Trail Running Planet · Lake District · Helvellyn
Helvellyn via Swirral Edge and Striding Edge from Thirlmere
You get the two most famous ridges on the fell, Swirral and Striding Edge, on a route that still starts and finishes on the quiet Thirlmere side.
Distance
11.3 km
Ascent
998 m
Descent
996 m
Max elevation
945 m
Route type
Loop
Est. time
2h 5m – 2h 50m
Grade
Very Hard
Navigation
map_skills
Parking
CA12 4TW
Dogs
Not suitable
Best seasons
summer, autumn
About this route
An 11.3km loop from Thirlmere that crosses to the east side of Helvellyn to take in both Swirral Edge and Striding Edge, the two classic aretes, with 998m of climb.
Hazards & notes
Striding Edge and Swirral Edge are exposed grade 1 scrambles where a fall would be fatal, treacherous when wet, iced or windy. The drop to Red Tarn is sheer; in winter both edges need axe, crampons and experience.
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-swirral-striding-from-thirlmere
trailrunningplanet.com