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Striding Edge – Helvellyn Summit loop from Patterdale

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Hiking trails & Routes

Striding Edge – Helvellyn Summit loop from Patterdale

Hard

4.8

(83)

1,024

hikers

Striding Edge – Helvellyn Summit loop from Patterdale

05:33

14.5km

850m

Hiking

Hard hike. Very good fitness required. Sure-footedness, sturdy shoes and alpine experience required. The starting point of the route is accessible with public transport.

Last updated: May 14, 2026

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 5.28 km for 604 m

After 5.95 km for 18 m

Waypoints

Start point

Bus stop

Get Directions

74 m

Glenridding Village

Highlight • Pub

Glenridding is a superb base for your adventures in the Eastern Fells of the Lake District. It is the popular starting point for Helvellyn, one of Britain's most beloved mountains, giving access the majestic Red Tarn and the exciting ridges of Striding and Swirral Edge. However, there's more than just Helvellyn to enjoy here, with other classics like Place Fell and St Sunday Crag also within reach.

The village has many accommodation options, as well as excellent independent gear shops. Refreshment can be sought in the cafes and pubs, whilst neighbouring Patterdale is only a short walk away.

The Ullswater Steamers launch from Glenridding Pier and can take you across the lake to Howtown, Pooley Bridge and Aira Force.

Tip by

3.43 km

Birkhouse Moor summit

Highlight • Viewpoint

Birkhouse Moor is a Wainwright summit that rises above Glenridding, at the southern tip of Ullswater. It's the terminating apex of Helvellyn's principal eastern ridge, which is also home to the famous Striding Edge. The summit provides excellent views of Helvellyn's edges, its craggy north east face and pointy Catstycam's beautiful form.

Tip by

4.68 km

View of Helvellyn and Catstye Cam

Highlight • Viewpoint

Stunning viewpoint of the route ahead, Helvellyn summit and across to Catstye Cam. Even better on a blue sky day.

Tip by

5.63 km

Striding Edge

Highlight • Climb

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 and a perfect opportunity for those looking to try scrambling for the first time. Don't underestimate this route, though, and avoid in bad weather.

Tip by

5.89 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 •

Tip by

5.91 km

Striding Edge

Highlight • Summit

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

Tip by

6.24 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 the crest, before bagging the summit and completing your high-level loop of Red Tarn via the rocky staircase of Swirral Edge.

Tip by

8.16 km

White Side Summit

Highlight • Viewpoint

White Side is a mountain in the Eastern fells of the Lake District close to Helvellyn. Fun Fact - I once saw a unicyclist up on the summit of White Side!

Tip by

14.5 km

End point

Bus stop

Way Types & Surfaces

Way Types

6.83 km

4.64 km

2.56 km

313 m

< 100 m

Surfaces

4.79 km

3.91 km

3.23 km

1.41 km

1.06 km

< 100 m

Elevation

Nothing selected – click and drag below to see the stats for a specific part of the route.

Weather

Thursday 9 July

28°C

13°C

0 %

Additional weather tips

Max wind speed: 9.0 km/h

to get more detailed weather forecasts along your route

Comments

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Our route recommendations are based on thousands of hikes, rides, and runs completed by other people on komoot.

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Striding Edge – Helvellyn Summit loop from Patterdale

Glenridding Village

Birkhouse Moor summit

View of Helvellyn and Catstye Cam

Striding Edge

View of Red Tarn and Striding Edge

Striding Edge

Helvellyn Summit

White Side Summit

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