Striding Edge, Helvellyn

Striding Edge is a, justifiably popular, route to the summit of Helvellyn, the third highest mountain in England which is in the Lake District National Park in Cumbria, northern England.

Apart from the achievement of reaching a notable summit the explorer who undertakes a walk or scramble along this ridge is rewarded by both a real adrenaline rush (particularly if you stick to the ridge itself) and breath taking scenery. Undoubtedly the scenery is among the best in the English Lake District. Furthermore  the logical starting points for the ascent are on or  close to Ullswater lake on the banks of which  Wordsworth “wandered lonely as a cloud” and came across his “host, of golden daffodils".

The route links the summit ridge of Birkhouse Moor to Helvellyn's summit by what transitions into a distinctive sharp arête. The path followed can be adjusted to the experience and nerve of the participant with a choice between a more exposed route right along the ridge (which will involve the use of the hands from time to time) or a more gentle footpath just off the ridge.  The views to the left of the ridge are magnificent, the view to the right, down to Red Tarn is best described as highly photogenic and the view along the ridge from Helvellyn is magnificent too. 

Striding Edge begins at a place affectionately known as the Hole-in-the-Wall and then stretches for over 1.5 km (0.9 mi) to the Helvellyn summit plateau. This starting point is accessible from both Patterdale and Glennridding. Lots of information is available on-line on for the route to this point and the path is well marked and very well trodden. Hole-in-the-Wall used to be a prominent gap in the stone wall on the top of the ridge where a gate was missing and it was a visible point  to aim for which could be seen a long way from the ridge giving the walker a boost on the ascent as it got ever closer. However the gap has now been filled in and a, much less distinctive, stile now crosses the wall.

From this point the start of the Striding Edge ridge is quite broad and rounded and has a  path running along the right-hand side. This changes at the highest point on the ridge (2,831 ft) where a narrow path continues close to the top of the ridge, which itself becomes much narrower. However the experienced and brave will often follow the very top of the arête , a great experience in summer conditions (unless it is windy).

The path on the right-hand side continues until near the end of the ridge where it crosses  to the left-hand side. Those who continue on the top of the ridge are forced to descend a short gully (known as The Chimney) down from the end of the ridge  (which can be quite an awkward climb if wet) to join (or re-join) the path.

At this point the ridge connects with Helvellyn proper. Reaching the summit requires a steep walk or scramble up about 260 ft of rough and rocky terrain and then a 200 yard  relatively easy walk to the summit. At the summit is the usual stone cairn, a triangulation pillar  and  nearby a cross shaped wall structure whichwas, presumably, originally  for sheep to shelter in during bad weather but is commonly occupied by walkers trying to get out of the wind to eat their sandwiches.

It is possible (and very popular) to descend from the summit of Helvellyn via Swirral Edge, a great walk in its own right.