How long does Helvellyn via Striding Edge take?

Most walkers take 6–7 hours for the 13 km route, which has 900 m of ascent. That allows for short stops; give yourself longer in winter, in poor weather or with a group.

Where does the walk start, and where can I park?

It starts at Glenridding (grid reference NY 386 169). Pay and display at Glenridding village car park.

Which hills does it climb?

Helvellyn (950 m, Wainwright, Hewitt); Striding Edge (863 m, Hewitt).

James Armes · Unsplash

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Walking across Striding Edge to Helvellyn

Jonny Gios · Unsplash

Jonny Gios · Unsplash

Glenridding Hard

Helvellyn via Striding Edge

Wainwright Circular Scramble

England's most famous ridge scramble, an airy traverse to Helvellyn with a return over Swirral Edge.

Distance: 13 km
Ascent: 900 m
Time: 6–7 h
Grade: Hard
Route: Circular
High point: 950 m

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Route line is approximate. Added to TRXO on 19 Oct 2026. For planning only: always navigate with an up-to-date map such as OS Explorer or Harvey. How we make our routes.

About this walk

Helvellyn via Striding Edge is a hard 13 km circular walk with 900 m of ascent, taking 6 to 7 hours. It starts at Glenridding (grid reference NY 386 169). It climbs Helvellyn (950 m), a Wainwright. The start can be reached by public transport.

Striding Edge is an exposed rocky arête with easy scrambling and big drops either side. In good conditions it is one of the finest mountain days in England; in wind, rain or winter conditions it is a serious undertaking.

Ridge Great views Lochs & lakes Reachable by public transport

Route

1
Glenridding to the Hole-in-the-Wall

Follow the lane past Westside and climb over Birkhouse Moor to the wall gap known as the Hole-in-the-Wall.
2
Striding Edge

Traverse the crest of the ridge, or the path just below it, to the final rocky step and the climb onto the summit plateau.
3
Swirral Edge and the descent

Descend Swirral Edge to Red Tarn, then follow the beck down past the old Greenside mines to Glenridding.

Summit

Helvellyn

950 m

Wainwright Hewitt Marilyn

Other routes up these hills

Helvellyn, Nethermost Pike, Catstye Cam and Raise 15.7 km · 1060 m

Plan your day

Start Pace Day

Time needed: 5 h 16 min
Back by: 14:16
Sunset: …
Turn back by: …

Based on Naismith's rule plus short breaks. Allow extra in winter or poor weather.

A link with the route, your start time and when you expect to be back, to send to someone at home.

Summit forecast

–

Forecast at Helvellyn summit (950 m). Always check a mountain forecast too.

Getting there

Start: Glenridding
Grid ref: NY 386 169
Parking: Pay and display at Glenridding village car park.
Transport: Bus 508 from Penrith station.
Facilities: Toilets, cafés and pubs in Glenridding.

Directions to start

Bothies and hostels nearby

Patterdale Youth Hostel Hostel · 1.8 km
YHA Helvellyn Hostel · 2.1 km
YHA Hostel Grasmere Hostel · 10.3 km

Distances are from the start. Check with whoever runs it before relying on one.

Terrain

Good paths to the Hole-in-the-Wall, then an exposed Grade 1 scramble. Steep, loose descent of Swirral Edge.

Bog factor

Not recommended for dogs.

Land and access

In England you can walk on public rights of way and open access land. The Countryside Code sets out how to do so responsibly.

Leave gates and property as you find them, and follow paths unless there's wider access.
On open access land, keep dogs on a short lead from 1 March to 31 July, and at any time near livestock.
Take your litter home, and bag and bin dog poo.
Plan ahead and check for signs and local advice.

The Countryside Code

What to take

A serious mountain day. Weather on the tops can be far worse than in the valley, and navigation is hard in cloud. Expect winter conditions from November to April.

Nothing out of the ordinary, so the usual kit below.

✓Map and compass (and know how to use them)
✓Waterproof jacket and trousers
✓Warm layer, hat and gloves, even in summer
✓Food, water and a head torch
✓Charged phone; register for emergency SMS (text 'register' to 999)

Hill safety guide

Questions about this walk

How long does Helvellyn via Striding Edge take?: Most walkers take 6–7 hours for the 13 km route, which has 900 m of ascent. That allows for short stops; give yourself longer in winter, in poor weather or with a group.
Where does the walk start, and where can I park?: It starts at Glenridding (grid reference NY 386 169). Pay and display at Glenridding village car park.
Can I get there by public transport?: Bus 508 from Penrith station.
How hard is it?: It's graded hard. Good paths to the Hole-in-the-Wall, then an exposed Grade 1 scramble. Steep, loose descent of Swirral Edge.
Which hills does it climb?: Helvellyn (950 m, Wainwright, Hewitt); Striding Edge (863 m, Hewitt).
Can I take my dog?: It isn't recommended for dogs.

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