On top of the world

Day 31: refreshed from our rest day, we were up early and back in business. Paul declared himself fully recovered; he decided not to take the risk of Striding Edge on his first day back, instead ascending Sticks Pass, a splendid ancient path, thus shortening his route to a mere 16 miles and 5 summits. Neville did take on Striding Edge, probably the most exciting ridge scramble in England, and loved it. He enjoyed sunshine on the way up and had the ridge to himself - apart from two rash men who had just spent a very windy night there in a tent (readers, please don't try this).

The top of Helvellyn, the highest point of our whole walk, was shrouded in mist and very quiet apart from a pair of menacing seagulls looking for scraps. However, the mist cleared soon afterwards, giving excellent views for the rest of the walk. Neville and Paul were reunited further along the long line of hills stretching northwards ("Doctor Hargreaves, I presume?") and eventually descended from Clough Head via the Castlerigg Stone Circle to Keswick.

Track of the Day is "On top of the world" by Imagine Dragons, capturing the height of the summit and the feeling of euphoria at having got there.