How scary is Striding Edge?

Q. I'm going to the lakes over Easter and I'm sure we'll be tackling some meaty walks. I'm hoping to do Skiddaw but as we're staying near Helvellyn I have a feeling that the words 'Striding' and 'Edge' will be mentioned... I'm not great with heights and all the pictures I've seen of this ridge look rather thin and precarious. Just how scary is it? Do you have to be a dyed in the wool mountaineer with several munros under your belt, or can a competent but not vastly experienced walker do it? I like to give things a go but don't want to over-reach myself.

Rachel Simpson, York

A. Lots of answers here to help you decide whether you're personally up to Striding Edge or not. I felt that a walk that people describe as 'not that bad, really' was not something I wanted to do. But I really wanted to climb Helvellyn. We walked up Glenridding Common from the TIC car park area. That took 3 hours and only one part was tiringly steep. The final ascent was easy and not scary at all. Then we walked the entire summit slope down past Dollywaggon, which gives you phenomenal views across to the West for a good hour. Down stone steps to Grisedale Beck and a pleasant downhill through the valley with lovely views along Ullswater. We were gone 7 hours total which included lunch and photo stops, and none of it was difficult. I'm 51.

Sarah Wright, Oxford

A. Hi Myself and my 7 and 8 year old son's have just returned from two nights camping at Park Foot in Pooley Bridge (May spring bank holiday 2016), the campsite was perfect, plenty of other kids for them to make friends with and games going on, Saturday morning at 8am we left the flip flop campers to it and drove to Glenridding, as we early we had no problem parking on the roadside just past the Travellers Rest pub close to Gillside Farm campsite. The weather was literally perfect, sun was shining enough to require sun cream but there was a light cool breeze which didn't change much as we made the long slog to the Hole in the Wall powered by Capri-Sun and dairy milk. My two boys have climbed Ben Nevis, Snowdon and Scafell Pike via Mickeldore whilst aged 5 and 6/7 so the distance was never going to be a problem, this however was their first ridge walk and when we climbed the style at the hole we swapped sun caps for scooter helmets and after a quick weather assessment (still very fine) I asked the boys how they felt and offered them the chance to round Red Tarn and climb Catstycam instead and take in the views and save the ridge walk for a other day, the boys unanimously voted to take on Striding Edge and summit Helvellyn. I was a little nervous at first (I did this walk last year with some very experienced walkers/climbers at a fast pace and found it pretty straightforward) as the responsibility I was carrying was huge, but they are confident boys and it was still early so we had plenty of time, I had lots of drinks and food and additional clothing in case the weather turned so my risk assessment was co plate and off we went. No major problems on Striding, we did a combination of ridge and escape path although to be honest the escape path is not always obvious and you often find yourself on the ridge anyway. We got to the chimney via the ridge and I went first, the boys were at this point a little nervous but in my opinion this was where they gained some real experience, they had to concentrate at a level on a par with a tense game of Minecraft on the IPad. At tough pull up the final stage before reaching the summit, weather still perfect, a fleece top was as far as we needed to go and we enjoyed lunch and drinks before heading down via Swirral, this was at time a little trickier for the boys made worse still by fatigue kicking in, my 7 year old took a small tumble and hit his knee and chin of rocks (plasters needed) but nothing serious. We ascended back to Glenridding via the YHA/Greenside road path which was easy. Then it was back to Park Foot for the boys to talk to their new found fiends about their adventure and injuries which had everyone's full attention :). My advice for anybody considering this fantastic ridge walk is simple, don't listen to the stories of doom and don't google "Striding Edge Falls", instead try and plan for a dry, clear day and don't be afraid of cancelling at the last minute or turning back, there is a nice circular option from the Hole in the Wall taking you close to Red Tarn with excellent views of both ridges and Helvellyn, you could always bag Catstycam (can't miss it, on the right as you look at Helvellyn from Red Tarn) which is impressive in itself. Pack plenty of food and drinks and extra clothes and waterproofs, hats and gloves. Just respect the mountain and go for it, you will love it....... Remember this is a walk/scramble and not a rock climb, just concentrate throughout and you will be fine. I will try and upload some pics if I can to this blog, or provide a link to them.

