Striding Edge, Helvellyn & Swirral Edge loop from Glenridding — Lake District National Park

Hiking trails & Routes

Striding Edge, Helvellyn & Swirral Edge loop from Glenridding — Lake District National Park

Hard

4.8

(447)

3,855

hikers

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…

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

With spine-tingling exposure on both sides and breathtaking views, Striding Edge is an exhilarating stretch that you will not forget. A classic grade one scramble, it's suitable for intermediate hikers …

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5.91 km

Helvellyn Summit

Highlight • Summit

Up there with Britain’s best-loved mountains, Helvellyn is home to a horseshoe ridge of legendary quality. First comes Striding Edge, a knife-edge arête with a tantalisingly-good tightrope path edging along …

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6.22 km

Swirral Edge

Highlight (Segment) • Climb

Despite being much shorter than the infamous Striding Edge, Swrirral Edge's exit onto Helvellyn's summit plateau is very steep and narrow, which can make it extremely hazardous in winter, in …

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7.05 km

Catstye Cam

Highlight • Viewpoint

Catstycam is a soaring pyramidal peak. It is one of the most spectacular summits in the whole Lake District, as well as one of the highest, at 2,920 feet (890 …

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13.1 km

End point

Parking

Way Types & Surfaces

Way Types

5.79 km

4.09 km

1.84 km

1.01 km

268 m

< 100 m

Surfaces

4.48 km

4.00 km

2.85 km

952 m

303 m

249 m

241 m

Elevation

Nothing selected – click and drag below to see the stats for a specific part of the route.

Highest point (930 m)

Lowest point (160 m)

Weather

Today

Wednesday 28 October

12°C

7°C

40 %

Additional weather tips

There’s a fairly high chance of rain. Consider packing a waterproof jacket.

to get more detailed weather forecasts along your route

Comments

July 23, 2022,Helvellyn ascent via Striding Edge.

Been wanting to do this for a while. Last time the weather was too bad.

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.

October 13, 2022,Striding and Swirral Edge, Helvellyn. 3 Wainwrights. 5 Nuttalls.

Day 12. Striding and Swirral Edge, Helvellyn. 3 Wainwrights. 5 Nuttalls.

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 …