Saturday 25/7/15 Helvellyn

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An excellent forecast so packed the rucksack on Friday evening and up early to park at Swirls lay-by for 7:45. Set off up the Browncove Crags path making good progress with very promising weather - some thin cloud in valleys but tops pretty clear. Had a tea break at 9:30 just after Browncove Crags enjoying the excellent prospect to the south of the Conistons. Soon put on cags and hats before carrying on to Helvellyn Lower Man. A few wisps of cloud but never really in cloud and excellent far distant views including Ingleborough. Spent a leisurely hour or so exploring the summit plateau and making our way via the escarpment to Nethermost Pike before having an early lunch at the head of the north east ridge. On to High Crag and Dollywaggon Pike where we had a good look at the start of the north ridge. Descended the short distance to the main Helvellyn path with views of Grisedale Tarn. Followed the main path north before picking up the Wythburn path for our main descent over Birk Side. A longish walk back to Swales for 4:30 completing a memorable day on the Helvellyn plateau in superb conditions.