Helvellyn via Striding Edge & Swirral Edge Walk
One of the Lake District’s most iconic mountain days, with dramatic ridges, big exposure and unforgettable views.
Route Info:
8.5 miles (13.5 km) | Strenuous | 850 m ascent / descent | allow 5-6 hrs
Start: Beckside car park in Glenridding, by tourist information (or the bus stop)
Starting from Glenridding at the southern end of Ullswater, this classic mountain circuit climbs one of the Lake District’s most famous peaks by its most dramatic route. After ascending to the col at Hole-in-the-Wall, you crest the magnificent Striding Edge to reach Helvellyn’s summit plateau and its iconic, cross-shaped shelter. You descend via the scarcely less dramatic Swirral Edge, taking in views of Red Tarn while bagging the bonus summit of Catstycam close by. From here, you can enjoy a glorious yomp downhill to reach the Traveller’s Rest back in Glenridding, where you can celebrate having completed one of the finest mountain walks in England with a refreshing pint of Helvellyn Gold.
Highlights
Open this map on Komoot
Route description
Safety & practical information
Terrain: Mountain paths and rocky ridges with steep and exposed sections. The Striding Edge ridge involves scrambling and requires the use of hands in places. The descent via Swirral Edge is also steep and rocky.
Experience: This route is suitable only for confident and properly equipped walkers with a head for heights. It should not be attempted in poor weather, high winds, or when snow and ice are present.
What to take: Map (OS OL5 – English Lakes NE), compass, waterproof clothing, warm layers, sturdy walking boots and sufficient food and water. A headtorch and basic first-aid kit are also recommended.
Other info: Weather conditions on Helvellyn can change quickly and the summit plateau is often considerably colder and windier than the valleys below. Check the forecast before setting out and allow plenty of time to complete the walk safely.
Start: Beckside car park in Glenridding, by tourist information (or the bus stop)
Starting from Glenridding at the southern end of Ullswater, this classic mountain circuit climbs one of the Lake District’s most famous peaks by its most dramatic route. After ascending to the col at Hole-in-the-Wall, you crest the magnificent Striding Edge to reach Helvellyn’s summit plateau and its iconic, cross-shaped shelter. You descend via the scarcely less dramatic Swirral Edge, taking in views of Red Tarn while bagging the bonus summit of Catstycam close by. From here, you can enjoy a glorious yomp downhill to reach the Traveller’s Rest back in Glenridding, where you can celebrate having completed one of the finest mountain walks in England with a refreshing pint of Helvellyn Gold.
Highlights
- One of the Lake District’s most iconic mountain routes
- The famous Striding Edge ridge scramble
- A classic Wainwright summit (Helvellyn – 950m)
- Magnificent views across Ullswater and the central fells
- Dramatic Red Tarn and Catstycam – the ‘bonus’ summit
Open this map on Komoot
Route description
- Leave the Glenridding village car park and walk up the road beside Glenridding Beck, passing through the village and beyond Gillside campsite. Continue up the rough track alongside Mires Beck, heading towards the obvious notch high on the skyline.
- At a gate cross the footbridge and climb steeply beside the beck. As the path approaches a wall it turns right and then zigzags up the fellside. Higher up the gradient eases as you reach the broad ridge of Birkhouse Moor.
- Continue along the ridge to the famous Hole-in-the-Wall, now a ladder-stile marking the start of the approach to Striding Edge.
- Beyond the wall the path threads through rocky ground before reaching the narrow crest of Striding Edge, one of the most famous ridge walks in the Lake District.
- Follow the ridge carefully, using your hands where necessary on short rocky steps. A path runs just below the crest for those who prefer to avoid the most exposed sections.
- Near the end of the ridge the crest drops away sharply. A short chimney scramble on the left leads down to the path below, though an easier bypass gully can be used slightly earlier if preferred.
- From here climb steeply up loose ground onto the broad summit plateau, emerging near the Gough Memorial.
- Turn left to reach the summit shelter and trig point on Helvellyn (950m), with wide views across the central Lake District and down the length of Ullswater.
- Continue north on the summit plateau (steep drop-off on your right) to a large cairn marking the top of Swirral Edge, then turn right to descend the ridge. The upper section is steep and loose, requiring care.
- Lower down the ridge becomes rockier before easing as the path drops towards Red Tarn, beautifully set beneath the towering headwalls of Helvellyn.
- Just before reaching the tarn a path branches right down towards Glenridding. You can descend here, but it would be a shame to miss the short detour up Catstycam, whose airy summit offers superb views back to Helvellyn and across Ullswater.
- From the summit retrace your steps to the col and descend to Red Tarn, from where the dramatic headwalls of Helvellyn and the ridges of Striding and Swirral Edge can be admired from below. It might be a bit cold for a swim, but this is a good spot for refreshments.
- Leave the tarn on the clear path beside Red Tarn Beck, descending steadily towards Glenridding.
- Near the former Greenside Mine buildings cross the footbridge and follow Greenside Road back down into the village, perhaps stopping for a pint at the Traveller’s Rest before continuing back to starting point.
Safety & practical information
Terrain: Mountain paths and rocky ridges with steep and exposed sections. The Striding Edge ridge involves scrambling and requires the use of hands in places. The descent via Swirral Edge is also steep and rocky.
Experience: This route is suitable only for confident and properly equipped walkers with a head for heights. It should not be attempted in poor weather, high winds, or when snow and ice are present.
What to take: Map (OS OL5 – English Lakes NE), compass, waterproof clothing, warm layers, sturdy walking boots and sufficient food and water. A headtorch and basic first-aid kit are also recommended.
Other info: Weather conditions on Helvellyn can change quickly and the summit plateau is often considerably colder and windier than the valleys below. Check the forecast before setting out and allow plenty of time to complete the walk safely.
Article | Walks
