Helvellyn: Glendridding via Striding Edge
Difficult
6 hours
13.5km
Where is Helvellyn?
Helvellyn, a mountain situated within the Lake District is widely regarded as one of the best hikes in England. No doubt you will have heard of Striding Edge. This route which starts at Glenridding and takes you via Striding Edge is an absolute must do route.
Helvellyn has always been one of our favourite hikes in the UK and hiking it in Winter offers an even higher risk element. That being said the rewards are well worth it.
Why the Striding Edge route?
The most popular Grade 1 scramble in the Lakes – expect stunning scenery, technical hiking and a little climbing.
You should ensure you pack the correct equipment for your hike, as the weather can change dramatically. Always check weather reports frequently and allow enough time to complete the hike in the time you have. An alternative to this route would be to complete it in reverse, your starting and finish location remains the same.
Travelling to Helvellyn
The easiest way to get to Helvellyn is in a vehicle. Unfortunately there doesn’t seem to be great public transport links. The nearest train station is Windermere approximately 13 miles away.
Remember to always plan your journey in advance and be sure to know the latest information. Useful travel info can be found here.
What facilities are available?
Public toilets are located at Ullswater Information Centre.
Pay and display parking is available at Glenridding Car Park. This is a short walk to the start of the hike and in the summer months it can get very busy. On-road parking in the area is all for local residents and requires a permit to park.
The Inn on the Lake, The Glenridding Hotel and The Glenridding House offer some superb accommodation facilities. Several guesthouses nearby are worth looking into for an overnight stay too.
What kit will I need?
Needs vary from person to person, which is why individuals need to make an assessment of the conditions beforehand. As a guide, the following equipment would be a good starting point:
- Walking boots
- A good quality waterproof jacket & trousers
- A day rucksack for additional layers & refreshments
- Hiking poles
- Warm hat and gloves
- First Aid kit
Route Description
- Park at the Ullswater Information Centre (£8 for up-to 9 hours). Locate The Travellers Rest on Greenside Road and head past it – don’t worry you will most likely be visiting in several hours time. Follow the road around to the left. Cross the bridge and continue until the road forks. At this point take the right hand path which leads you to a gate.
- Heading through the gate follow the path left.
- Continue across a bridge, take the right hand fork next to a small stream, and ascend to a gate. Take a left here, and follow this path all the way to the top (it follows via Mires Beck for a period). Soon you will see the Helvellyn summit in the distance. To the the left is Striding Edge (and the the right Swirral Edge).
Heading towards Striding Edge
- Climbing over the style you will now head up towards Striding Edge. Red Tarn will be down to your right hand side.
- Striding Edge involves some proper scrambling which again is why it is important to ensure you have the correct gear with you.
- Completing Striding Edge carefully, you have one more ascent to make to the summit of Helvellyn. If you can make sure you enjoy the views you’ve worked hard for it.
Descending via Swirral Edge
- The hard work doesn’t stop there either. Having managed the summit the next challenge is to successfully navigate the descent via Swirral Edge.
- Swirral Edge is just as stunning and challenging as Striding Edge and commands just as much respect. The descent requires care and your full attention.
- The rest of the descent is fairly straight forward from here. Follow the path ahead of you, crossing a stream and continue down.
- The path will lead you back to the start of the walk and past Gillside Camping and Caravan Park.
Food & Drink
With the walk complete you may want to reward yourself with some refreshments. The Travellers Rest is an excellent place to relax. We visit every time we hike Helvellyn and are yet to be disappointed.
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