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Details

Helvellyn Hike / Scramble - May Bank holiday
Refer to this which gives in detail overview : https://www.alltrails.com/en-gb/trail/england/cumbria/helvellyn-swirrel-edge-and-striding-edge-circular

Rough Plan for Londoners or those in and around :

Day 1 Saturday 23rd May : check in and meet and dinner with the group at Glenridding village or nearby villages or pubs.

Day 2 Sunday 24th May: Hike starts at 9am from Glenridding and aim to finish by 2pm, Lunch with the group and drive back toward London

Difficulty level : Hard ( its a scramble , would require 4 legs and should not fear for heights, may not be for beginners , you could try indoor bouldering and listen to your body how it feels before you opt in )

Important note : Londonders and those down south joining this hike , will share a whats app groupd where we can coordinate car pooling, accoomodation etc. feel free to message me here 07810803292

Accomodation : This would require 1 night accomodation at YHA Helvellyn or similar places, you are free to book whatever you want, ideally most hiking groups opt for YHA hostels )

Travel and Logistics : We encourage car pooling and sharing the fuel expenses, this way it works out better and good to be social / network .

Please read this recommendation :
This route to Helvellyn via Striding Edge and Swirral Edge is well worth the effort and challenge to get to the summit. However, this trail should not be underestimated. As it requires the navigation of two technical scrambles with hands-on climbing, this trail should only be attempted by those with appropriate experience, steady footing, and a head for heights. Starting in Glenridding, the trail soon starts to climb and winds its way up Birkhouse Moor. Here it levels out a bit before reaching Hole-in-the-Wall and the first real challenge, Striding Edge. Take your time with route selection and careful footing along this very narrow, exposed, and rocky ridge, especially near the end where there is a down climb of 7m. The loose, gravel path to the summit of Helvellyn is then followed. Once at the top you can regain your breath and celebrate your achievement with amazing sweeping views on a clear day from England's third highest mountain. This can be a busy crossroad for a number of trails in the mountains and it is rare to have this summit to yourself. The descent is then via a second scramble down the equally narrow and exposed Swirral Edge. The first section is quite a loose, rocky drop and will require very careful down climbing. Please avoid the very loose gully descent to Keppel Cove to the left. The trail then continues its decent between Catstye Cam and Red Tarn, and eventually down the valley, past Gillside Plantation, and on to Glenridding. This trail should only be attempted in calm, clear, and dry conditions with perfect visibility. This trail should not be attempted in snow, ice, rain, or high winds as these conditions will make the scrambles very dangerous. Appropriate footwear, warm layers, food, and water should definitely be taken. This trail is not recommended for beginners and will require good fitness, mountain experience, and scrambling skills. Allow plenty of time to complete this tricky route safely. Please note, there are water crossings along this trail where care is needed. The weather in the mountains is very changeable and should be checked before heading out. Please be aware of your own abilities and limits.

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