Trail Running Planet · Lake District · Helvellyn
Helvellyn via Striding Edge and Swirral Edge from Patterdale
This is the postcard round of Helvellyn: up the knife-edge of Striding Edge, across the 950m summit, and down Swirral with Red Tarn below the whole way.
Distance
12.7 km
Ascent
824 m
Descent
819 m
Max elevation
945 m
Route type
Loop
Est. time
2h 5m – 2h 50m
Grade
Very Hard
Navigation
map_skills
Parking
CA11 0PD
Dogs
Not suitable
Best seasons
summer, autumn
About this route
The classic 12.7km eastern circuit of Helvellyn from the Patterdale and Glenridding side, up Striding Edge and down Swirral Edge over Red Tarn, with 824m of climb.
Hazards & notes
Striding Edge and Swirral Edge are exposed grade 1 scrambles with fatal fall potential, and the step off the summit onto Swirral is awkward. Avoid in strong wind, wet rock or any winter conditions without axe and crampons.
Emergency
Call 999 or 112 → ask for Police → request Mountain Rescue. Register Emergency SMS: text "register" to 999.
Full route, GPX download & live conditions:
https://trailrunningplanet.com/routes/england/lake-district/helvellyn/helvellyn-striding-swirral-from-patterdale
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