Terrain Overview
Walk Overview
The classic route from Patterdale that journey`s up to the Hole in the Wall from
the East flank of Birkhouse Moor and then crosses both Striding and Swirral Edges
The walk starts from St. Patrick`s Church in Patterdale and follows a tarmac road
that leads to the base of Birkhouse Moor seen here on the right
Looking down the Grisedale valley towards Dollywaggon Pike and Nethermost Pike
from the path running up the flank of Birkhouse Moor
Higher up the path and the massive bulk of Fairfield comes in to view
Sue pauses for a breather along the steep path
Ste just before we reach the Hole in the Wall
After a long steady climb, we reach the Hole in the Wall
The first view of Helvellyn from the Hole in the Wall
From the Hole in the Wall we make a left turn and climb up to High Spying How.
This is the first rock tower at the start of Striding Edge. Here we are looking
across Red Tarn to Catstye Cam and Swirral Edge
The moderate scramble up High Spying How
Looking towards the full extent of Striding Edge
No turning back now !! - At the start of Striding Edge
For those not wishing to risk the exposure of the edge, there is a side
path lower down
Red Tarn and Swirral Edge
Looking back towards High Spying How
Having crossed the edge we scramble up the approach face of Helvellyn and reach
"Gough`s Plaque" which commemorates the fatal accident in 1803 when Gough
fell to his death from the Edge. His dog remained by his Master`s side for nearly
three months before he was found. This inspired the Poem "Fidelity"
by William Wordsworth
On the summit of Helvellyn overlooking Red Tarn
Looking to Catstye Cam from the descent down Swirral Edge
Looking to Striding Edge from Swirral Edge
Back down on the valley floor now and the ridges of
Dollywaggon and Nethermost Pikes
