No.6 'Freedom is a Two-Edged Sword'

Freedom is a Two-Edged Sword

Helvellyn,

The Lake District, Cumbria

Acrylic on canvas board

23.4" x 16.5"

August 2024

Why I painted this scene/subject:

Well, this is a no brainer! It's a classic Lakeland view. Going up Striding Edge to Helvellyn was recently voted the best walking route in Britain. It's amazing, for runners like me and the thousands of walkers/hikers who do this every year. It's a great challenge with lofty views. It was a really good test for me as part of the Helvellyn Sky Ultra in my build up to the Ultra Tour Monte Rosa in Switzerland. It helped with getting used to rocky terrain and to find my sticky feet again.

As a child, I used to spend my summers in Glenridding, on Ullswater. I would watch the walkers going up and know they would be heading to Helvellyn via Striding edge. At that age, I was warned off going up and, despite many years running and walking in the Lakes since, it has taken a long time for me to finally getting up there. In the race, it was in the clag but in training the skies were clear and there were amazing views as I scrambled up. The edges and the tarn with the peak of Helvellyn overhead, presents a perfect and unresistible view for a painting.

Why I chose this title:

The title refers to the delicate balance of liberty and responsibility. Of course, it also makes the more obvious reference to the two edges. It is about freedom in the mountains - physical and psychological freedom but, alongside this, there are inherent risks to this pursuit of happiness, especially running along this ridge-line. I do really love Swirral Edge but I'm not quite as keen on Striding Edge. Sometimes, the joy only comes retrospectively.

I follow the Cumbrian Mountain Rescue teams' posts on facebook and I'm often shocked and saddened to see that walkers/runners have fallen from Striding Edge and similarly dangerous points around the lakes whilst doing something they love. It is a sobering reminder of the risks we sometimes take in the search for joy and freedom in life. However, it should not stop us from taking on these challenges in a responsible way for ourselves and with respect for these beautifully brutal mountains that continue to draw us in.

Why it's in my Top 10:

I felt pretty triumphant, after avoiding this route for many years. It's daft, when I've spent so much time in the lakes. The crisp lines and detail on the Striding Edge side for the painting, takes me back to the point of approach and the little challenge ahead and then sitting at the summit with a giant grin on my face, energised and ready to go again. I was really excited to put paint to canvas for this very popular route and view and I'm pleased with my impression of it.

In my next blog post, I'll be discussing No.7 in my Top 10 'Before the Axe Falls'

Have a great week. Run free!

Elaine.