Helvellyn and Striding Edge Walk, Lake District

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One can approach Helvellyn from Thirlmere or Patterdale or Glenridding (as a rule) and it is not usually until one has made a lot of headway up its slopes that they get a true glimpse of its summit. The less exciting way is from Thirlmere and is between 2.5 to 4 miles of climbing, depending upon where you begin. Thirlmere is a great reservoir and its view as you walk up is quite impressive.

The popular routes are from Patterdale ...
...way across.

Helvellyn has another ridge too, Swirral Edge (between the mountain Catstycam and Helvellyn), which is similar, but shorter than Striding Edge. Walkers tend to go up Helvellyn via Striding Edge and back down along Swirral edge - this is the classic way to climb this mountain.

Red Tarn ('tarn' is a small lake if you don't know) is to the right of striding edge and adds a sense of shear quality to the walking ... more

The mere word 'Helvellyn' stirs up all kinds of romanticisms, doesn't it. A land of fairies, perhaps, and Tolkien-esque creatures of myth and legend. A poetic place. A mysterious place. Perhaps it once was a place of mystery, towering down on the land nearby like some beast of a sentinel, but it is in fact a mountain in the English Lake District. Not any old mountain though - but one of England's three thousanders (mountains over three thousand feet (914m), of which we English have but four).

It is a popular mountain and it is special. It is also quite daunting, strenuous and exhilarating…

One can approach Helvellyn from Thirlmere or Patterdale or Glenridding (as a rule) and it is not usually until one has made a lot of headway up its slopes that they get a true glimpse of its summit. The less exciting way is from Thirlmere and is between 2.5 to 4 miles of climbing, depending upon where you begin. Thirlmere is a great reservoir and its view as you walk up is quite impressive.

The popular routes are from Patterdale or Glenridding, as these involve the trek across Striding Edge (more of this later). This way is longer (around 5 miles), but worth it. At the base of this route to the top is the wondrous Ullswater, one of my favourite lakes in the district. The Patterdale approach takes you up the side of Birkhouse Moor and across and the Glenridding one takes you via the old lead mines. As one climbs and pauses for breath, a look back at Ullswater is always recommended. This beautiful lake snakes along, basked by with rocky mountains at its edges.

So, to Striding Edge. This is a ridge that takes the walker to the summit of Helvellyn. It is a steep ridge and quite airy in places (and very dangerous in ice and strong winds). When I first walked this I wrote a short essay about it and described it as a 'Seesawing Lock Ness Monster.' Not sure why I used such a metaphor, but I guess it may be because of its frightening, yet mythical quality and the way its rocky outcrops jut up and down. To walk its crest is the most exciting, but one can walk at its edge, too, even though this way is still a sometimes fearful way across.

Helvellyn has another ridge too, Swirral Edge (between the mountain Catstycam and Helvellyn), which is similar, but shorter than Striding Edge. Walkers tend to go up Helvellyn via Striding Edge and back down along Swirral edge - this is the classic way to climb this mountain.

Red Tarn ('tarn' is a small lake if you don't know) is to the right of striding edge and adds a sense of shear quality to the walking experience. The crags of Helvellyn loom down upon the tarn, their images reflecting in the water on clear days.

A scramble from Striding Edge takes the walker up the top of Helvellyn, and a walk north to the summit.

From the top of Helvellyn one can take in many a Lakeland fell, such as High Street to the east, where the Romans built their road. Then there is Scafell Pike to the South East (England highest), and Blencathra to the North. One can also take in Scotland's Solway Firth and Morecambe Bay. From here other mountains can be 'bagged' if one so wishes. There is the aforementioned Catstycam a mile away, via Swirral Edge; or a ¾ mile trek will take you to Nethermost Pike.

Safety on the hills:

It would be prudent to say that one should take several essentials whilst heading up such a lofty hill. Good walking boots. A rucksack. Waterproofs (it might be sunny at the start, but weather can change quickly). Your lunch. Sufficient amount of liquids. Survival bag. Map and Compass. Guidebook (the Wainwright Books are still of use). A GPS can be very handy in bad weather.

And… don't be a plonker. If you are struggling for time, or the weather is too rough, you are not a chicken if you decide to turn back.

Helvellyn: 3118 feet of magic.

Enjoy! 

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