Striding Edge - Helvellyn Weekender

⚠️ Regular members only ⚠️

This challenging trail will test your nerve and skills on two steep and narrow ridge scrambles as you make your way over the summit of Helvellyn, the third-highest peak in England.

Do not underestimate this trail as it will require mountain skills and a head for heights. Striding Edge is a grade one scramble, defined as an exposed walking route that requires you to use your hands to pull yourself over rocks and boulders, with a serious risk of falling at height on steep, rough terrain; it does not require ropes or specialised climbing gear.

Although this isn't the scariest scramble, it's very important that you know what's in store.

Starting in Glenridding, the trail winds its way up to Birkhouse Moor, Hole-in-the-Wall, and then on to the ridge proper, culminating in the scramble up Striding Edge. Here, great care and concentration are needed to pick your way along this very technical and narrow rocky ridge. Hands-on climbing will be needed on tricky sections, including a long, steep descent near the top of the ridge.

The path then levels out onto the loose gravel track to the summit of Helvellyn. Here you can enjoy sweeping views before tackling the tricky descent.

The scrambling descent down Swirral Edge will also require very careful footing, climbing, and route selection as there are big drops, slippery rocks, and loose sections.

⚠️We will only attempt this trail in calm, clear, and dry conditions. We will avoid adverse weather as the technical paths become incredibly slippery and dangerous.
⚠️You are not welcome to climb anyway; if it is regretfully cancelled by us, a plan B for us all to enjoy will be at the ready.

Accomodattion/Camping
The best all-rounder I can find is Ullswater Holiday Park, but please arrange your own accommodation. Shout out on the WhatsApp chat for sharing.

Accomodation that can host us all has 1,2,3,& 4 bed lodges, pods and even safari tents.

Accommodation Link Here
Alternatively, stay where you like. You'll be spoiled for choice if you want something more boujie nearby on Airbnb or booking sites.

Friday:
Leave in the morning, and arrive at the site for check-in.
- Rowing, kayaking, or canoeing, SUP, archery, for an hour on Lake Ullswater, or archery and axe throwing
are amongst other activities available.
If there's enough interest, we can charter a boat for 10 people to take us for a luxury outing on the lake
https://wakeandsurf.co.uk

- Evening meal at a restaurant of our choice in the area or a buffet at someone's accommodation.

Saturday
Climbing Helvellyn
Route is 8-miles / 13-km with 1,000 m of elevation gain.
https://www.alltrails.com/en-gb/explore/trail/england/cumbria/helvellyn-swirrel-edge-and-striding-edge-circular

Evening: beers & BBQ at mine.

Sunday
Individual car/groups choice - explore the area if you wish, but I will be having breakfast and chilling, followed by the drive home.

This group is sponsored by
Escape Rooms Cardiff