Helvellyn, one of the most iconic peaks in the Lake District, offers an exhilarating and unforgettable hiking experience for adventurers seeking stunning views and a touch of adrenaline. Standing at 950 metres (3,117 feet), Helvellyn is England’s third-highest mountain and attracts hikers from across the globe. The ascent via Striding Edge is a classic route that combines breathtaking scenery with a thrilling ridge walk, making it a must-do for experienced hikers and adventurous beginners alike.
Striding Edge is a narrow, exposed ridge that requires careful footing and a head for heights, but it rewards you with unparalleled views of the surrounding fells and valleys. On a clear day, you can see as far as the Isle of Man, Scotland, and even Wales from the summit. This route is not just a hike—it’s an adventure that tests your confidence, skill, and determination, all while immersing you in the wild beauty of the Lake District.
Did You Know?
The name Helvellyn is thought to derive from Old Welsh, meaning "yellow moorland" or "pale yellow upland."
Helvellyn has inspired countless poets, including William Wordsworth. His poem "Fidelity" was based on the true story of a loyal dog who guarded its owner's body after a tragic fall near Red Tarn.
In 1926, Helvellyn became the site of the first-ever successful airplane landing on a mountain in Great Britain! John F. Leeming and Bert Hinkler piloted a small Avro 585 Gosport biplane onto its summit.
Starting Point: NY 386 169 Glenridding carpark
Once parked, you are looking for the road between the village shops and Glenridding Beck. Bear right at a fork onto a riverside bridleway leading past Gillside campsite.
The track emerges onto the Greenside Road, where a sign indicates the start of the Helvellyn path. The footpath leads to a gate in the top intake wall, which gives access to the open fellside below the steep north-east ridge of Birkhouse Moor.
The Bridge: SH 671 599
Turn left to take the pitched stone path climbing alongside Mires Beck. Here, you will find a bridge to cross the water. As you enter Open access land, you have an uphill climb. Don’t forget to run around to take in the breathtaking views of Ullswater behind you. This section is a real leg warmer!
The Hole-In-The-Wall: NY 359 155
Eventually the path reaches the summit of Birkhouse Moor (another Wainwright for the baggers). Follow the path as it runs alongside the stone wall to the ‘Hole in the Wall’. From here the path begins to climb again up to the start of Striding Edge. First, you'll be looking forward to a little break at Red Tarn!
Reaching Red Tarn: SH 668 595
This is a beautiful and serene lake set in the bowl of Helvellyn. It's worth soaking up the views and taking a breather here before you start the climb up Striding Edge. If you fancy a dip, just ensure you are capable of swimming in cold water! And always be prepared!
The Robert Dixon Memorial: SH 665 583
The Robert Dixon iron monument on Striding Edge commemorates a 33-year-old man who plunged from the ridge while following Patterdale Foxhounds on November 27, 1858.
Critically injured, he was taken home but died in the early hours of the next morning. He was buried in Patterdale Churchyard three days later.
Striding Edge: SH 662 587
As you approach High Spying How, the path splits, and you're faced with an important decision: should you take the lower route, which bypasses the iconic crest of Striding Edge, or tackle the higher, more exhilarating path along the ridge? If you choose the latter, be prepared to navigate five distinct "towers"—rocky outcrops that require careful ascents and descents. The fifth tower, the final obstacle before reaching the summit, is the most challenging of them all. From here, it's a steep, rocky ascent of roughly 400 feet up "The Castle," leading you to the summit plateau of Helvellyn itself.
The Summit of Helvellyn: SH 663 592
You'll eventually reach the flat summit of Helvellyn, so level that on December 23rd, 1926, John Leeming and Bert Hinkler were able to land a plane right on the peak! On a clear day, the views span 360 degrees and you can sit for hours and still not take everything in! Keep warm though, as it's usually quite cold up there. Moving away from the summit, you'll head North to Water Crag where your journey down Swirall Edge begins.
The route down is very steep at first but gently slopes out before rejoining the original path you ascended, just at the edge of Red Tarn at the 'Hole in the Wall'. Be careful heading down Swirral Edge, it's much like Striding Edge only shorter and slightly less narrow but it is loose rock.
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