CÀRN - British outdoor footwear

Overview: One of the Lake District's most popular walks, a circular route taking in the ridges of Striding Edge and Swirral Edge. A true Lakeland classic the ascent of Striding Edge makes an ideal approach to Helvellyn in good weather, with panoramic views in all directions, but in rain, high wind, or snow the route takes on a more sinister nature with it's steep drops to either side. The return from Helvellyn takes in Catseye Cam and Swirral Edge, a less fearsome ridge than its counterpart on the outward leg.

Maps: O/S Map LR090

Strenuousness: 3
Difficulty: 2
Photogenic Grade: 4
Start Point: ST 466 538

Section 1: Glennriding to Helvellyn
Length: 3.5 miles ( 5.6Km)
Height Gain: 2873ft ( 873m)
Average Time: 2:50

With parking slightly easier in Glenridding than Patterdale, it makes an easier start/finish point. The route starts from Rattleback Bridge where the track heads south west, quickly leaving the village behind as it rises onto open fell side. The route now climbs relentlessly alongside Mires Beck to a fork after 2km (from the start) where you have the choice of contouring the north side of Grisedale or bearing right to take in the summit of Birkhouse Moor. From Birkhouse Moor the path heads for the famous "Hole in the wall" where the full eastern aspect of Helvellyn comes into view and the whole route is laid out before you.
From the Hole in the wall the nature of the walk changes dramatically as you head left to start the ascent to High Spying How. Navigation is straightforward, with the best line taking the crest of the ridge as you cross Striding Edge. Where necessary you can drop down to a slightly lower path for long sections as far as a col before the final steep pull. The descent to the col from the main ridge is the most difficult part of the route and demands extra care in bad weather. Pass the Gough Monument and continue to the summit plateau, where you turn right for the summit.

Section 2: Helvellyn to Glenridding
Length: 3.7 miles (5.9 Km)
Height Gain: 352ft (107m)
Average Time: 1:40

From the summit of Helvellyn head north west to the start of Swirral Edge, which drops away to the north west. Although considerably easier than Striding Edge, the initial steep descent is not to be underestimated, especially in wet weather. Follow the ridge down to a col, with views across Red Tarn to your ascent route on the right and Ullswater ahead beyond the summit of Catseye Cam. From the col ascend directly to Catseye Cam.

From the summit continue north east and descend to Glenridding Common where you join Red Tarn Beck as it makes its way down towards a confluence with the stream from Keppel Cove and Brown Cove. Once you meet the stream the angle of descent eases and the walk soon turns into a pleasant stroll down to the old mine workings and Glenridding Youth Hostel. Cross the stream by the Youth Hostel and follow the wide and well used track along the north side of the valley to rejoin your outbound leg just outside Glenridding.