A guide to walking Helvellyn in the Lake District

Helvellyn is one of the most iconic mountains in the Lake District and is known for its breathtaking views and challenging ascent. For those looking for a more thrilling and adventurous route to the summit, climbing up via Striding Edge and down via Swirral Edge is a popular option. In this guide, I will provide the route and some tips on safety, difficulty, planning, and equipment.

Helvellyn via Striding Edge Walking Route

The route begins in the picturesque village of Glenridding (CA11 0PA) and follows a well-defined path up towards Red Tarn. From here, the path splits into two, with one route leading up to Striding Edge and the other up towards Swirral Edge.

Location: Helvellyn is located in the Lake District, in Cumbria, England. The nearest town is Glenridding, which is accessible by car or public transport from Ambleside and Windermere.

Total Distance: 12.50km (if doing the extended Catyse Cam route)

Location: The route starts and ends in the village of Glenridding

Where to stay: Ambleside, Glenridding and Windermere are all close to the start and finish, providing plenty of places to camp or stay

Climbing up via Striding Edge involves scrambling along a narrow ridge with steep drops on either side, while Swirral Edge is a less challenging ascent/ descent and is best saved for the way back.

On a clear day, the views from the top are incredible and if extra clear, you can see out towards Scotland. There is limited shelter on the top, so make sure to wrap up warm on the cooler days and bring some lunch for the long walk.

Extending the route to include Catyse Cam

For those looking to add an additional summit to their Helvellyn climb, Catstye Cam is a great option.

Catstye Cam is a Wainwright and is located on the walk down from Swirral Edge. It offers stunning views of Helvellyn and Red Tarn below.

Adding Catstye Cam to the route increases the total distance of the walk to around 12.5km, and the additional climb makes it a more demanding route. Walkers should ensure that they have adequate supplies and equipment and that they are prepared for the additional challenge.

Overall, adding Catstye Cam to the Helvellyn via Striding Edge and Swirral Edge route is a fantastic option for those looking for an even more challenging and rewarding climb.

Things to plan for walking Helvellyn

As with any fell walk, it's important to plan ahead and be prepared for the conditions. Helvellyn is the second highest fell in England and is a challenging route that requires a good level of fitness and experience. Check the weather forecast before setting off, and be prepared for changes in weather conditions.

It's also essential to bring plenty of food and water, as well as appropriate clothing and footwear. Sturdy walking boots with good ankle support are a must, and it's recommended to bring a waterproof jacket and trousers, warm layers, and a hat and gloves. Sunscreen, a map and a compass are also essential items to bring.

Safety

Climbing up via Striding Edge is a challenging route and is not recommended for inexperienced walkers or those with a fear of heights. The exposed ridge can be dangerous in high winds, rain or snow, and it is important to check the weather forecast before setting off. Appropriate footwear with good grip and a walking pole can be helpful on this route. It is also essential to carry a map, compass, and know how to use them.

Difficulty

The climb up Helvellyn via Striding Edge and Swirral Edge is a challenging and demanding route, with steep climbs and exposed ridges. The scrambling section of Striding Edge is particularly challenging, and those with limited experience should consider an alternative route. The descent down Swirral Edge is less challenging but can still be slippery and steep in places. I have done this route several times in fog and mist and would not recommend it. Key to remember that it may be sunny at car park level, but cloudy up in the fells.

Kit list for hiking up Helvellyn

As mentioned, it's essential to bring appropriate clothing and footwear for Helvellyn. Here's a list of essential items to bring:

• Sturdy walking boots with good ankle support. These will be key when scrambling along Striding Edge

  • You can get a decent pair of boots from Cotswold Outdoors, Mountain Warehouse or Blacks. You don’t need to spend a load of money, but anything with ankle support should do the job. I have the Scarpa Rush TRK Gore-Tex boots and they are fantastic!

• Waterproof jacket and trousers - even in the summer, taking a waterproof jacket that offers protection from the wind is key

  • You don’t need to spend a lot of money, but if you are going to be hiking often then investing in a good waterproof may be a good idea

• Warm layers (fleece, hat, gloves) - gloves come in handy when navigating rocky sections

  • I have both hat and gloves from the brand SealSkinz and they are fantastic

• Map and compass (and the ability to use them)

• Food and water

  • Kendal Mint Cake is my favourite snack for any walk and is a famous snack still made in the Lake District

• Sunscreen and Bug Spray

• First aid kit - a small mix of plasters, Savalon (for bites and stings) and antiseptic wipes will do

• Mobile phone (with a full battery) + portable charger.

  • I recommend any Anker Power Bank as they are reliable and well made. I use the USB-C 10,000 maH with 20W model. It charges my phone and watch when wild camping and is a great lightweight option.

Final thoughts

Climbing up Helvellyn via Striding Edge and down Swirral Edge is a challenging and exhilarating route that rewards walkers with stunning views and a sense of achievement. However, it is essential to be well-prepared, informed, and experienced before attempting this route. Safety should always be the top priority, and walkers should only attempt this route in good weather conditions and with the appropriate equipment and knowledge.