Hard hike. Very good fitness required. Sure-footedness, sturdy shoes and alpine experience required. The starting point of the route is right next to a parking lot.

Last updated: January 17, 2026

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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 6.04 km for 647 m

After 6.76 km for 17 m

After 7.37 km for 491 m

Waypoints

Start point

Parking

Get Directions

3.15 km

Waterfalls on Birkhouse Moor

Highlight • Waterfall

Lovely bunch of waterfalls heading up birkhouse Moor on your way to hellvellyn

Tip by

6.47 km

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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6.59 km

The Chimney on Striding Edge

Highlight • Climb

The crux of Striding Edge really. A down climb before the last steep ascent to the summit of Helvellyn.

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6.71 km

View of Red Tarn and Striding Edge

Highlight • Lake

Red Tarn is a small lake at the foot of Helvellyn. Ideal place to rest or have something to eat before starting the ascent.

Translated by Google •

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6.74 km

Striding Edge

Highlight • Summit

I couldn't see striding edge because of the weather..

Tip by

7.03 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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7.38 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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13.7 km

End point

Parking

Way Types & Surfaces

Way Types

8.89 km

2.34 km

2.07 km

363 m

< 100 m

Surfaces

7.14 km

3.23 km

1.52 km

863 m

795 m

136 m

Elevation

Weather

Today

Wednesday 28 January

7°C

-1°C

0 %

Additional weather tips

Max wind speed: 9.0 km/h

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Helvellyn Summit – Swirral Edge loop from Patterdale

Waterfalls on Birkhouse Moor

Striding Edge

The Chimney on Striding Edge

View of Red Tarn and Striding Edge

Striding Edge

Helvellyn Summit

Swirral Edge

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