Helvellyn is 950 metres and the third highest summit in England. It is also one of the most popular mountains in the country. On a summer Saturday the summit can have two hundred people on it. Striding Edge, the famous ridge approach, is genuinely exposed and has killed people. Both things are true.
The routes
Via Striding Edge from Glenridding
The classic route. Park at Glenridding (CA11 0PA, pay and display). The path rises from the village via Mires Beck to the foot of Striding Edge. The edge itself is a long, narrow arete of rock requiring hands and feet at the sharpest sections. It is a Grade 1 scramble, not a walk. In dry conditions, confident walkers manage it comfortably. In wet conditions, it is slippery and significantly more serious. The summit is a short, steep pull above the edge. Return via Swirral Edge to Catstye Cam and down to Glenridding, or back the same way. Around 8 miles, 900m ascent, allow 5 to 6 hours.
Via Swirral Edge from Glenridding
A slightly easier alternative to Striding Edge, though still an exposed ridge. Most people do the horseshoe (up Striding Edge, down Swirral Edge, or vice versa).
Via Grisedale from Patterdale
A longer approach from Patterdale (CA11 0NW) through Grisedale. Quieter and longer. Good for avoiding the Glenridding crowds. This is the fell walking route without the scrambling commitment of the edges. Around 10 miles, 900m ascent.
What most people get wrong
- →Underestimating Striding Edge. It looks fine in photos. In wind and rain, with wet rock, it is a different proposition. Do not attempt it in serious weather.
- →Starting too late. The car park at Glenridding fills by 9am on summer Saturdays. Start by 7:30am or use the overflow parking on the edge of the village.
- →Not carrying a map. The summit plateau is disorienting in mist. Several paths converge there and heading the wrong way puts you on Raise or White Side with a long walk back.
- →Underestimating the descent. Knees take the punishment on the way down. Poles help.
What to bring
- →Waterproof jacket and trousers. Always.
- →Gloves and a hat even in July. The summit plateau in wind is cold.
- →OS Explorer OL5 (The English Lakes: North Eastern area). Know how to use it.
- →More water than you think. 1.5 litres minimum for the full route.
- →Boots with ankle support. Trainers on Striding Edge is a bad idea.
After the walk
The Travellers Rest at Glenridding (CA11 0PA) is the post-walk option. Good beer, food until 9pm, dogs welcome in the bar. The Glenridding Hotel also has a bar open to non-guests. Both are two minutes from the car park.
⚠️Striding Edge in mist or wet conditions requires experience and caution. Turn back if conditions change above the col. Mountain Rescue Keswick covers this area.
Explore more fell walking routes on Hike The Lakes.
Helvellyn on Hike The Lakes →
Damian Roche
Founder, Churchtown Media. Builder of TheLakesGuide.co.uk, TheLakesWildlife.co.uk, and HikeTheLakes.com. Southport-based. Regular Lakes visitor for decades.
