Helvellyn via Striding Edge
Striding Edge
In this blog, I’m going to tell you everything you need to know about hiking up Helvellyn via Striding Edge and Swirral Edge in the Lake District, whilst at the same time sharing a personal adventure I had when taking my 3 teenage kids on this classic hike!
Helvellyn via Striding Edge is one of the most thrilling and iconic hikes in the Lake District! It’s a must do for anyone who has a penchant for the adrenaline rush you get from some serious ridge scrambling! However, with it’s precipitous drops and sharp edges on both sides, this route is not for everyone!
For those that wish to climb Helvellyn avoiding Striding Edge, you’ll be pleased to know there are other, less risk averse options. Helvellyn has been voted as the Nation’s favourite walk in ITV’s programme “Britain’s Favourite Walks”, featuring Julia Bradbury.
The route via Keppel Cove was featured. But there are many ways to climb Helvellyn. You can explore the surrounding area and enjoy the most fabulous views.
But if you’re like me, and have a sense for adventure, where you can really test your nerves, then this is what you can expect from this absolute cracker of a route via Striding Edge and Swirral Edge!
HELVELLYN VIA STRIDING EDGE
SUMMARY
Ascend Hellvelyn via Striding Edge from Glenridding and return via Swirral Edge and Glenridding Beck.
START
Glenridding
DISTANCE
8 miles (13 kilometres)
TIME
5 hours - 7 hours
ASCENT
2,750 feet (840 metres)
DIFFICULTY
Challenging. Striding Edge ridge is rated a Grade 1 Scramble.
GETTING THERE
By Car: Park at Glenridding Car Park, CA11 0PA, or What3Words richest. resettle.crumble. Car parking charges at Glenridding are £3 for 3 hours, £5 for 5 hours, and £7 for 12 hours
By public transport: By Bus - The 208 and 508 run hourly services to Penrith, and 2 hourly services to Patterdale and Windermere.
FACILITIES
Pay and Display car park
Pay and display toilets
Shops and cafes close by
HIGHLIGHTS
Scenic ridge walk - Striding Edge is a striking, narrow ridge with breathtaking views on either side, providing a thrilling and picturesque path up to the summit
Panoramic views - You are rewarded with outstanding panoramic views of the Lake District, including Ullswater and surrounding peaks
Adventure element - The exposed and rocky nature of Striding Edge and Swirral Edge adds an adventurous challenge, making the ascent (and descent) more exciting for those seeking an extra thrill
Sense of achievement - Successfully navigating Striding Edge and Swirral Edge, and reaching Helvellyn summit, gives you a real sense of accomplishment, making the climb more memorable and rewarding
Varied terrain - The route encompasses a variety of terrains, from grassy slopes to rocky ridges, adding diversity to the overall hiking experience
WEATHER CONDITIONS
One of the things you will need to consider when deciding to tackle Striding Edge is the weather. The wind on the edge has a tendency to be much stronger than down at the bottom. So I would advise checking on the weather at least the day before you are planning to venture out on this route, making sure you pick a day with good conditions, avoiding the ridge on wet or windy days and especially if it’s icy!
WHAT TO WEAR & BRING WITH YOU
At most times during the year, the Lake District can be rather wet, and conditions can change very quickly, especially the higher you go. I would therefore recommend wearing weather appropriate clothing when taking on the Helvellyn via Striding Edge hike.
Along the route you will be exposed along most of the trail. So as mentioned before, it’s best to check on the weather forecast before you set off, and take a few extra layers with you just in case.
I would recommend wearing good quality hiking footwear. During wet conditions the rocks can become very slippery, so you’ll definitely need shoes or boots with good grip.
In terms of food, I would suggest packing your own lunch (you can buy some from one of the shops/cafes in Glenridding), and some snacks that have plenty of protein content. You’ll also need to ensure you have plenty of water with you (at least 2 litres), and perhaps some hot drinks if you have a flask. It’s vital to always remain hydrated and maintain your energy levels throughout this hike.
