Summit Sunset from Helvellyn

Ever wondered what it might be like to watch the sunset from a mountain top? Now's your chance! A 6pm departure time gives us time to ascend Striding Edge en route to the top of England's 3rd highest mountain, Helvellyn, at 950m. Sunset is at 9.50pm, so shortly afterwards, we'll start our descent. It could be midnight when we return to base.

This is one of a TRIPLE-HEADER of walks in this part of the Lakes (Friday evening, Saturday, Sunday). The Leader will be staying at Gillside Campsite, Glenridding - feel free to join me, or make use of other accommodation from hostels to hotels. You need to make your own arrangements for accommodation, should you need it.

You must have a good level of fitness, a head for heights, and be prepared to descend the mountain as darkness descends (head torch needed).

NB. If conditions are poor, this Friday night walk will be replaced by a night at the pub. 

This is 7.5 mile evening walk. We will be walking at a pace to reach the summit in good time to watch the sun set. You should bring refreshments so we can have an mountain-top, ODL Friday night buffet like you've never had before!!!

We'll head off promptly (the sunset will not wait!) at 6pm, up to Red Tarn, a glacial lake sandwiched between Striding and Swirral Edges (aretes, to continue the geography lesson), and below a huge rock face with Helvellyn summit at its top. After a quick breather, we'll be on our way to the start of Striding Edge - an exhilirating ridge walk with plenty of exposure (hence the need for a head for heights). Striding Edge is normally teaming with people - it's the most popular ridge walk in England. By the time we get there, we should have sole use! After careful negotiation along the rocky ridge, and a scramble down the famous 'chimney', we start the main scramble up to Helvellyn's summit plateau.

From here, we can have a supper as we watch the sunset.

After a (hopefully) very memorable time, we'll head down Swirral Edge before light fades. Once off the ridge, and down to Red Tarn, head torches may be needed. Expect a return time of around midnight back at the start.