the third highest mountain in Britain at 3.318 feet. The girls were now warming to the task and they found this climb easier than the last. They made the summit in three hours. Roger pointed out the plaque to George Gough 1805 the artist famed by William Wordsworth who fell to his death whilst painting the mountain. He was found along with his faithful hound three months later. Another casualty was a Mr Dixon 1885 who fell to his death whilst leading his hounds on his horse across Striding Edge.
In 1926 pilots John Lemming and Bert Hinkler landed on Helvellyn (then took off again) After a half hours rest they made their descent down Squirrel Edge which is covered in shail and can be treacherous under foot.
Roger told the girls to be careful going down as twisted ankles and knees were very common amongst careless climbers. When reaching the bottom they sat in the Travellers Rest where Ronnie and Roger drank a well earned pint of Real ale called Velvet Antler and the girls a pint of Fosters lager with lime.
There was a coal fire going and it warmed them up as they sat and chattered.
They asked the barman the way to Thirlspot Farm before leaving it was ten past four in the afternoon and they had to find the farm then erect the tent again.
This time it wasn’t far to walk and they found the campsite and paid the farmer before heading onto the grassed area where they saw many other people camping. They pitched their tent then went to introduce themselves.
They didn’t need to make tea because the campers were more than hospitable and offered them food which they gladly ate. As the night wore on some members of the campsite brought out Northumbrian pipes a guitar, violin, and a mandolin.
They sang folk songs that neither of them had heard before and danced until midnight before heading back to their tent. This time both Brenda and Roger opened their sleeping bags up and cuddled one another underneath it. They talked for an hour about the days events before blowing out the lantern.
The third climb and the highest was Scafell Pike they would take in the second highest along the way Scar Fell. They started at Borrowdale then walked southwards through a farmyard which leads out into a valley. Walk along the river to Stockley Bridge. They took a left turn once over the bridge to Grains Gill. The ascent was gradual at first then became steeper as they climbed. The pathway led to Esk House
Turning west they carried on to Great End and ill Crag; then over the boulder strewn slopes of Broad Crag. The summit of Scafell Pike could clearly be seen.
“Careful here guys the rocks are loose; take your time.’ The last bit is a bit steep but is worth it because the view is amazing according to Sergeant Connolly.’
They reached the summit plateau after one hour and fifty minutes. They could see the Giant Cairn which marks the highest spot in Britain. Roger took out his camera again and took photos. They
