IT’S THE MOST POPULAR RIDGE IN THE UK AND AN IDEAL OUTING FOR NOVICE SCRAMBLERS, BUT DON’T UNDERESTIMATE STRIDING EDGE!

WALK IT

What makes Striding Edge such a popular route? It’s the perfect combination of several ingredients. Firstly, it takes the walker up one of the most beloved peaks in the Lake District; Helvellyn. Secondly, for those making the move onto more technical terrain, it provides a mix of exposure and hand-on-rock action, but without venturing too far out of walking territory and into scrambling. Finally, it’s just a cracking route that even seasoned scramblers can enjoy. From Glenridding good paths ascend through typical Lakeland mountain scenery onto Birkhouse Moor. Sticking to the high ground with the steep slopes of the Grisedale valley to the left, the path passes the famous ‘Hole-in-the-Wall’ landmark before climbing onto the start of Striding Edge. Low and High Spying How are ticked off as the ridge narrows, before a tricky downclimb and a scrambly ascent deliver you to the plateau of Helvellyn’s summit. From here Swirral Edge makes for a good continuation of the scrambling and completes the Helvellyn horseshoe around Red Tarn, before a gentle riverside walk out takes you back to the pubs, cafés and gear shops of Glenridding.

The trickiest part of the scramble is the short downclimb at the end of the ridge. A path avoids much of the ridgetop scrambling, but not all of the exposure. If you’re concerned about tackling Striding Edge on your own, consider hiring a local Mountain Leader. Is it easier or harder if you can’t see the drops? We’ll leave that up to you to decide! Keeping a hand on the rock for support adds a level of reassurance for first-time traversers.