Red Tarn at Helvellyn

Red Tarn from Swirral Edge

Having gained a summit albeit a small one the previous day at Catbells, I went round to Ullswater and a walk from Glenridding to Red Tarn at Helvellyn.   The forecast was mixed, with the day starting off wet and overcast.  However the afternoon was meant to clear to sun at Glenridding, and so it did when I arrived there.  The weather later on was supposed to stay dry, although some showers may come in.

Here you can see the sunny start of the walk.

Glenridding Common from Glenridding
Glenridding Common from Glenridding

As I passed round the side to Griesdale from Lantys Tarn, Helvellyn was still covered in cloud and rain.  Hopefully that would clear before I got there!

Griesdale, Birk Craggs and Patterdale Common
Griesdale, Birk Craggs and Patterdale Common

Further up Griesdale Bow, the view back towards Glenridding, shows the contrasting weather conditions, as it is still sunny there.

Looking back down the path from Griesdale Bow to Glenridding
Looking back down the path from Griesdale Bow to Glenridding
Looking back down the path from Griesdale Bow over Griesdale
Looking back down the path from Griesdale Bow over Griesdale

From here to the aptly named “Hole in the Wall” ( a hole in a dry stone wall that runs right up the side of the mountain), there was a steep set of steps to make you realise you were gaining height physically.  I counted over 400 of them!

It was a relief for me to rest and take a picture back towards the wall and get my breath back…

Birkhouse Moor from the Hole in the Wall
Birkhouse Moor from the Hole in the Wall

As Helvellyn was still in cloud, I decided not to walk around Striding Edge, but headed instead to Red Tarn.  Which was just clear of cloud itself.

Red Tarn Panorama
Red Tarn Panorama

To gain a bit more height and view I walked from here, up to Swirral Edge.  From here you can see the Tarn from above, and also the level of the clouds.

Red Tarn from Swirral Edge
Red Tarn from Swirral Edge
Swirral Edge in Cloud at Helvellyn
Swirral Edge in Cloud at Helvellyn

I took a shot of the view across towards Whiteside.

Catstye Cam and Whiteside from Swirral Edge, Helvellyn
Catstye Cam and Whiteside from Swirral Edge, Helvellyn

And also an image of the path up to Catstye Cam, which I perhaps should of done that day as well.  But as time was ticking on I decided to head back to the car instead.

Catstye Cam from Swirral Edge Helvellyn
Catstye Cam from Swirral Edge Helvellyn

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