About the event:
At a Glance...
Social day walk to climb Helvellyn via Striding and Swirral Edges!
We're out for between 6-8 hours
Moderate mountain day with a lot of up, down and some exposed ridges!
Approx 892m ascent (2930ft)
Good paths and tracks throughout
Option to extend the day depending on the group
Lake District National Park
Accessible from Glenridding Village
Where is Glenridding?
Glenridding is a small village in the northern Lake District, on the southern shore of Ullswater — one of England’s most beautiful lakes. It’s around 20 minutes from Penrith and just over an hour from Manchester, making it a popular base for walking, scrambling and mountain adventures.
About the Adventure:
Starting in Glenridding, on the shores of Ullswater in the Lake District, this route takes on one of the UK’s most iconic mountain days. We climb steadily through open fellside before reaching Striding Edge — a narrow rocky ridge offering big views, hands-on scrambling and a real sense of exposure and adventure.
After crossing the edge, we make the final ascent onto Helvellyn (950m), England’s third-highest mountain, with panoramic views across the Lake District on clear days.
The descent follows Swirral Edge, a shorter but equally dramatic rocky ridge, before dropping past Red Tarn and returning via the old Greenside mining road, where there’s time to enjoy the changing landscape and reflect on a classic Lakeland mountain experience.
This route combines mountain walking, scrambling, stunning scenery and a real sense of achievement, making it one of the most memorable days out in the Lakes. Suitable for fit walkers comfortable with heights and uneven terrain.
Meeting Point:
We'll meet at 0800 in the main car park in Glenridding here.
If you click on the link, a new tab will open the location in Google Maps.
Difficulty:
This is not a long day, but it has steep ascent sections and the main ridges themselves. There is a bypass track for anyone struggling - but Fabian will be on hand to help with any difficulties. There is the infamous down climb at the end of the ridge which we can assist with and then a loose scramble up to the summit. Swirral edge has loose sections but is not as challenging as Striding Edge.
There is an option to bypass Swirral edge.
These are potentially dangerous ridges and should the weather dictate, we would avoid the exposed sections.
Prerequisites:
You'll need a good level of general hill fitness with experience of repeated ascent and descent - and a head for heights and exposure.
Cost:
The day costs just £45 per person with discounts for booking more than one person
Numbers:
We can take a maximum of 10.
Equipment:
Please see the All Activities section of the kit list here. Walking poles are recommended.
You will need to provide your own transport (though we always encourage car sharing), hill kit, accommodation (if required) and travel insurance.
We encourage people to car share and this option can be noted on booking - whether you need a lift or would be willing to offer a lift.
Images from Past Events
To Book
If you want to chat to me about the event then please feel free to do so - email is a good start as I'm often out and about with limited phone reception. Please see the Frequently Asked Questions too.
To book simply click 'Register Now' and follow the instructions (or on mobile, the link below). You'll get an automated confirmation reply but I'll follow that up when I get back to civilisation to say thanks and with more detail about the event.
Please ensure you've read the booking Terms and Conditions and you are aware of what you need to bring by downloading the gear list.
Please check carefully which tickets you are booking and for how many. We try and be flexible but of course that brings loads of options!