Paul Stevenson, Cheshire

A. we just tackled striding edge with a 7 and 8 year old in tow (don't get me wrong, they aren't total novice walkers having walked up skiddaw, Helvelly, Scafell pike via Mickeldore). We have a reasonable sense of heights but it is the exposure that might get you. As far as technical ability, I would say if you have respect then you will have no problem. We ascended via striding edge and descended Swirral. Swirral was FAR easier but more exposed, the path is getting quite eroded in parts and I suspect that in a few years time it will be quite precarious in some places. The "chimney" was not as big an issue as we have been led to believe. There are two descents, one is thin and "chimney like" and an easier set of platforms that can be descended with your "bum to the rock" sitting on places. The kids had no difficulty at all. The final ascent after the chimney was trickier for me due to very dry dusty conditions and loose rock. I wouldn't like to do this in the wet and fair play to those in the snow! That being said the views are spectacular and you have to do it!

John Gibbons

A. I've been across Striding Edge many times in just about every weather condition. I have a pretty good head for heights, although I'm not a climber. I think you've got the right idea in building up to it gradually. Get yourself used to exposure in increments. Try Scafell Pike from Seathwaite by Styhead and the corridor route. Do the descent via Esk Hause and Ruddy Gill and on the way down go over Great End - it's great exposed mountain scenery, check out the drop off down to Sprinkling Tarn! Also, Catbells would be a good one - it's a low fell that has a ridge you follow all the way to the top, sometimes quite steep. There are craggy bits along the ridge that you could have a little play on as you go. No need to commit, you can just get a feel for what it's like to be on steeper ground. Practice two or three moves up, and then down again. Any craggy bit would do, just make sure your hand and footholds are secure. Regarding Helvellyn, I often go up Swirral and down Striding. I reckon it's more satisfying this way round, and, as someone else said, it's definitely easier tackling the step on Striding Edge this way. The top of Catstycam is a lovely spot to visit on your way up. If you can, find someone who has done it before to go with - it's much better for your confidence if you've got someone who can talk you over the trickier bits. And definitely pick good weather - the mountain will still be there next time if you don't make it this time! If there's any snow at all, steer well clear. Finally, try to go on a day when there aren't too many other people - a big part of why people get freaked out is feeling rushed by people behind. Anyway, it's always fantastic to have the mountain to yourself - Helvellyn can be a shopping mall at times. Hope that helps and that you achieve it one day - I think it's one of the best walking experiences to be had.

Alan Hancorn, Glenridding

A. In late April this year (2015) I achieved an ambition I'd nursed for 20 or 30 years, and climbed Helvellyn via Striding Edge/Swirral Edge, which I'd last done in a school party when I was 17, 54 years earlier! Perhaps it wasn't the most sensible thing to go alone, but I picked a Sunday, when there's always other climbers about, with light winds and a dry weather forecast. I didn't find Striding Edge intimidating at all, but then I've a reasonable head for heights. For me, the most difficult part of the climb was after the ridge, on the last drag up to the summit plateau; is that called the headwall? It's quite steep and rocky and the route I was following became blocked with dirty snow so I tracked to the right and fortunately found a clear route to the top. I didn't realise until I checked my photographs, that there was only this narrow gap in the snow on the whole eastern face of the mountain; I was lucky to find it! I didn't think it was advisable to try climbing through snow with ordinary walking boots. I found the descent down to Swirral Edge more tricky. I did a lot of it backwards, face to the mountain; I was more confident using my hands as well as my feet. It took me just over 6 hours from Glenridding, up and back, about an hour longer than I thought it would. I also thought I was fit from a running habit, but my quads gave up a mile short of the car park. I learned some lessons that day; don't go alone, make sure someone knows your intended route and timing, and now I'm over 70, do a few practice climbs before attempting a big one. Apart from that, I had a brilliant day.

