Lake District National Park, United Kingdom
By The Alpines · Updated 2025-01-15 · 10 min read
Helvellyn via Striding Edge is one of the classic mountain walks of England. At 950m, Helvellyn is the third highest peak in England, but it's the approach via Striding Edge that makes this route legendary — a narrow rocky arête with drops on both sides that delivers genuine scrambling excitement in a Lake District setting.
Starting from Glenridding on the shores of Ullswater, the route climbs through woodland and open fell before reaching the dramatic Striding Edge ridge. The scramble along the crest is a thrilling Grade 1 experience — exposed enough to get the pulse racing but well within reach for confident walkers. The summit offers panoramic views across the Lakes, and the return via Swirral Edge and Red Tarn makes this a satisfying circular route.
Striding Edge draws thousands of walkers each year and sits in that sweet spot between a tough walk and a proper scramble. It's a must-do for anyone who loves mountain walking in Britain, and the perfect stepping stone to more serious scrambling routes.
Start from Glenridding village and follow the well-signposted path through Mires Beck and up through Birkhouse Moor. The path climbs steadily through open fell with views back to Ullswater opening up behind you. The ascent is straightforward walking on good paths — this is the warm-up.
The main event. Striding Edge is a narrow rocky arête about 800m long with steep drops either side. The scrambling is Grade 1 — mostly walking along the crest with a few moves requiring hands on rock. The most exposed section near the end requires confidence. In dry conditions, the rock is excellent. The ridge ends with a steep scramble up to the summit plateau.
The summit plateau is broad and flat — a contrast to the ridges. On clear days, views extend to Scotland, the Pennines, and across the Lake District. The summit shelter provides a wind break for lunch. You'll likely share the top with walkers arriving from multiple routes.
Descend via Swirral Edge — a shorter, easier ridge that drops to Red Tarn. From the tarn, follow the well-maintained path back down to Glenridding via the Greenside mines route. The descent is gentle and the path is good — a pleasant wind-down after the excitement of the ridges.
Helvellyn via Striding Edge is best between April and October. Summer (June–August) offers the warmest, most stable weather and longest days. The scrambling is most enjoyable when the rock is dry — wet rock on Striding Edge increases the difficulty significantly.
Spring and autumn offer quieter conditions and beautiful light. However, be aware of shorter days and the possibility of ice on the ridges from October onwards. Winter ascents of Striding Edge are serious mountaineering — crampons and ice axes are essential, and the ridge becomes an alpine experience. Weekdays are significantly quieter than weekends, especially in summer.
Helvellyn via Striding Edge is a solid mountain day with one section of genuine scrambling. You need a head for heights on Striding Edge, plus the fitness for 730m of climbing and 5–7 hours on the hill.
Grade 1 scrambling on Striding Edge with exposure — a narrow arête with drops on both sides
Striding Edge is exposed enough to trouble anyone uncomfortable with drops — you need to stay relaxed
730m of ascent over 13km — a full day on the hill but not extreme
The final scramble off Striding Edge to the summit is steep and requires secure foot placement
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Last updated: 2025-01-15 · 10 min read