I think it would’ve been before it was surfaced. On a hardtail it’s grim!

(was for me anyway, maybe I’m just rubbish)

Helvellyn is very “all up followed by all down” if you just go up Keppel Cove and back. FWIW I’d say Borrowdale Bash is a more entertaining day out, especially if you tag an extra bit on beforehand to go up the old railway line from Keswick to Threlkeld then flanks of Blencathra/flanks of Skiddaw/descent of Latrigg back down to Keswick:

…however, you won’t get this on the Borrowdale Bash:

Enjoy it, whatever you choose
Dave

Thanks Dave I wondered what the view was like .
we walked up there in May

Tis a lovely view…

DSC02321 by lowey.com, on Flickr