It's a pretty straighforward grade 1 scramble. Don't need to use your hands too much. An ascent in winter would be much more difficult tho.
Had fantastic weather and the views of the lakes are amazing while walking on the ridge !
Had the ridge to myself so made it that much more special
steved - Jun 25, 2017 10:35 am Date Climbed: Mar 25, 2016
From Glenridding
Used this route to ascend and descend Helvellyn. A solid scramble.
AdamTurner - May 31, 2012 6:44 pm Date Climbed: May 28, 2012
A fine classic!
I have wanted to do this route for a while and I could not have had better weather for it! I look forward to returning for a winter ascent in the near future.
rgg - May 29, 2012 1:19 pm Date Climbed: May 26, 2012
A fun scramble
I had done only a few scrambles in the UK, and consequently I had little personal experience with the scrambling grades. From what I read about it, I reckoned that I shouldn't have any trouble on anything with grade 1, and that I would like to have a rope and partner on anything with grade 3. In between, I couldn't really tell.
Striding Edge was classed as grade 1, and I had read good things about it, so I wanted to experience it for myself.
I scrambled over everything, and really enjoyed myself doing it! It turned out to be quite easy, with lots of firm holds all over the place, and while at some spots falling could easily be deadly, especially down the steep left side, for the most part, the exposure didn't feel overwhelming. It was just pure fun!
markhallam - May 28, 2012 12:58 am Date Climbed: May 27, 2012
Descended it
This rounded off a perfect day - started very early with Pinnacle Ridge and taking in summits of St Sunday, Farfield and finally Helvellyn before descending Striding Edge at midday - just as the masses started to stream up.
It was better than I expected - delightful scramble with a little exposure - and no problem passing people if you keep strictly to the crest (as you should do!) - since most people avoid the crest and by pass all the good bits on the path.
Highlights of the day were:
Surprising (myself and) a lovely lady sneaking a swim in Grisedale Tarn... now that took some doing at 1700ft after the coldest May on record!
The extraordinary vision of a frightened 30 something year old man, on his own and picking his way along striding edge attired in black suit trousers, spotless ironed white linen shirt and tie - you could see your face in the shine on his polished black leather climbing boots. I complemented him on being the only one to observe correct dress code, but he actually wanted my assistance guiding him off the exposed bit of crest he was on and down to where the path skirted the difficulties!
Trevers89 - May 10, 2012 1:49 pm Date Climbed: Mar 10, 2012
Pleasant stroll
Didn't have to use my hands too much on the ridge proper although fortunately gusting gale force winds made things a bit more dramatic
Jake - Oct 10, 2011 5:20 am Date Climbed: Oct 8, 2011
Bad weather
Wind up to 60 miles per hour, horizontal rain and clouds. Didn't see too much really but still it was a nice day out.
and lots of times...i still love it esp in the winter.
Andy_Hornung - Feb 15, 2010 3:26 pm Date Climbed: Jan 31, 2010
Great winter's day
A great day in winter condition - now I've done some pretty daft things in my time, but none as daft as the fool I saw this day negotiating Striding Edge in a lovely pair of very fashionable, but totally unsuitable timberland shoes! He didn't make the news, so I guess he lived to die another day.
The classic route. I've done this one a few times over the years. Always good, though can get crowded in summer. Best in winter conditions, but make sure you have the equipment. Last time I climbed this (Jan 08) someone fell from the top and died before teh rescue helicopter arrived.
This must be the route up Helvellyn I have taken more than any other. I remember as a teenager doing it for the first time in the mist and damp and having to be roped down the short drop before the final climb up to the summit. I have since completed it many times, even just a couple of weeks ago in the snow and ice requiring full winter gear. This route never fails to be enjoyable.
J Fox - Jun 29, 2007 4:00 pm Date Climbed: Mar 23, 2005
A wet day
The mrs and I climbed this on a wet a foggy day. We didn't see much of the ridge but it was still a great scramble. Descended via the Swirral Edge.
Baarb - Jun 18, 2006 11:26 pm Date Climbed: Sep 30, 2003
Edgy
One of the first ridges I ever did, loved it, somehow never had the time to go back again. One day though! And that pile of jagged rocks near the summit, that emerging out of the mist was, was something right of LoTR. But then again, so is most of the Lake District! :D
OK I've done this route a fair few times, but I have to admit, the best was my first. With a meter of powder snow and clear blue sky. April early 90's.........fantastic
nicotouchestheskies - Dec 17, 2023 7:50 am Date Climbed: Feb 23, 2023
Striding EdgeIt's a pretty straighforward grade 1 scramble. Don't need to use your hands too much. An ascent in winter would be much more difficult tho.
Had fantastic weather and the views of the lakes are amazing while walking on the ridge !
