surprise. We encountered a friendly family who opted for a safer route, a wise decision in the worsening conditions.
Reaching a crucial junction, we faced a choice: descend the infamous Chimney, or navigate a tricky cliff face. Remembering the Chimney's past struggles, we opted for the cliff face. This section proved to be the most nerve-wracking, especially with the wet rock. Thankfully, Dave, our trusty Master Hiker, came to the rescue, guiding us down safely (huge thanks, Dave!). We couldn't help but be amazed by a fearless woman in a skirt who descended the Chimney – a true testament to her courage!
The next challenge – a seemingly endless scramble up a rock face. Here, I confess, I found myself lagging behind the group. Luckily, Dave and Iain were there to lend a hand when I finally reached the top.
In the thick clouds, we mistook a cairn for the summit. However, I persevered and became the first to reach the official summit marker, a small victory in the challenging conditions.
Iain, with a mischievous glint in his eye, had us on edge (literally!) by sitting near the summit's edge. Thankfully, it was just a playful lead-up to our customary summit surprise – this time, Amaretto and Coke instead of our usual whiskey.
The biting cold forced us to bundle up for the descent via Swirrel Edge. It felt longer and more strenuous than I remembered. Tracey celebrated reaching the bottom with a well-deserved cigarette. We also encountered some friendly lads from Newcastle, supporting their companion who was battling fear of heights.
The final leg – a daunting 2.5-mile trek back to the campsite on loose stones. This took another grueling 2 hours, but along the way, we were treated to the beauty of three waterfalls. Dave, a true lifesaver, provided much-needed relief with some ginger chews.
Finally, exhausted but exhilarated, we reached the campsite, our trackers clocking in a total of 7 hours, 13 minutes, and 41 seconds. After a well-deserved change of clothes, we headed straight to the pub – the Travelers Rest – for some celebratory pints and a comforting meal.
It was a day filled with challenges, breathtaking scenery, and camaraderie. We conquered Helvellyn, faced our fears, and emerged stronger, with a story to tell and a newfound appreciation for a good pub meal!
Big thanks to Iain for capturing these photos! My phone screen was broken, and in the bright daylight, I couldn't really see what I was taking pictures of. I snapped away at what I thought were amazing views, only to discover later they were just hilarious selfies of me trying to take photos!