You might even want to bring some swimwear with you (during the Summer months), as there is an option of taking a dip in Red Tarn after your hike. Make sure you also pack a towel if that’s on your agenda. If it’s likely to be a sunny day, also make sure you have sun cream with you as well.
A polite reminder - Please remember the Leave No Trace Principles at all times. So whatever you bring with you, make sure you take it home with you, or dispose of it responsibly after your hike. I would suggest bringing a small bag where you can collect all your waste.
Lastly - Enjoy! Be safe!
INTRODUCTION (My personal notes)
So, as I said from the start, I’m going to take you on this journey by writing an account of one of the times I’ve done this hike, when I took my 3 teenage kids with me. Ok, that does beg the question…
Why? Well it’s not often I get the chance to take any of my kids out with me on one of my adventures. So the fact that 3 out of 4 were game was a real treat for me! But, this also meant so much to me as my daughter Abbie, who has Scoliosis, had said yes to coming along. She had been through an operation to help straighten and fuse her spine. That involved inserting rods and screws into the bones. Needless to say, that was a huge ordeal, and had left her feeling like she wasn’t able to do some of the things she loved, for example, like climbing up Helvellyn for one! As her Father, and as someone who is a firm believer in helping people to realise you can accomplish anything you set your heart and mind to achieving, I was so proud that she was brave enough to face her fears. So this blog is for Abbie x
Abbie…with the backdrop of Ullswater
ARRIVING IN GLENRIDDING
It was August 2021, and a very welcome and much needed break from Covid19. The Lakes were incredibly busy, with so many Britons doing ‘staycations' in the UK. As per usual in the UK, the weather was very hit and miss during our time in the Lake District. But I was determined to do as much hiking as possible during our break. I had already made a plan to hike up Helvellyn via Striding Edge, and was delighted that 3 out of my 4 kids wanted to join me! My wife, Marissa, and Ruby were being far more sensible, and taking the opportunity to visit some beautiful gardens in Ambleside.
So on this bright and early morning, myself, Jack, Harrison, and Abbie, arrived by car in Glenridding.
After paying for the car park, first stop - food for the hike. There are plenty of places where you can buy some food and snacks in Glenridding. So we stocked up, filled our bottles with water, and after a few words of counsel and encouragement, we set off on our adventure!
START INFORMATION
The hike starts on the track between the toilets and the shops on the corner. Head up the narrow road on the southern side of Glenridding Beck. You pass the Helvellyn Country Kitchen and Village Hall. The path will split, and then stay right. It’s well signposted for Helvellyn.
You soon pass a campsite on your left, cross over a bridge and then turn left when you get to a road, followed by an immediate right onto a gravel track (signed to Helvellyn Greenside and Mires Beck).
Pass through a metal gate and you begin to climb, turning right when you meet a private driveway, to reach a wooden gate.
So far so good!
Mires Beck
Pass through the gate and turn left. The path crosses over a stream (Mires Beck, pictured above) and you begin to climb, always keeping the stream on your right. It’s at this point where you really start to notice the effort you’re putting in, as you keep climbing continuously up until the path meets a wall.
Meanwhile, all was going well with our trek. The kids were in high spirits, despite it slowly dawning on them that the task at hand was going to be far tougher than they had imagined (or most likely they hadn’t imagined it at all, thinking, yeah, if the old man can do this, so can we. Seriously how hard can it be?!!). Haha! It was now sinking in.
Jack (my eldest), bless him, decided to put on some music while we were slowly climbing up the grassy track. But Jack has an overly enthusiastic love for all things Christmas, and despite this being in the middle of Summer, he put on a never-ending Christmas playlist!! OMG! Seriously, the whole way up we were singing Christmas songs! Weird? Yes! But we (and by we, I mean they) were having fun, and isn’t that what it’s all about? You bet!
