The weather forecast was warm, sunny and little wind, perfect for a first time MTB ride up Helvellyn. The original planned route was through Dockray, over Great Dodd, south along the ridges to the summit of Helvellyn then down via Keppel Cove. I was late in starting and decided to take a shorter route going up via Keppel Cove and down via Sticks Pass. The climb was OK to begin with but then became too steep and I had to walk the bike up the hardest section. Some of the gradients were over 30% and could be challenging on a descent. Nearing the ridge I could ride again and made it most of the way up Whiteside. After a brief descent the next climb was Lower Man and some more walking with the bike. The ride to the summit of Helvellyn and the rest point was easy. I could see the route back to Sticks Pass would involve several descents and ascents so I reconsidered over lunch. The views were fantastic with cloud pouring over the Old Man of Coniston in the distance. With a good view south along the ridge I decided to change the route plan again and descend via Dollywagon then along Grisedale. From research I knew this would be a very difficult descent and walking with the bike all the way down. What came as a surprise was that the track was unrideable a considerable way into Grisedale.

In hindsight I should have stuck to the original plan but it was a great experience on the ridge and summit of Helvellyn with incredible views in all directions.