Helvellyn via Striding Edge

Start Point: Glenridding Car Park and Tourist Information Centre (NY385170)

Distance: 12 Km (7.5 miles)
Ascent: 900 meters
Time: 5hrs 45 minutes.

Directions:
Return to the main road (A592) and turn right across Glenridding Beck and right (West) at the end of the bridge into the lane than runs beside the Beck and past the climbing shop. Keep to the side of the Beck by taking the right fork then take the lane to the left (South) up hill to a gate. Go through the gate and climb the hillside for about 100 meters before bearing South West on a path signposted 'Helvellyn via Mires Beck' to reach a gate in a wall at the junction of paths (approximately 1.5 Km)

Continue Southwest up the hillside beside Mires Beck to reach a wall. Follow the wall West up onto Birkhouse Moor (approximately 1.5 Km) - NY363160. Bear left (Southwest) along the wall to reach 'Hole-in-the-Wall' after 1 Km (NY359155). Continue Southwest, leaving the wall when it bears Southeast down the fell, to ascend Striding Edge either via the ridge path or the slightly easier path below the ridge. The ridge descends sharply, ending at a rock step, before climbing steeply (West) to the summit of Helvellyn (NY342151) at 950 metres (2 Km).

From the summit (trig point and shelter), continue Northwest to the saddle between Helvellyn and Lower Man before heading East by a cairn to follow the path to Swirral Edge. Descend along Swirral Edge to a fork in the path (level ground). Take the right fork (Southeast) descending below Red Tarn to Hole -in-the-Wall' (2 Km). Cross the stile in the wall and descend East down a well-marked path to reach a gate where paths meet (NY381159). Go through the gate and follow the path past Lanty's Tarn before descending North to the lane from which you started. Head East into Glenridding (1.5 Km).

These directions are provided for guidance only. This walk should not be attempted without a compass and a suitable map (OS Landranger 90 or OS Explorer OL5).

© Copyright 2010 Ambles Rambles & Scrambles