Helvellyn40: Hi Paul – I hope all is well with you. Yes, I remember your walk well (and thanks for leading). I wasn't leading this one; it was indeed essentially the reverse of yours, except that it approached Striding Edge via Red Tarn whereas (if I remember correctly) with you we descended from Striding Edge by Mires Beck. I agree with what you say – I think it's easier / safer done your way round – up the north-west ridge of Catstye Cam (the lower section was worse than I remembered it from when I ascended it with you), up Swirral Edge and up the bad step on Striding Edge.

M1960: I always do it the other way round, much easier up the bad step than down it, as we did a few years back when i lead an OD walk over this route, iam sure you remember.
I descended the north ridge of Catstye Cam back in January and found the lower section to be badly eroded and lose, and not great for descent.

Hopefully it is indicated by the photo, but for the benefit and safety of anyone thinking of doing it who doesn't know or realise, note that this 'walk' includes grade 1 scrambling:
https://www.ramblers.org.uk/go-walking-hub/ultimate-guide-walking-helvellyn-striding-edge