Region: Helvellyn, Glenridding, Lake District National Park, Cumbria
Places To Stay: There are so many fantastic places to stay near Helvellyn and the Lake District as a whole, people come from all over the world and they get booked up very quickly!
Looking for more Lake District walks? Try Catbells, Scafell Pike, Old Man of Coniston, Buttermere
Below are a 3 ideas for trips and tours available in the Lake District, GetYourGuide offer great discounts and availability + Many more!
Helvellyn is the third highest peak in England and has become a favourite for walkers thanks to the stunning views and its legendary ridges — Striding Edge and Swirral Edge. This 8 mile circular walk starts from Glenridding and follows a classic route up via Striding Edge to the summit of Helvellyn, before looping back down via Swirral Edge and past Red Tarn. It’s an unforgettable day out for confident hikers, with mountain views, knife-edge ridges, and a real sense of achievement.
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Getting There: Directions, GPX and App Link
- Glenridding is located on the southern shore of Ullswater. From the M6, take junction 40 and follow the A66 and then A592.
- Parking is available in the Glenridding main car park – https://maps.app.goo.gl/emVVUb7eHEu67m3FA. Pay and display, with toilets on site. It gets busy early, especially in summer and on weekends.
- Download my hand crafted GPX file, and use it on your own guidance devices.
- I added the route to my Outdooractive account, free to view and download this trail from there.
Hike Profile
- Distance: 8m / 13km
- Duration: 5 – 6 hours
- Highest point: 3,117ft / 950m
- Difficulty: Hard – this route includes exposed ridge walking (Striding Edge), steep ascents and descents, and mountain terrain. It’s not suitable for beginners or anyone with a fear of heights.
- Route conditions: Rocky paths, ridgelines, mountain tracks. Hiking boots essential. Avoid in poor weather due to exposure on the ridges.
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Hike Description
This walk begins in the village of Glenridding, nestled on the southern shore of Ullswater. From the main car park, you’ll head through the village and pick up a well-trodden path that climbs steadily along Mires Beck. It’s a steep start, but the views open up quickly — within half an hour you’ll be looking back over Glenridding and the shimmering waters of Ullswater below. It’s a good excuse to pause and catch your breath.
The route continues across the open hillside of Birkhouse Moor, gradually levelling out as you approach the ‘hole in the wall’ — a classic landmark and natural rest stop. From here, the mighty spine of Striding Edge stretches out ahead. It looks dramatic (and it is), but many walkers manage it each day. That said, it does demand care, confidence, and a head for heights. If conditions are dry and visibility is good, you’re in for one of the most iconic ridge walks in the UK.
Striding Edge is a narrow, rocky arête — about 1km long — with steep drops on either side. There’s a clear path just below the crest for much of it, so you can stick to the top or take the easier line. Some light scrambling is needed, and near the end you’ll face a short climb up a rocky chimney to gain the final stretch to the summit. It’s a hands-on moment, but manageable for most.
Walk this route yourself in 3D!
The Video is a 3D walk through of this route; it will give you a unique sense of having walked through the route before you start.
I have created 3D Videos of my adventures and have shared them with the OutdoorActive community as well as my walking community.
[video_popup url=”https://youtu.be/5hUoa3KwXhA” text=”Helvellyn via Striding Edge – A 8 Mile Circular Walk from Glenridding in the Lake District – 3D Video.” title=”Helvellyn via Striding Edge – A 8 Mile Circular Walk from Glenridding in the Lake District – 3D Video.”]
At the top, you arrive on Helvellyn’s broad summit plateau — a wide, grassy expanse with a trig point and cairn at 950m. The views are absolutely stunning on a clear day, stretching from Blencathra and Skiddaw in the north to Scafell Pike and the Western Fells. You might even see Scotland on the horizon. It’s a brilliant place to stop for a break, lunch, or just to take it all in.
The descent begins via Swirral Edge, a shorter and slightly less exposed ridge that curves down from the summit towards Red Tarn. This section still requires care, especially in wet or icy conditions, but it’s a much easier experience after the adrenaline of Striding Edge. Red Tarn sits below the ridges like a giant bowl of mountain reflection — it’s a popular spot to rest or dip your feet on a warm day.
From here, the path swings back towards Glenridding, descending gradually through grassy hillsides and stony paths. You’ll rejoin the route you climbed earlier, giving you another chance to soak in those Lake District views before returning to the village. A well-earned drink or slice of cake in one of Glenridding’s cafés or pubs is almost compulsory at this point.
Below are a 3 ideas for trips and tours available in the Lake District, GetYourGuide offer great discounts and availability + Many more!
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Helvellyn FAQs
1. How difficult is this walk?
2. Is Striding Edge dangerous?
3. How long does the hike take?
4. Where do you park for this walk?
5. Can I do this walk with my dog?
6. Do I need hiking boots?
7. Is the route well marked?
8. What’s the weather like up there?
9. Is there phone signal on the route?
10. Can I get food or drink nearby?
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