Fully recovered I planned to take advantage of the great weather and end my walking week with something a bit special, trouble was I didn't know what that special walk was going to be. During an exchange of emails last week between Rod and myself I hinted I fancied to climb Helvellyn possibly via Nethermost Pike east ridge, a route that I descended back in October 2012 later exploring Ruthwaite Cove and Nethermost Cove with David and Rod in May 2015. Rod replied insisting I must walk Nethermost Pike east ridge, a route that Rod climbed back in April this year where he was met with low cloud half way up the ridge.

The route itself is quite arduous but easy to locate from the footbridge which crosses Nethermostcove Beck. Eagle Crag dominates over 1,000ft of steep ascent accompanied by the sound of Nethermostcove Beck as it cascades to the Grisedale Valley below. It is not until Nethermost Cove is reached does the east ridge appear where a further 160ft of steep ascent is required until the east ridge is reached 'proper' The walker has the choice to head directly along the lower spine of the ridge or outflank it by heading left for a less strenuous ascent before the real climbing begins, I mixed it up a little and explored both.

At the base of the buttress the walker can head left and take in Hard Tarn or climb directly using a well trodden steep path which weaves steeply between the rock before the final rock arete which leads directly onto Nethermost Pike summit plateau. If like me you wanted to take in the view over Hard Tarn be prepared for an exposed grass/ledge route which leads directly back to the main path. If your the type of person who enjoys the likes of Striding Edge or Sharp Edge but you haven't climbed Nethermost Pike east ridge yet I can fully recommend it and I can guarantee you will not be disappointed. If you much prefer to view the east ridge from the comforts of your armchair then please carry on reading.

Patterdale was starting to come alive as I drove through - its car parks were mostly full but there was still a few off street parking spaces left which I drove past in favour of parking at the home of Patterdale Football and Cricket Club where I managed to park easily. An honesty box is located next to the entrance which has been replaced by a parking attendant who made sure everyone paid there £5.00 before leaving.

I left more or less at the same time as a family but quickly overtook them such my eagerness to get underway. The lane rises from the village and soon views of Nethermost Pike and Dollywagon Pike dominate the head of the Grisedale Valley. It's nowhere near as hot as the beginning of the week with temperatures in the low teens for now and best of all, the haze has lifted. I couldn't have asked for a better start to the day.

Having made my way towards the top of Swirral Edge I was just about to start my descent when I decided to take the previous photo and within what only felt like seconds I was joined by two groups of three and more on their way from the direction of the trig point. By now I was holding the groups up some of whom looked down worryingly.

One of which was a young girl and her boyfriend who caught my eye "have you been down before I asked" the girl nervously laughed and replied "first time" I looked at them both and replied "feel free to follow me, don't be afraid to switch which side you're descending by and definitely don't be embarrassed to use your bum" They both followed and once the worst was over the couple confidently found their way down to the col below.

I seemed to make good progress with my descent and before I knew it I was crossing the valley towards Grisedale Lane. Families walked through the fields where Hi's are exchanged. It feels like a proper Summers day as I walk down the lane towards the car park accompanied by Grisedale Beck which fell steeply to my left as sunlight streaks through the canopy of trees leaving hot pockets of air to pass through. The car park still isn't full, perhaps not that many people know about it as it isn't sign posted that well, and long may it continue given these crazy busy times.

I finish off a bottle of Lucozade and dropped all the car windows to let the heat escape then whacked the air conditioning to almost full blast in an effort to cool my car down. At the back of my car I sat down on my little tripod chair and eased my boots off which were still covered in dust from Fleetwith Pike mine track and I reckon If I looked a little closer I'd probably find mud from Caw Fell too.