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The Fellwalker by Peter John Farnworth
WALK 40 SUNDAY 18th MARCH 1990As we were in the area today and yesterday, to catch up with loose summits to add to our list, today we will be going to another one called Birkhouse Moor. We will be making our way to Green Side lead mines, same as yesterday, but at this point we will be taking the route to Red Tarn, which lies under the mighty brow of Helvellyn. The ground round this area, especially near to the Tarn, gets very wet underfoot after heavy rain, on account of the two Edges, Striding Edge, and Swirral Edge, this being a natural basin accumulating water. When standing at the Tarn we could see many fell walkers, maybe as many as thirty or more walking over the two Edges. This proves how popular Helvellyn is. And for all the activity above and around us, it was so peaceful standing here at the Tarn.
From here we made our way to Birkhouse Moor over open ground. There are two points of view about the location of the summit cairn. One says it's near to the stone wall, just as you turn at a right angle which leads onto Striding Edge. The other says it's near two small Tarns about 100 yards from were the two stone walls meet. But you will be your own judge. If in doubt, go to both of them, as we did. I personally think it's near to the wall, but I could be wrong. There must never be a day when someone walks past this point on their way to Helvellyn via Striding Edge. This is a very popular foot-path from Glenridding, and also this is one of the best viewing points with a complete over view of the area. I have walked to Helvellyn many times over the years but the best way for me, and the only way to this magnificent summit, is from Green Side lead mines which we passed today by following the Sticks Pass route, then picking the path up which leads onto Raise, Whiteside, Helvellyn, and Lower Man. I found that, going this way, you leave the madding crowd behind, and that’s the bonus. Mountains walked that day: Birkhouse Moor 78 [[]] Diagram & Stats
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