Summer Solstice at Hellvelyn

[Guest]

I met an 86 year old lady in Keswick after I had climbed up Scar Fell Pike and she said Have you ever seen the sun rise on the Summer Solstice from the top of Hellvelyn? She went on to describe the time she went up in 1950. She told me to set of with a picnic at midnight on 20th June get to top by 3.00am 30mins picnic and then sunrise. Has anyone else had any experience of this event. When she was there, there were about 50 people on the top. I am hoping to go this year. The full moon seems to fall around the time of the summer solstice so on a clear night you can climb by moonlight

Chris from Leeds

[Guest]

I have not experienced this, but I know quite a few who have and have mentioned the almost mystical nature of the sunrise. It is quite popular so you will not be alone up there!

[Guest]

Thanks Sue, I have been looking at routes and the best seems to be via Glenridding to Birkhouse Moor, Hole in the Wall over striding edge past Red Tarn to the summit and then back via lower maan, white side, raise, stybarrow Top to Sheffield Pike. Has anyone done this route by moonlight!!! [/code][/quote]

[The Wanderer]

I would go up from the Thirlmere side, either from Swirls or Wythburn Church. Just a steady climb with no places where extreme care is required!

[Guest]

Well were are setting off tomorrow night - hope the weather isn't as bad as predicted! Going via Thirlmere - seems the most sensible route in the dark. Just hope we get some moonlight. Hope the meet lots of you up there!

[Guest]

We celebrated the solstice on Tuesday morning at Castlerigg stone circle. An uplifting experience despite being a misty morning there. It was probably even more misty on Helvellyn.