5 PRO TIPS
Here are some nuggets of wisdom from the experts at Lakeland Mountain Guides for beginners wanting to scramble Striding Edge.
1 PICK YOUR DAY
Striding Edge can be traversed in all sorts of weather, but there’s no doubting that for the first-timer a calm, dry day may lessen any anxiety and increase confidence.
BE MINDFUL 2 OF OTHERS
You can’t control who is on the ridge at the same time and how they’ll scramble. Give others space, and if needs be let people overtake where possible, or bide your time to pass someone.
FOCUS ON 3 POINTS 3 OF CONTACT
This is basically the first rule of scrambling and there are sections of Striding Edge where you can practice this. Make sure you have three solid points of contact with hands and feet when moving up or down, and move at a pace to allow yourself to achieve this.
4 CREST IS BEST
Sticking to the crest offers the best experience of Striding Edge. You don’t need to have your feet on the crest the whole way, as at some points it’s better to have your hands on the crest using it as a handrail while working your feet along the footholds to one side.
5 BREAK THE MOULD
Most people traverse towards Helvellyn and bolt on Swirral Edge in descent for more scrambling. But Swirral Edge in ascent actually offers a really fun excursion, and Striding Edge heading eastwards is a worthwhile adventure too.
Book your own guided adventure at lakelandmountainguides.co.uk