Helvellyn 10 mile circular

We parked at Glencoyne Bay car park (free for National Trust members or about £6 for the day i think) and headed up towards Sheffield Pie from Glencoyne Farm. This is a short, steep ascent but has great views back over Ullswater. Skirting around Sheffield Pike (you can always take a detour to bag this one if you like!) we headed along Sticks Pass. This section was fairly easy, with plenty of flat sections to catch your breath. Then we headed up to the ridge, heading south towards Raise and then White Side. There are plenty of well palced cairns along this stretch to guide you along. Then towards the summit of Helvellyn. This last bit is quite steep but it's not long before you reach the top. From the summit, behind the trig point, there are views along Striding Edge. We headed back down Swirral Edge, (which is by the cairn that marks the highest point) which is quite a scramble before picking up the footpath down to Glenridding.