Lake District, Helvellyn via Swirral Edge from Genridding.

Helvellyn from Genridding and a jaunt over the tops before descending down Sticks Pass back to Glenridding.

7hrs

From the summit of Helvellyn looking down to Red Tarn and Striding Edge.

 Parking in Glenridding P&D.

I decided to head for Red Tarn and then consider my options from there, below is the road leading up to the Youth Hostel with Raise being the hill in the background.

Disused mine behind the YH.

On the path up to Red Tarn with Catstye Cam straight ahead.

A better view of Catstye Camfurther up the path.

Approaching Red Tarn, Helvellyn center, Striding Edge left and Swirral Edge to the right.

A frozen Red Tarn.

Over a spot of lunch I pondered my options and decided to tackle Swirral Edge, don't know why but it just looked nicer from where I was sat.

On Swirral Edge looking over to Catstye Cam.

And towards Helvellyn, two walkers can be seen just reaching the top of Swirral Edge.

Red Tarn and Striding Edge.

Brown Cove, Keppel Cove and White Side from Swirral Edge.

At the top of Swirral Edge, crampons and ice axe required for this ascent.

Red Tarn and Striding Edge from the summit.

Summit shelter, Helvellyn. The geezer beside the summit cairn behind was taking weather readings and I suspect has something to do with http://www.lakedistrictweatherline.co.uk/ an excellent site for an up to date forecast.

Looking down Striding Edge with Ullswater in the background to the left. The plan was to go down here but I decided to stay on the tops and have a wander instead.

Heading over to Nethermost Pike.

Thirlmere down there.

Heading to High Crag.

At High Crag looking back along the ridge towards Helvellyn.

On the way back now towards Helvellyn.

One of three memorials on Helvellyn, Gough Memorial.

Back at the summit shelter and busy as ever.

Trig point and the ascent from Swirral Edge to the right, keep away from the edge here.

Heading down to Lower Man looking back to Swirral Edge.

From Lower Man.

And from White Side.

White Side summit shelter.

Raise summit Cairn with Skiddaw to the left and Blencathra on the right in the far background.

At Sticks Pass, Stybarrow Dodd ahead, I go right here to make my descent back down to Glenridding.

Ski slope below Raise operated by The Lake District Ski Club.

View down Sticks Pass, Sheffield Pike center photo.

At the old mines looking down on the Helvellyn Youth Hostel and Glenridding.

A better view of the mines and YH areas.

Almost back at Glenridding with Place Fell ahead.

Ullswater.

Ullswater Steamer.