I've not done Helvellyn range for some time and was wanting to go up Helvellyn via Striding Edge and also to Catstye Cam (how do you pr this? cas-stye-cam?) as well taking in Red Tarn somewhere along the way preferably on the way back down again or in both directions even better.
Can you advice on the best starting place and routes (I have veiwranger)? Would most people do this by starting in Glenridding?
Drive up to the YHA. Do Nth ridge of Catstye then up Swirral. Along. Down Striding. Cut down to Red Tarn. Loop back over Birjhhouse Moor or drop direct back to YHA.
I prefer doing Striding Edge first, then going over Helvellyn and down over Catstye Cam. It just feels right that way, and avoids the descent from Helvellyn on to Striding edge which I never like much. Glenridding is as good a starting point as any, with plenty of parking, although you do have to pay for it. Avoid doing the walk on a weekend if you can, because it will probably be very busy -- although you're unlikely to have it to yourself at any time, apart from at night in the middle of a snow storm, perhaps.
Prefer striding edge first myself. The slightly harder ridge first. Although north ridge was shown to me this year and its a cracker. Gets you up there bloody quick if your legs can manage such a steep way up.
I like to do the whole Fairfield-Hellvellyn range personally. Its possible to get a 16 Wainwright in one day from Arnison Crag to Hartside, Sheffield Pike and Glennridding Dodd. Makes a hard one as you tag Birkhouse Moor and Catstycam as ups and downs the Striding and Swirral edges. All that done from a little layby in Patterdale opposite the white pub that is so good but small.
BTW IF you use the expensive carpark in Glennridding there is a cafe practically in the middle of it called Fellbites IIRC. Well worth a drop in before or after the walk. Really is.
Also there are free parking spots in that area but I am selfish and won't tell you as I want to still be able to use them. I think that is fair enough don't you??
If you do the classic edges walk its up Striding and down Swirral and you end up at the Red Tarn anyway. It is nice but as someone who lives near to the Lakes as I do its been done sooooo many times in all conditions so I can picture it all in my head and tend to leave it all for visitors. There are so many nicer places to go to IMHO. I guess I've been spoilt by the Lakes. Time to look furthare afield I think.
