Helvellyn
and Striding Edge from High Spying How.
At over 3000' Helvellyn is one of the most
popular fells in the whole of the Lake District. It has two distinct aspects,
the easier western slopes or the much more inspiring eastern face. Of all the
routes that lead to the summit the one via Striding Edge is the "classic" an
airy ridge which is achievable with some care by most experienced fell walkers.
It is this view that I wanted to try and
capture. Throughout the year it can be rather busy with walkers but I considered
the scene would be made more dramatic if the ridge was in winter conditions. So
it was that early one March morning when the weather forecast looked favourable
I set off to obtain my references. I had done some research and realised that
early morning would be the optimum time as hopefully the low sun would highlight
the craggy face above Red Tarn and give good shadows on the edge itself. To view
my complete route in photographs click
here.
I was nearly frustrated in my goal due to
the swirling cloud on the summit but patience is a virtue and I was lucky.
