Fifteen years ago, on 7th February 2010, I sadly lost my older brother Mark to a heart attack he sustained whilst tackling Striding Edge, Helvellyn in the Lake District.

He was just 47 years old, forever young.

He loved to walk in the Lake District, so following a recent conversation with my daughter Jess, about Mark, we decided to organise a challenging walk across the Lakeland fells in his memory. We opted against navigating Striding Edge in the winter, given it’s inherent risks and a part of me didn’t want to tempt fate any more than was necessary, but we felt that the walk had to be sufficiently hard enough to warrant us badgering people for sponsorship.

So here it is…..A walk from Keswick to Ambleside, via the Helvellyn range

The Helvellyn range is a long line of fells stretching from Clough Head in the north to Dollywaggon Pike in the south. Walking this ridge offers a rare opportunity to stay above 2,000 feet for many hours and many miles. We have decided that the first weekend of British Summertime would be an ideal time to do this. The days are getting longer and with a bit of luck, the weather should be reasonable. Therefore, the walk will take place on 5th April 2025.

Route Statistics:

Start point: Moot Hall, Keswick, approx. 8am

Distance: 22 miles (35.41 km)

Total ascent: 1,753m

Finish Line: Bridge House, Ambleside, or maybe The Royal Oak…… hopefully the same day.

Summits (15 in total):

Clough Head 726 m, Great Dodd 857 m, Watson's Dodd 789 m, Stybarrow Dodd 843 m, Raise 883 m, Whiteside 863 m, Helvellyn - Lower Man 925 m, Helvellyn 950 m, Nethermost Pike 891 m, Dollywaggon Pike 858 m, Fairfield 873 m, Hart Crag 822 m, Dove Crag 792 m, High Pike (Scandale) 656 m, Low Pike 508 m

This walk will be undertaken by not only myself and Jess, but some of my friends have shown interest in joining us…..should be a great challenge and day out to remember. Hopefully there will be someone there in spirit too.

All in aid of the British Heart Foundation. All donations are much appreciated, big and small!