Helvellyn newbie

When it’s fine and not too windy, and when the rock isn’t greasy, apart from the final “chimney” section, Striding Edge should hold no particular difficulties to any reasonably fit walker with a good head for heights. Walking along the very crest is, without doubt, the best way to do the edge. – Keep a good concentration on where you are placing your feet and use three points of contact whenever doing so would be the sensible option. Just take it slowly and enjoy the magnificent surroundings!

The actual start part for the descent of the chimney is not very obvious until you are literally right upon it. – It can be descended from either top left or top right hand side. – I prefer starting the descent from its top right (when looking towards the Helvellyn headwall).

Facing into the rock when climbing down the chimney is undoubtedly the safest method. Don’t hug the wall with your body, and you will be able to look down between and around your legs to see where the best footholds are.

The chimney really isn’t all that difficult, but f you are anxious about your abilities, you might consider walking along the entirety of the bypass route on the right hand side of the edge, (Striding Edge is only about a mile in length), until you get to the point at the bottom of the chimney, Then, you will be able to see the chimney in its entirety, you will be able to see where the handholds and footholds are, and you will be able to “practice” climb and descend the chimney in quick succession. You could then retrace your steps back to the start of the bypass route and do the full edge via the crest, knowing full well that you will have no difficulties with the chimney.

Alternatively, if you are OK with the crest but have real doubts about your ability to negotiate the chimney, it can be bypassed (from the crest) on the left-hand side. (The chimney bypass route will bring you back up to the main Striding Edge route at the bottom of the chimney).

For the walk in general, I prefer the Mires Beck route from Glenridding, following along the Birkhouse Moor dry stone wall towards the hole-in-the-wall. For me, that route gives the best views towards Helvellyn and Striding Edge. - If you scroll down far enough, a few of my Helvellyn walks (gpx tracks, plenty of pics etc.) can be found in the Walk Reports section of WalkLakes).

I wish you good weather and good luck for your walk. – It will be a walk you will have lifelong great memories of!

Regards, Mike.

colli.bateman@sky.com likes this post

As Lancashire Lad said, the crest of Striding edge is a fantastic and enjoyable walk. I think the main problem is going to be how busy it all is. I'd go early as possible to beat the crowds and the heat but that's just me. At the end of the ridge, rather than downclimb with Jessie I backtracked a few metres and dropped down an easy gully to a side path. Best of both worlds

Also make sure you have a look at Swirrall edge, take it steady, and keep aiming for the col with Catstye Cam as per: https://www.walklakes.co.uk/walk_41.html

Take sunblock, plenty of food, and enough drink, no rush you've got all day!

colli.bateman@sky.com likes this post