I had not walked with Andy Wallace before but I knew that he had a kindred spirit in him when it came to ascending the fells.  Today we planned a 'there and back' route which encompassed an ascent of Catstycam's north-west ridge and then to Helvellyn's summit via Swirral Edge.  We planned to walk out and back along striding Edge before backtracking down Swirral Edge on our return to Glenridding.

The day was overcast and cold and at the cornice crossings onto the Helvellyn summit plateau Andy donned crampons just to give the traction he needed on the frozen and compacted snow.  I was wearing my Walsh PBs and the studs gave ample grip.  As a result we ended up assisting a party onto Swirral Edge on their descent from Helvellyn.  A slip here from anyone would've proved costly and it was a salutary reminder to everyone that, in the cub scout tradition, you need to be prepared in the high places of this island.

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