Tony Booth, Knutsford

A. OK striding edge can b tricky but the best advice I can give is to concentrate on were u put your feet and stop walking when you want to have a look round.my friends love doing it but you need a decent day to many come to the lakes and ignore conditions.

Joe Hewer, Whitehaven Cumbria

A. I only got into walking a couple of years ago as I'm pursuing my ML (Mountain Leader) qualification. I did helvellyn via striding edge and swirrel edge a couple of summers ago - it was my first 'edge' walk. Personally I thoroughly enjoyed it, the weather was fine, I was with my two brothers and we all coped really well. For me I found it slightly disappointing as I would liked the edge to have been longer. The descent at the end of the edge (the chimney) was more of a challenge with all three of us using different routes down. Since striding edge I have gone on to do bristly ridge which in parts I found far more difficult to climb. The main thing about walking these edges is to take your time. My father suffers from a fear of heights - he gets dodgy feelings on the edge of a curb - but my advice to him and anyone else struggling with this kind of walk would be; take your time and go at your own pace, go with someone who is experienced in walking the route previously, allow plenty of time during the day for the walk (nothing worse than getting caught out by the setting sun if you've had to take it slowly during the day) and finally, don't feel embarrassed, ashamed or weak if you have to turn around. Like another post above read; better to turn around and walk another day than to push on and not - or something like that :)

Dean Grainger, Nottingham

A. My wife and I completed Striding Edge yesterday in near perfect conditions (a breadth of wind and good, sometimes excellent, visibility - we were not going to attempt it if windy and to echo other comments would not recommend anyone who is unsure from doing so if windy) It is certainly an exhilarating and challenging ascent of wonderful Hellvelyn with the return leg via Swirral Edge and then over Birkhouse Moor down to Lanty's Tarn an exceptional descent (apparently one of Wainwright's favourite 18 walks). Back to Striding Edge - for those, like us, who have not done it before then there is a lower route just off the ridge which requires care but is not difficult. The tricky bit comes at the at the end of the ridge. Not only is there no obvious path around the step, at times you have to scramble around the side with some drops before you do the "chimney" which is a vertical chute that requires a degree of climbing skill (well that's what it felt like to us!). Then, just as you think you have finished there is another step to scramble up - whilst this is a steep scramble it is relatively straightforward as there are plenty of hand/feet holds and you should aim for the peak...your instinct is to stay either one side or other but head for the top as there is a clear route once there. Then the final scramble up to the summit which your adrenaline will see you fly up! Trust me this is well worth doing but if your first time, as I said, try in good conditions only.

Edmund Hughes, Southampton

A. I've been hiking in the LakeDistrict for 5 years now. I'm scared of heights. Or rather, I am scared of falling from heights. I get height induced vertigo on paths near edges! Even the path down from Angle Tarn, a popular route, has made me twitch. I have done the striding edge route to helvellyn twice now. The first time in January 2013 (a mild winter, no ice, relentless drizzle) I took the path which is not along the very top (there is a "wimps way" but do not forget, you still have a big drop on one side of you!) due to lack of visibility and wet conditions. It was OK. 2 days ago I went along the very top and was fine. As one story here illustrates, if you fall, you'll usually have a lower path or rock to stop your fall. Let's be reaslustic, you'll be in injured! But then so you could be on any other mountain! Never underestimate any of them! Pick a clear day with no rain and you can always take the lower route or (and this advice goes for everybody) be prepared to say no and turn back. Better a wasted days hiking than a wasted life! Have safe fun in the fells guys!

Helen Saville, London

A. A CAUTIONARY TALE: I had booked a guided walk along Striding Edge to Helvellyn in late-June 2014, but after reading about it and watching some unnerving looking YouTube videos and being knackered after climbing Scafell Pike the day before, I decided not to go. Add to this that in my home town London we don't do much hill-walking, preferring to take the lift up The Shard for our views.