Had the ridge to myself so made it that much more special
steved - Jun 25, 2017 10:35 am Date Climbed: Mar 25, 2016
From GlenriddingUsed this route to ascend and descend Helvellyn. A solid scramble.
AdamTurner - May 31, 2012 6:44 pm Date Climbed: May 28, 2012
A fine classic!I have wanted to do this route for a while and I could not have had better weather for it! I look forward to returning for a winter ascent in the near future.
rgg - May 29, 2012 1:19 pm Date Climbed: May 26, 2012
A fun scrambleI had done only a few scrambles in the UK, and consequently I had little personal experience with the scrambling grades. From what I read about it, I reckoned that I shouldn't have any trouble on anything with grade 1, and that I would like to have a rope and partner on anything with grade 3. In between, I couldn't really tell.
Striding Edge was classed as grade 1, and I had read good things about it, so I wanted to experience it for myself.
I scrambled over everything, and really enjoyed myself doing it! It turned out to be quite easy, with lots of firm holds all over the place, and while at some spots falling could easily be deadly, especially down the steep left side, for the most part, the exposure didn't feel overwhelming. It was just pure fun!
markhallam - May 28, 2012 12:58 am Date Climbed: May 27, 2012
Descended itThis rounded off a perfect day - started very early with Pinnacle Ridge and taking in summits of St Sunday, Farfield and finally Helvellyn before descending Striding Edge at midday - just as the masses started to stream up.
It was better than I expected - delightful scramble with a little exposure - and no problem passing people if you keep strictly to the crest (as you should do!) - since most people avoid the crest and by pass all the good bits on the path.
Highlights of the day were:
Surprising (myself and) a lovely lady sneaking a swim in Grisedale Tarn... now that took some doing at 1700ft after the coldest May on record!
The extraordinary vision of a frightened 30 something year old man, on his own and picking his way along striding edge attired in black suit trousers, spotless ironed white linen shirt and tie - you could see your face in the shine on his polished black leather climbing boots. I complemented him on being the only one to observe correct dress code, but he actually wanted my assistance guiding him off the exposed bit of crest he was on and down to where the path skirted the difficulties!
Trevers89 - May 10, 2012 1:49 pm Date Climbed: Mar 10, 2012
Pleasant strollDidn't have to use my hands too much on the ridge proper although fortunately gusting gale force winds made things a bit more dramatic
Jake - Oct 10, 2011 5:20 am Date Climbed: Oct 8, 2011
Bad weatherWind up to 60 miles per hour, horizontal rain and clouds. Didn't see too much really but still it was a nice day out.
norm79 - Jul 21, 2011 4:48 pm
Join the queue...Timed it wrong - big queue of people trundling over
AndyWhaley - Jul 17, 2010 4:11 am Date Climbed: May 2, 2010
Hat-trick3 times so far, once under cloud and twice with excellent visibility. Will be going back loads more.
Simnel - Mar 3, 2010 1:09 pm
lots and lotsand lots of times...i still love it esp in the winter.
Andy_Hornung - Feb 15, 2010 3:26 pm Date Climbed: Jan 31, 2010
Great winter's dayA great day in winter condition - now I've done some pretty daft things in my time, but none as daft as the fool I saw this day negotiating Striding Edge in a lovely pair of very fashionable, but totally unsuitable timberland shoes! He didn't make the news, so I guess he lived to die another day.
hamishsummers - Feb 1, 2008 8:55 am
ClassicThe classic route. I've done this one a few times over the years. Always good, though can get crowded in summer. Best in winter conditions, but make sure you have the equipment. Last time I climbed this (Jan 08) someone fell from the top and died before teh rescue helicopter arrived.
mountainmanmark - Jan 27, 2008 5:36 pm
Got the Edge?This must be the route up Helvellyn I have taken more than any other. I remember as a teenager doing it for the first time in the mist and damp and having to be roped down the short drop before the final climb up to the summit. I have since completed it many times, even just a couple of weeks ago in the snow and ice requiring full winter gear. This route never fails to be enjoyable.
J Fox - Jun 29, 2007 4:00 pm Date Climbed: Mar 23, 2005
A wet dayThe mrs and I climbed this on a wet a foggy day. We didn't see much of the ridge but it was still a great scramble. Descended via the Swirral Edge.
Baarb - Jun 18, 2006 11:26 pm Date Climbed: Sep 30, 2003
EdgyOne of the first ridges I ever did, loved it, somehow never had the time to go back again. One day though! And that pile of jagged rocks near the summit, that emerging out of the mist was, was something right of LoTR. But then again, so is most of the Lake District! :D
mountainmanjohn - May 8, 2006 4:26 am
Striding alongOK I've done this route a fair few times, but I have to admit, the best was my first. With a meter of powder snow and clear blue sky. April early 90's.........fantastic