At the Christmas party a few people asked me about the planned hike up Helvellyn but I’m sad to say that I’ve decided not to plan this event for Summer 2022.
There are several reasons for this, partly to do with uncertainty around COVID as I don’t want to commit any of us to plans or expense which may have to change last minute. The other problem is around finding a venue willing to cater for a large group on the Saturday evening – the hotels are expecting to be very busy due to the Keswick Mountain Festival. As I started to investigate I felt it was all starting to look rather expensive and I didn’t feel comfortable asking you to commit.
I would however draw your attention to two things:
If you want an exciting climb up Helvellyn on 21st May then the guides I planned to use offer an open scramble to the summit via Striding Edge. The cost is £50 and you can book on here:
https://www.lakelandmountainguides.co.uk/open-events
Likewise the Keswick Mountain Festival looks a whole heap of fun with a huge variety of sporting events including swimming, triathlon, cycling and running available that weekend. There is also live music by the lake on the night. For more information about the mountain festival check it out here:
https://keswickmountainfestival.co.uk
I’m rather sad we won’t all be heading to Keswick to climb my namesake mountain for my 50th birthday but I hope a few of you will make a weekend of it and have fun anyway!