We got up there in plenty of time to set-up camp, and went over to Grizedale for a lap of their North Face Trail. We thought'd of doing two, but the cafe beckoned... While in the ride it feels like there is too much fireroad, but last sections (Topsy Turvy onwards) made up for them.
http://www.forestry.gov.uk/pdf/englandnwefdthenorthfacetrailmap.pdf/$file/englandnwefdthenorthfacetrailmap.pdf
Although we'd made a pact to not just spend all the evening in the campsite pub, it was just too cold to stay in the tent.
Saturday was a beautiful day, clear skies and long views.
We dropped down to Hartsop, and then took the route around and up to The Knott (a fair bit of pushing was needed), but once on top the views were stunning.
From there we followed the 'High Street' ridge to just above Pooley Bridge, the last few miles been just headlong downhilling.
Then it was following the Bridleway above Ullswater to Howtown, a most fantastic route with speed and views. We'd been advised not to bother with the lakeside path, but to head over Boredale Hause - boy was that a hard climb, especially the last hundred feet. From there it was just downhill back to camp - a shower and a Balti (Bayf). And the pub, as it was even colder...
Sunday, we packed up early and ran down into Glenridding and took the Grisedale route, over Dollywaggon Pike, to Helvellyn. The route started pleasant, but quickly became a nightmare carrying up the last 400 vertical metres to the top of Dollywaggon.
The optimist and the pessimist - we're halfway up vs as far again.
Once on top a quick break and then helterskelter (3 hours up vs 30 minutes down) across the rocks via Lower Man across Glenridding Common down to the Travellers Rest (top pub food, although Bayf thought his salad strange - with all manner of fruits). Back for a shower and home.
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