However when I went across to the meeting point to tell the guide I wasn't coming on the trip, I did wear boots and my idea of perfect hiking gear - a wooly cardigan (try it, it really does breathe, is warm and repels light showers). He persuaded me to come. Now read on for the exciting and nearly tragic bit.

The hardest bit of the hike for me was the steep slog up towards the ridge. I was sweaty and short of breath. Something weird about me is that when the scrambling starts I get faster and start enjoying myself. We went out onto to the rocky top of Striding Edge. Even the memorial plaque did not faze me. I was going along fine when I heard a cry and turned to see one of our small group literally bouncing off rocks as he fell. He was very fortunate in that he fell to the right side and his fall was broken by the path a little lower down. He was bleeding from a number of cuts including a head wound. His clothes were in shreds.

his legs were OK but oviously a head wound cannot be laughed off so our guide aborted the route and we went down the way we came to where the ambulance was waiting at Glenridding.

I was disappointed not to have been able to continue, but this experience shows that Striding Edge really is a dangerous place. If he had fallen to the left, that would almost certainly have been his lot, and he was very lucky not to have bounced over the path which ended his fall. Yes, if you have a head for heights and are sure-footed you will enjoy the Edge as I was doing, but it is not the walk in the park that some make out.

PS I have also done Crib Goch but at that time I was so completely ignorant I had no idea it was meant to be tricky and dangerous so I had a great time!

Myles Hewitt, London

A. Just a wimpy counter to the many "it's easy" viewpoints! Been wanting to do Striding Edge for ages and finally got to do it this Summer with my partner and must say we found it very unnerving and not at all enjoyable - until we were safely off it. It was dryish but gusty so we mostly took the lower path - but this wasn't as straightforward as we thought it would be as there appeared to be a number of different routes to pick, each still only one slip from disaster, and we still had plenty of scrambling to do. If you are at all unsure or haven't got a good head for heights but still want to do it, then I would recommend going with an someone who is experienced if at all possible.

Ian M, Leeds

A. If it is your first time on Striding Edge make sure that the weather is going to be good. Not a place to be if you have to contend with high wind, rain etc. Not a place to be in winter without experience and suitable equipment. Personally I would make sure that there are no dogs on the track either, they can add to your difficulty if they are loose.

John Bennington, Darlington

A. Hi there, I have been to the top of Helvellyn 19 times, 13 of these by the way of Striding Edge and Swirral Edge in both lovely summer conditions and full winter conditions. I would say doing it in summer conditions is not a problem providing it is not wet or windy. But would advise you to stay away in winter unless you are competent in using crampons and ice axe, and not a full shilling like me. I would also point out that the first time I did these ridges I was a little nervous as I was an inexperienced fell walker with only about 3 months walking under my belt, but once I got to the summit cairn all fear left me and have been doing the edges ever since. So in conclusion if it's a nice day then have a go, be careful, take your time and enjoy what will be a fantastic achievement. You don't know your limits until you push them!

Mark Dawson, Nelson, Lancs

A. Have done lots of ridges, Striding Edge [Helvellyn] in full winter via Swirral [Edge] is what i would call hard and dangerous as you are quite exposed and a slip would be fatal.

Bristley ridge is good on the Glyders as its not too long and gives you a good start to some of the more hairier ones such as Crib Goch [Snowdon] and Sharp Edge [Blencathra].

If in doubt DON'T attempt them.

Paul Hayes, Stourbridge

A. In mid June of 2009, my son John and I tried to go down Striding Edge from Helvellyn, but failed.

It was a wet, windy day with wind gusts of 50-60 mph on the top of Helvellyn and we were carrying heavy packs. I could not find the courage to get closer than 5 feet from the edge.

My son actually started down what looked like a 1-2 foot wide path down off the flat top of Helvellyn. It looked like one would have to walk off a cliff to do it. With the wind easily moving the top of my body a foot or so in either direction as it shifted, something from the math side of my brain told me that I would be within 6 inches or so of losing my life.