Jack (below right), and Harrison (ahead). I was trying to put some distance between myself and Jack at this point! Haha
Continuing on…After a while the path veers away from the wall, bending right and then left to reach the ridge beside the summit of Birkhouse Moor. This is a perfect spot to take a rest, and take in the awesome views below, where you can clearly see Ullswater, and the village of Glenridding looking very small, almost hidden deep down in the valley. It’s a great feeling knowing that you’ve now climbed around two thirds of the ascent!
Abbie meanwhile…was beginning to struggle with her back. So the ridge was a very welcome rest spot for her. Despite her obvious pain, she remained in good spirits. We made a decision when we moved on, that between myself, Jack and Harrison, we would take it in turns to carry her rucksack for her. Ok, mainly me, but I kind of expected that!
Taking a break, with the views of Ullswater below
Moving on, you then follow the ridgeline towards Striding Edge, and it’s not long before you start to get some views of Helvellyn and Red Tarn. At the Hole in-the-Wall, you climb over a wooden stile, and then immediately over another wall over another stile.
Abbie…was now in great pain, and we had to stop a number of times. I was starting to feel concerned for what was to come (Striding Edge etc). So we sat down, and after a few words of encouragement, she took some meds, wiped away some tears, and took a few deep breaths before she was ready to set off again. She was never going to quit. That’s my girl!
To Striding Edge and Helvellyn Summit
The ridge soon marks the way for Striding Edge, and it’s here that the real adventure begins! It can get quite busy here, especially in Peak Season, so you do need to watch out for other hikers. But the vast majority of people you bump will be patient if they are behind you, all knowing the potential risks involved with a misplaced step.
Words of advice for scrambling along Striding Edge
Remember, that Striding Edge is a Grade 1 scramble, meaning that it’s doable for most competent hill walkers given the right conditions. The ridge is narrow and exposed, but that does present you with some amazing views!
For the most part, if you stick to the ridge, it’s a lot of fun, as you make your way along. Some people opt for weaving their way on a slightly lower path, but that can also be quite tricky in places, so I would advise sticking to the ridge, as eventually it’s unavoidable to continue anywhere else.
The most technically difficult section of Striding Edge is ‘The Chimney’, which if you’re not expecting it, can come as quite a surprise! It stands at 7 metres, and it’s an awkward climb down (whether you choose to face forward or back). If you’re nervous, it’s probably best to let someone with more experience go in front of you, and guide your feet placements from below. If you simply can’t face it, there is another option, via a path that runs on the Red Tarn side of the ridge. That won’t get you out of all your scrambling however, as there’s one more section to conquer before reaching the plateau.
This final scramble leads you up quite steeply over bulging rocks, and it can be quite intimidating at first glance. But there are really good foot holds, and if you just keep going, it’s not too long before you reach the safe ground of the plateau!
Back to our adventure…So far on on climb the sky had been fairly clear, and it felt quite humid. But the British weather can change quite suddenly, and no sooner had we started our way along Striding Edge, the clouds and mist rolled in, and vast parts of the ridge were veiled in a blanket of wispy cloud (as you can see below). Apart from some obvious disappointment with the lack of scenic view at this point, it gave the impression of the ridge being closed in, and it served to make our path that little bit more in focus.
By the way, Jack was still playing his Christmas playlist!
Clouds rolling over Striding Edge
Giving it the big thumbs up, as we made our way slowly along Striding Edge in the cloud
Looking down at Red Tarn from Striding Edge
Heading for the Chimney…So far we’d all been having a lot of fun. Of course not only was I concerned about making sure I didn’t put a foot wrong, but I also had the added worries of looking out for 3 overly-excited teenagers! But to be honest, they were more concerned about me, as an old man in their eyes! Don’t you just love kids!!
