“If Catstycam stood alone, remote from its fellows, it would be one of the finest peaks in Lakeland”

A Wainwright

The dramatic scenery to the east of Helvellyn around Red Tarn should be experienced by all walkers, whether they are comfortable taking on Striding Edge or not.

This route takes on the summits of Birkhouse Moor and the wonderful top of Catstycam by Red Tarn, nestled between Striding and Swirral Edges below the huge eastern face of Helvellyn.

Summits included on this route:
Birkhouse Moor718 metres / 2356 feet
Catstycam890 metres / 2920 feet

“The pines here are a joy to behold, framing very beautiful views of the nearby lake and fells”

A Wainwright

From Glenridding we will climb to Lanty's Tarn and follow the ridge-line to climb to the summit of Birkhouse Moor, with possible the best view of Helvellyn and an equally good view east overlooking Ullswater and towards the Pennines.

From Birkhouse Moor we will follow the ridge west, following the wall along the ridge as far as the 'Hole in the Wall' before turning off on the old mine track traversing to Red Tarn.

From Red Tarn the craggy faces of Helvellyn and the Edges can be fully appreciated, towering above the beautiful tarn.

From Red Tarn we will climb north on the path heading towards Swirral Edge, but as the path reached the ridge we will turn east climbing to the wonderful summit of Catstycam.

If Catstycam were not in the shadow of Helvellyn it would be one of the most prised summits in the Lake District, steep sided with a small summit and a wonderful viewpoint.

A grassy descent from Catstycam will bring us down onto the main path to the old Greenside Mines and on to Glenridding.

Each participant will be required to bring suitable equipment for their chosen event, please see Kit List tab above.

Where to meet: Outside Glenridding TIC
Postcode: CA11 0PA
Grid Reference: NY 386 169

Directions

From the South Lakes: From the A591 between Ambleside and Windermere turn onto the A592. Follow this road over the Kirkstone Pass descending to Brothers Water. Continue on this road to the village of Glenridding. A car park will be found to the left in the centre of the village, park here (pay and display) we will meet outside the Tourist Information Centre on the car park.

From the North Lakes: From the A66 between Keswick and Penrith turn off onto the A592, near the Rheged Centre, signposted to Ullswater, follow this road south along the shore of Ullswater to the village of Glenridding. A car park will be seen on the right (pay and display), just after the garage, we will meet outside the Tourist Information Centre in the car park.

Bus Services

Glenriddingis served by a seasonal bus service from Ambleside and a more regular service from Penrith.

Stagecoach bus timetables can be viewed here

Each participant is expected to bring suitable personal equipment for the event.
This should include the following:

Summer Events:
(November - March)

Walking shoes / Boots
Waterproof clothing (Jacket and trousers)
Suitable clothing for walking (no jeans)
Warm tops
Packed lunch
Spare clothing
Water
Hat
Gloves

Winter Events:
(April - October)

Walking Boots
Waterproof clothing (Jacket and trousers)
Suitable clothing for walking (no jeans)
Warm tops
Packed lunch
Spare clothing
Water
Hat
Gloves
Torch (preferably a headtorch)
Spare batteries for the above
Spare Gloves
Flask & Hot Drink

The Following equipment may also be useful if owned:

Snow Goggles
Gaiters

The following equipment will be provided by The Lake District Walker should winter conditions require:

Ice Axe
Crampons

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Questions:

1 Answer

Is there a minimum number of participants for this event to go ahead?

Posted by , Thursday, 9 November 2017 on product Birkhouse Moor & Catstycam

Question:

Is there a minimum number of participants for this event to go ahead?

Answers:

Posted by John Scadding on Thursday, 9 November 2017

No, there is no minimum number for this event, if 1 person books then it will go ahead

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1 Answer

What is the minimum age for children on this event?

Posted by , Thursday, 12 October 2017 on product Birkhouse Moor & Catstycam

Question:

What is the minimum age for children on this event?

Answers:

Posted by John Scadding on Thursday, 12 October 2017

We do not have a set minimum age for this event, however, you know your child best, therefore please bear in mind this is an open event of varying ages, if you are not confident your child can complete this event then hiring a private guide could be a more suitable option.

As this is an open event all under 18's must be accompanied by an adult.

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1 Answer

What happens if the weather is bad?

Posted by , Thursday, 12 October 2017 on product Birkhouse Moor & Catstycam

Question:

What happens if the weather is bad?

Answers:

Posted by John Scadding on Thursday, 12 October 2017
We plan to walk whatever the weather, unless it is dangerous to do so.

Mountain weather can be a little unpredictable, but we do keep an eye on the forecasts leading up to walks, should the forecast mean that the walk is not possible then we will contact you as soon as we have the forecast and offer you the following options:
- A more suitable walk on the same date taking into consideration the weather conditions
- A transfer to the same walk on another date
- A full refund

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1 Answer

Are dogs allowed on this walk?

Posted by , Tuesday, 12 September 2017 on product Birkhouse Moor & Catstycam

Question:

Are dogs allowed on this walk?

Answers:

Posted by John Scadding on Tuesday, 12 September 2017

Yes, dogs are allowed on all our walks.

However we do cross farmland and common land where animals will be grazing, there will be large sections of the walk, if not all, where dogs will be required to be on a lead.

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Private Guiding also available daily

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Each participant is expected to bring suitable personal equipment for the event. This should include the following:

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Each participant is expected to bring suitable personal equipment for the event.
This should include the following: