A super-mega-awesome with Dad & Son duo Trevor and James on Helvellyn. As you'll have seen we've had a good chunk of snow this week and so out of the stores came all the winter kit once more - not that I'm complaining! We left a springlike Glenridding and made great progress up to Red Tarn. Behind the tarn we got the winter kit out and climbed up the side of Swirral Edge and then up the edge itself. We enjoyed some lovely views from the summit and then down-climbed the steep bank of snow at the top of Striding Edge. Once at the start of the edge we packed away the winter kit and enjoyed a traverse under summer conditions. An excellent day with excellent company, thanks both! (Conditions report: Most snow encountered today was pretty soft and there was lots of bare rock available on Swirral Edge meaning winter kit not essential - UNTIL - the top section which is still harder snow. Personally I would have at the very least an ice axe for added security but crampons were helpful here. The same story for the top exit of Striding Edge. Striding Edge itself does not require winter kit. Sound judgement required and just because others are doing it without necessarily taking precautions to safeguard themselves it doesn't mean you'll be fine also...just saying).
