4 on 3-07-2011 Loughrigg Fell. Must rank as one of the most beautiful places. Just breathtaking. It would be pleasant to live in this area. The scenery is stunning in every direction and you marvel as your eyes take it in. Loughrigg is one of the lower fells, so anyone can manage it, yet the views are among the most superb and thrilling in the Lakes.

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5 on 10-7-2011 Helvellyn. Lake District.  A challenge I'd been thinking about since the turn of the year. A strenuous walk but worth every bit of the effort to get to the summit. I went up the steep way and the ascent took me nearly two lung-busting hours (but with glorious views in every direction). I got to Striding Edge (first glimpse is photo 16) but - time getting on - decided to leave crossing the Edge until next visit.

6 on 31-7-2011 Helvellyn & Striding Edge; Lake District. Been thinking about it for a good while and I finally got the opportunity and lovely weather to walk Striding Edge. You can pick out the route in the pictures - Taking the same track up to the top of Helvellyn as the previous visit, then onto and across Striding Edge, then down the valley side just beyond Red Tarn, then up the opposite slopes, onto Swirral Edge, back up to the top of Helvellyn, then down to base by the same track used to ascend. It was a beautiful day with crystal clear panoramas in every direction. Approaching the Edge, I have to say, was a bit daunting, but pretty soon I found myself right on top of the ridge, striding along, revelling in the sheer beauty and grandeur, left and right. I'm telling you this so as to encourage you not to miss visiting and walking here, if you get the opportunity; it is a fantastic place. One of the most thrilling day's walking I've experienced in fifteen years. When I got back down to base, three hours later, I was still 'buzzing' at having actually walked over Striding Edge! Fantastic!

phew