So after making it along the ridge, we came to ‘The Chimney’. Jack and Harrison went first, no problem. Abbie went next, and was full of adrenalin. Me? Well I was feeling slightly fearful I must admit. So it was Abbie’s turn to guide my footholds from where she stood below. It did appear a daunting task. But once you commit, it really isn’t as bad as it looks. All safely down (just the final ridge up to the summit now).
Looking back up at The Chimney
The final scramble up towards Helvellyn summit
Safely on top of the ridge, it’s a pleasant amble towards the summit, at 950m. All that effort is rewarded by some spectacular views. Red Tarn sits below, reflecting the surrounding landscape. To the left is Swirral Edge (which is the route we’ll be making on our way back down), and to the right stands Striding Edge, looking like a Dragon’s back, which you have just conquered! On a clear day you can still make out Ullswater far below in the distance.
Trig point, Helvellyn summit 950m
From Helvellyn summit, you have the option of bagging another summit of Catsycam (890m), as it’s en route as you make your way down to the left towards the start of Swirral Edge.
Heading off from Helvellyn Summit…No time to rest, you set off from the summit, and head towards the start of Swirral Edge. Now, with Striding Edge taking most of the limelight, you can be mistaken for under-estimating the challenge of Swirral Edge.
Scrambling down Swirral Edge requires some very carefully placed footing, with some climbing and descending, as well as needing some safe route selection.
Some of the rocks can be very slippery, and there are some big drops. So great care is needed.
The 4 of us…began to make our way across Swirral Edge. Harrison and more surprisingly Abbie led the way, with myself and Jack taking a much more cautious approach. At times, we both felt the need to traverse on our backsides, as perhaps some fatigue was setting in, which was making our legs feel a bit like jelly! So, slowly, we made our way.
We came to a point where we had a choice of which side of the rocks we should navigate our way across. We chose the left side. Hmm…wrong choice!! We were faced with a rather large almost crab shaped boulder, which protuded over the edge, making us have to grab a hold for dear life whilst we slowly worked our way around it! Note to reader - take the time to assess your path options!
Carefully making our way down Swirral Edge
Once you’ve safely made your way across and down Swirral Edge, you follow the path that descends over a grassy valley, and Red Tarn Beck is down to your right. It’s a fairly long descent, but eventually you’ll reach a wooden bridge, which you cross over whilst following the beck on your left-hand side.
After a while you come to a great place for some wild swimming (good for you if you’ve remembered to bring some appropriate swimwear and a towel). Although tempting, it wasn’t quite the weather for us to be brave enough to take the plunge on our hike.
The path then bends right, and you make your way between the ferns. Here the path splits and you have a choice of left or right.
We chose the right fork, which weaves its way through the tall ferns, and it was a lot of fun, especially now so close to Glenridding!
All smiles as we made our way through the ferns
Either way, you end back at the wooden gate which you came through on the way up. then you just retrace your footsteps back to Glenridding.
Awesome job!
Helvellyn via Striding Edge and Swirral Edge bagged!
Final Reflections
Taking in the moment…The 4 of us had done it. Helvellyn via Striding Edge and Swirral Edge! I can’t tell you how much of a thrill it was to see and feel the joy on all their faces. It’s a moment I’ll never forget. When you take other people with you on an adventure, that would normally sit well outside their comfort zone, or actual area of interest, it can be a real journey of discovery, for both you and them! That’s what I was aiming for. Of course, I’m super proud of all of them. Jack, with his never ending sense of humour and unconventional preference of Christmas tunes, Harrison who literally never complains, and just cracks on with it, and of course Abbie…who despite her obvious physical limitations, showed the strength and determination to quash those limitations, and turn them into expectations for what you can do, if you just believe you can!
I hope this blog, laced with my personal story inspires you to create your own moments of self discovery and achievement. Go on, you know you want to!
Dedicated to my wonderful family x
You can watch my highlights of this epic hike up Helvellyn on my YouTube Channel. Hope you enjoy!
Please visit the Scoliosis Association UK for more information about scoliosis and how to donate. Thank you!
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