Striding Edge, Helvellyn & Swirral Edge loop from Glenridding — Lake District National Park
Striding Edge, Helvellyn & Swirral Edge loop from Glenridding — Lake District National Park
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Striding Edge, Helvellyn & Swirral Edge loop from Glenridding — Lake District National Park
05:10
13.1km
810m
Hiking
Embark on the Striding Edge, Helvellyn & Swirral Edge loop from Glenridding, a classic and challenging hike in the Lake District National Park. This difficult route covers 8.1 miles (13.1 km) with a significant elevation gain of 2673 feet (815 metres), typically taking around 5 hours and 9 minutes to complete. You will navigate varied and demanding terrain, including a Grade 1 scramble along the narrow, rocky Striding Edge, which features sections like "The Chimney" and offers spine-tingling exposure. After reaching Helvellyn's summit, the descent follows Swirral Edge, another steep and rocky ridge requiring hands-on scrambling.
This hike requires very good fitness, sure-footedness, and mountain walking experience. It is not recommended for beginners or those with a significant fear of heights, especially in adverse weather conditions. The exposure on the ridges can be particularly dangerous in wet, icy, snowy, or high-wind conditions. Always check the weather forecast before you go and be prepared for rapidly changing mountain conditions.
This loop is renowned for its legendary ridge walking, offering an adventurous challenge with two of the Lake District's most famous arêtes. From Helvellyn's summit, England's third-highest peak, you will be rewarded with spectacular panoramic views of Ullswater, Red Tarn, and the surrounding fells. On clear days, you might even see as far as the hills of south-west Scotland. This iconic route is one of the most popular and well-loved hikes in the UK.
Last updated: April 23, 2026
Tips
Includes segments that may be dangerous
Parts of this route comprise highly technical, difficult, or hazardous terrain. Specialist equipment and prior experience is required.
After 4.96 km for 580 m
After 5.61 km for 17 m
After 6.23 km for 488 m
Waypoints
Start point
Parking
Get Directions
4.90 km
Striding Edge
Highlight • Climb
Tip by
5.91 km
Helvellyn Summit
Highlight • Summit
Tip by
6.22 km
Swirral Edge
Highlight (Segment) • Climb
Tip by
7.05 km
Catstye Cam
Highlight • Viewpoint
As well as from Swirral Edge, you can approach Catstycam via its eastern shoulder from the main path to Red Tarn. The most adventurous way up is probably the north west ridge, which is steep, wild but without technical difficulty.
Tip by
13.1 km
End point
Parking
Way Types & Surfaces
Way Types
5.85 km
4.00 km
1.82 km
1.03 km
247 m
105 m
< 100 m
Surfaces
4.41 km
4.08 km
2.86 km
876 m
374 m
272 m
240 m
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Elevation
Highest point (930 m)
Lowest point (160 m)
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Weather
Powered by Foreca
Saturday 11 July
22°C
12°C
0 %
Additional weather tips
Max wind speed: 18.0 km/h
to get more detailed weather forecasts along your route
This route was planned by komoot.
Comments
So with no kids or dog. Off we went early morning to get it done. Am I glad we did. Would not have liked to have done striding edge any windier.
Wainwrights: Birkhouse Moor 718m, Helvellyn 950m and Catstye Cam 890m. Nuttalls: Birkhouse Moor, Striding Edge 863m, Helvellyn, Helvellyn Lower Man 925m and Catstye Cam.
This is just a great route that doesn’t need much of an introduction. A classic grade 1 scramble on two ridges and it was done …
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