Catstye Cam via Grisedale, the 'Hole in the Wall', Red Tarn & Swirral Edge

10miles 2950ft

Heading off into Grisedale over Grisedale Beck

Zooming in on Dollywagon Pike

Looking back to Ullswater....

.and back down the path into Grisedale

Continuing the climb to the 'Hole in the Wall'

The 'Hole in the Wall' with Birkhouse Moor

Having my morning break by Red Tarn with Helvellyn behind

Zooming in on Swirral Edge....

....and starting the climb  

Zooming in on the lower section of the edge....

....with a couple of experienced walkers heading down off  Helvellyn. However this was as far as I felt it was safe to go, given the fierce wind chill of -12C and no ice axe.

I turned round and headed instead for the summit of Catstye Cam 

Looking down to Red Tarn.... 

Swirral edge from Catstye Cam 2920ft

A section of Striding edge across the valley

Now on the descent looking back to Catstye Cam

Lunchtime in the sun by Glenridding beck

The next bridge down stream which the path crosses to Greenside mine

Nearing Glenridding village.....

.....where this RAF helicopter was just taking off. I'd seen it flying round Helvellyn earlier in the day

A final walk back to Patterdale along the side of Ullswater

A memorable day in some challenging conditions on the high fells today, but well worth it for some fantastic mountain scenery