We then tried Swirrall Edge where we witnessed a group of teenagers walk down with seeming ease.

However, about 10 meters down there is a passage that requires that you walk down a 45+ degree incline of wet rock about 1 foot from the edge with a several hundred meter drop if your feet slipped.

Again the math part of my brain said this is not wise.

We selected instead to take the long route down and hours later arrived at our destination.

I take my hat off to the brave souls that can do either ridge from the top down with heavy packs and 50-60 mph wind gusts on a wet or icy day. I am not one of them.

Ed Moore, Aiken, SC, USA

A. I climbed up Helvellyn last summer. The route included walking along Striding Edge. I was going with an organised group. After looking at the pictures I phoned to ask if, as I was taking my dog with me, would it be suitable for a dog. I was told, yes, a dog would manage fine. Both the dog and myself found it fairly easy although I was told I would have to climb down about 5 minutes from the end because he would not manage the "pillarbox". My answer to your question is, unless it is a very wet or windy day, Striding Edge is not really too scary but provides a great sense of achievement.

Hazel Pyper, Perth

A. I should have added the following to my previous comment. I have also been on two other "scary" edges. The first was Sharp Edge on Blencathra in 1972, in a howling gale. We actually descended Sharp Edge, and I remember it was very tricky, but we all survived unscathed. The other one was Crib Goch on Snowdon in 1985. This one was very enjoyable, and I was happier on this than on Kilnshaw chimney on Striding Edge (see my previous note). Two advantages were (1) the day was dry and virtually windless, and (2) we had an excellent and very patient leader who kept everybody together and made us have rests if anyone tired. That was one of the best walks I have ever done, also including Crib-y-Ddysgl and Yr Wyddfa summit, and then descending to Rhyd-Du.

David Dawber, Lytham St Annes

A. I have walked along Striding Edge 3 times, in August 1973, June 1974 and September 1981. Every time we did it the same way, from Glenridding to Helvellyn. All three days were dry but the second and third had some mist. I coped OK with the knife edge but did not like the descent between the edge and Helvellyn proper (I think this might be called Kilnshaw Chimney). I was told to climb down backwards, but don't like this as I do not balance well. On the third occasion I had an argument with the leader who lacked patience with people who were not as good as he was. I have not been on the edge since 1981, but have walked over the Dodds to Helvellyn on 2 occasions since, in 1986 and 1988. If the leaders (on the 1974 and 1981 occasions they were from Forest Side CHA Centre, Grasmere) could do the walk in the opposite direction, i.e. up the Chimney, I would probably be OK.

David Dawber, Lytham St Annes

A. I've just returned from my trip and we didn't do Helvellyn at all, it was still quite snowy with the possibility of ice too - maybe another time. We did have a tremendous walk up Great Gable though, and I was proud of my scrambling up Sourmilk Gill and to the summit (past Windy Gap). I think I'll build up gradually, and do the edge when I'm good and ready!

Rachel Simpson, York

A. Be in no doubt, Striding Edge - see Walks

c213 Helvellyn from Glenridding

c220 Helvellyn via Striding Edge from Glenridding

c264 The Grisedale Round from Patterdale

c269 The Grisedale Horseshoe from Patterdale

c427 Helvellyn via Striding Edge from Patterdale

- is a thin and precarious knife-edge with steep drops on boths sides. Anyone attempting to walk along it must have a good head for heights and be sure footed.

See Photos of Striding Edge.

It is substantially more difficult in winter mist, snow and ice and should not be attempted under any circumstances without winter walking skills and all the appropriate equipment.

If you are in any doubt about whether it is for you or not - then don't let anyone talk you into it. A jelly-legged walker on Striding Edge too frightened to move is a danger to themselves and everyone else up there.

Why not simply take the alternative route detailed in walk c213 Helvellyn from Glenridding

and meet the rest of your party on the summit of Helvellyn?

Hope this helps

Mike (Editor)

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