It was definitely a game of two halves. We met outside the Fairlight Guest House in Glenridding under a light drizzle, a great mix of Austrian Alpine Club members from different backgrounds and experience levels, meeting for the first time. Ahead lay one of my favourite outings in this corner of the Lake District: the classic Grade 1 ridge traverse of Striding Edge and Swirral Edge, with Helvellyn as our high point.
This route is a gem: narrow sections, short down climbs and just enough exposure to be exhilarating without being beyond the reach of confident walkers. By approaching via Lanty’s Tarn and Hole-in-the-Wall, the technical challenge builds gradually, with a lovely climbing path offering views across to St Sunday Crag. The finish over Catstycam adds a final scenic flourish before returning to Glenridding.
The day had been planned with multiple options in mind. As with any exposed ridge route, conditions could dictate a change of plan and I had alternatives ready. My pack carried the essentials: map, compass, rope for emergencies, bothy bag and first aid kit. I knew from experience that the early sections of Striding Edge would be the proving ground to assess how comfortable people were with the terrain.
The first half of the day had all the hallmarks of “true mountain weather.” As we gained height up the beautiful Grisedale Beck valley, we walked into the cloud. A brief pause at the shelter of the Hole-in-the-Wall gave us a moment’s respite before committing to the ridge. By then, the rain had set in, the rock was slick in places, and visibility was down.
We moved as a group with care, staying close to the crest where it was safe and skirting the most slippery sections. It was a joy to watch the group gel, offering hands, sharing advice and anticipating each other’s needs. At the Difficult Step, Mark went first and pointed out footholds as I kept a watchful eye on the descent. We then tackled the slabs to the summit path, where the shelter of Helvellyn fell away and we were hit by a wall of south-westerly wind. The chill was enough to feel freezing, a reminder of why careful layering is not optional in the fells and how we can have challenging conditions even in the middle of August.
Still in cloud, we made a quick stop at the summit shelter for snacks, surrounded by other hardy souls making the most of the wet and wild. Then we turned our attention to Swirral Edge, shorter than Striding but with loose rock that demands just as much concentration.
This was the moment the day began to turn. At first, just glimpses of Red Tarn appeared through thinning cloud. Then, as if on cue, the front moved through and the mist lifted completely. Striding Edge stood revealed in full sun, its ridgeline sharp against the sky.
The final push up Catstycam gave us broad views across the Lake District, the wind keeping our summit visit short. But the real finish came lower down, when the sign to the YHA café proved irresistible. Navigating a maze of doors and a drying room, we emerged into the garden by the stream in warm sunshine, mugs in hand and conversation flowing easily.
It struck me then how much the day had been about connection. In the first half, the group moved as one through challenging conditions. In the second, they relaxed into new friendships, buoyed by shared effort and clear skies.
For me, it was a reminder that leading a day in the mountains is not just about navigation and safety, although those matter deeply. It is about creating space for people to discover the landscape and each other, to test themselves, and to share something they will remember. On this day, we had all of that in abundance.
Watch this space, I am already planning the next one.