Difficult – mainly hands on rock Grade <1 scrambling required
Distance
8.8 miles
Time
7 hours
Elevation
3,012 ft
Starting Point
Greenside Road Carpark, Glenridding CA11 0PA
OS Map
OS Explorer OL5
Winter Conditions
precarious / for experienced mountaineers only
The Helvellyn range is quite striking with the highest summit notable by the basin shaped cirque containing Red Tarn which sits below the summit, between Striding and Swirral Edge. The edges were formed by glaciers which eroded the mountain shoulders, separating them to produce the aretes. This natural formation makes summiting via Striding Edge todays second most desirable challenge after Scafell Pike, resulting in queues along the ridge becoming extremely busy.
Heading to Striding Edge for the day is a calling to those in pursuit of camaraderie and fun, along with the physical and mental challenge it offers. While surrounded by glorious backdrops as far as the eye can see, is more than a reason why it is successfully traversed by thousands each year.
Due to shareability on social media the route has become increasingly popular, with many inexperienced hikers seeking the thrill of tackling it. While the ridge barely reaches a grade one scramble, the severity is consequentially impacted by the effect that the elevation has on the psyche. As a result of being woefully ill prepared on these notorious routes, an average of 11 hikers lose their lives, and 25 serious incidents are reported annually, according to Mountain Rescue. If conditions on the day do not suit, you must be prepared to walk away in the knowledge that the mountains can be unforgiving and will be there another day.
Plan your route – check the weather, go in like-minded company, take confidence ropes (otherwise known as slings) extra kit, food, water, waterproofs, do not feel hurried on the route by others, pass your rucksacks to friends to regain balance during difficult sections, take it slow and enjoy. It is absolutely great fun, and you will feel well accomplished by your achievements.
After leaving the carpark, come out onto the main road and turn right towards the row of shops which run adjacent to the carpark. [detailed image by the foot of the page]. This is the start of your route and soon enough leads you to the signpost above.Follow the path until you see a right turn and this gate above. Go through the gate, turn Left and follow the well laid path up the side of Birkhouse Moor. As the height increases the views open up.You may also be fortunate to witness an RAF fighter Jet in training anywhere throughout the lake’s mountain range. Usually on Thursdays, but becoming increasingly more often on other days too.Take plenty of time to appreciate your stunning surroundings for the day. Image looking out to Ullswater and Birk Fell.After a couple of switchbacks the route then starts to level off where Striding Edge and Helvellyn come into view (illustrated above).The route starts off with some gentle scrambling and soon requires more complex decision making and a timely reminder of where someone historically lost their life, long before Striding Edges recreational status.Looking back at Striding Edge and Red Tarn.Halfway across the ridge and you can see the outline of the well trodden route to the summit.However, firstly you need to tackle the most difficult section known as the chimney (or bad-step). Take Care.[left] the final ascent to the summit. [right] and a final look back at Striding Edge.[above left] is the path that brings you to the summit. Looking to your left from here you can see Nethermost Pike and Dollywaggon Pike. [above right] shows your path up to the plateau and the cross shaped summit wind shelter, which is also to your right as you emerge.The summit is marked by a trig point and drops off steeply eastwards.Two options here for your descent are Swirral Edge [Left] which is a scramble down only metres North East from the summit and leads up to Catstycam (a Wainwright), or towards Whiteside [Right] which is North of the summit.Take note of the above illustration if choosing the return from Whiteside, which shows the route you need to take down.The route descending between the summits of Whiteside and Raise is expansive and popular with wild campers.Continue down the clear path as shown above.You will eventually arrive at The Travellers Rest for welcome refreshments and to contemplate your achievements of the day. Well done!
The carpark is moments away, down the road to your right.
Dust if you must but wouldn’t it be better to climb a mountain or write a letter
Additional Notes :
As illustrated above this is the main carpark at Glenridding. Parking is around £7 per day and can be paid using cash, card or online via the app. Once ready, come back out to the main road and head to the adjacent row of shops and head off up this path to the start of the route.
