From UMHC Hiking Guide
Contents |
The Walks
This is the best area of the eastern Lake District with the mountains Helvellyn and Fairfield throwing down grand crag and corrie scenery to compete well with those found in the highlands of Scotland. The area is relatively accessible from Manchester taking two to two and a half hours to get here. The two villages were the scene of the recent BBC drama 'The Lakes' and you may even recognize a few of the places that were filmed.
Helvellyn
Helvellyn is the first choice for many newcomers to our club and the ascent of Helvellyn via Striding or Swirral Edge are the most popular routes. Both involve some degree of exposure and aren't suitable for the faint hearted but they are classics. Red Tarn nestles between these two edges at 700m and has some impressive cliffs to admire especially in a snowy period. The easy way up goes via Raise and proves to be no problem.
All the routes so far mentioned are approached via Glenridding and this has some pleasant lower scenery. The upland is largely hidden from view down in the glen. If ascending via Swirral Edge, be sure to include Catsye Cam which Wainwright says is the shapeliest summit in the Eastern Lakes. Go up the north-west ridge of Catsye Cam if you want the scrambling fun to last longer! Try out Sheffield Pike before walking up to Raise. Other very good, though somewhat neglected, routes of ascent include numerous ones from Grisedale.
The corries facing Grisedale are deeper and are seen in their full grandeur right from the bottom. This part really does have some reminiscence of a West Highland Scottish glen and is well worth visiting. The East ridge of Nethermost Pike is fantastic though very short. It's the next ridge south of Striding Edge and is narrower than Striding Edge but with very little erosion in comparison. You are thus likely to have this ridge all to yourself. Dollywaggon Pike also throws out a short, narrow but walkable ridge. These four 'east ridges' are grand features and within most people's capabilities. The latter two haven't been included on any recent hikes which is a shame but hopefully the next trip will include them.
Fairfield
The next mountain to mention is Fairfield. This has some very impressive north-facing cliffs. A walk up Deepdale Beck sees them at their best which those people approaching from the ridge wouldn't see. A good route up from here is via a stumpy ridge called The Step. The imposing Greenhow End is admired but avoided on the way up and this is by far the best route up. St Sunday Crag is the most popular way up to Fairfield where optional scrambling presents itself near the summit. A much less frequent route is that ridge called Hartsop above How which includes fine views of High Street and its steep slopes.
High Street
The High Street range makes a good walk especially if tackled from the Kirkstone Pass. The range is characterized by long broad plateau-like ridges with steep sides that are generally smooth but sometimes craggy. This is a fairly long walk that goes via Stony Cove Pike, High Street, Angle Tarn and Patterdale. More information on High Street can be found on the Kentmere pages.
The High Street range
seen from the Helvellyn range
Shorter Walks
The shorter walks in the area include Place Fell and the Angletarn Pikes. The latter includes some tors that provide short easy scrambles. Other walks include those along the Ullswater lake. A nice place near Glenridding is Keldas which Wainwright rates very highly.
A fine Sunday can be spent exploring the waterfalls of Aira Force, followed by a short ascent of Gowbarrow Fell. Follow the path through the forest of Swinburns Park, and head as fast as possible for the Brackrigg Inn [1]. They serve fine beer, and a very, very good three course Sunday roast.
Ulleswater and Glenridding from
Arnison Crag
The upper reaches of Ullswater
Scrambles
Pinnacle Ridge is an excellent grade 3, *** scramble situated on St. Sunday Crag above Grisedale.
Eating and Drinking
There are numerous pubs and tea shops in Glenridding and the place remains fairly popular right through the year at weekends. The village is small enough not to lose your friends in and there are also some gear shops for those who can't resist spending their dwindling cash supplies.
Travel
Services run by Stagecoach Cumberland from Penrith and from Ambleside serve this valley. Check out the Cumbria county council Journey Planner for further details.
