Walk One - Helvellyn & More

Our first full day in the Lake District announced itself to us with blue sky and sunshine. And, thanks to Storm, we were up, out and ready to walk by 9.30am. Relaxation on holiday? For weaklings and non-dog owners clearly.

Unsurprisingly for a Sunday morning at half-past-quite-early, the car park at Wythburn was empty and Storm sprang from the car, ready to tackle her first Wainwright. The path pointed us to the peak from the word go and we headed upwards, ever upwards. Luckily, the heat allowed me to disguise (probably very badly) my stops as dog-watering opportunities rather than the 'heaven help me before my legs give way' breaks that they really were.

When we arrived, hearts racing, onto the plateau between Helvellyn & Nethermost Pike, the views were fabulous and the ledge looking out to Striding Edge was the perfect place to stop for a rewarding early lunch. Then, it was on to Storm's first peak - the packed top of Helvellyn which seemed to be on everyone's itinerary for a sunny Bank Holiday weekend.

Storm & Striding Edge

Helvellyn!

After the obligatory cairn-side pics, we re-traced our steps and headed onwards to Nethermost Pike with a jaunty spring in our smug steps. More photos of course and then we were on to Dollywagon Pike where Storm celebrated with some apple. Honestly, she knows how to live.

Nethermost Pike

Dollywagon Pike

Storm sure-footed her way down a very stony steep path to Grizedale Tarn whilst I wibbled down after her like a slightly drunk Weeble. Descending is not my strong point. Indeed, given the huffing and puffing of earlier in the walk, you could say ascending isn't a strong point either but hey-ho.

We walked along the water's edge to the top of Raise Beck and then it was a downward walk again. I stuck to the path like the boring traditionalist I am. Storm plunged from rocky path to rocky stream, flinging her head under the water and throwing it backwards in the manner of a 1980's shampoo ad model. It's because she's worth it you know.

Before we hit the A591 we turned right and followed the signs to Thirlmere through fields and woods, sighting the car after six and a half hours of walking. It was a beautiful route - high hills, great views, tarns, rocks and clear paths.

Storm was a dog tired dog. I was sun-warmed and happy. If all days could be like this...