Hiking Trails » UK Trails

Beacons Horseshoe

Khan — Sun, 28 Sep 2008 09:29:25 +0000

Trail Name:
Beacons Horseshoe

Summary:
A strenuous but highly enjoyable ridge walk that summits the three main peaks of the Brecon Beacons.

Trail Description

Brecon Beacons National Park encompasses the Black Mountains to the east; Fforest Fawr and the Black Mountain to the west; and the central range of the Brecon Beacons, a steep ridge rising to a series of rounded summits. The trail traverses part of this ridge, taking in Cribyn (2,608 ft / 795 m) via the dramatic north face; Pen y Fan, at 2,906 ft / 886 m the highest peak in southern Britain, and Corn Du (2,863 ft / 873 m).

The approach to Cribyn is via the Bryn Teg ridge, which lies south of Cwm Gwdi Training Camp. From the car park, head uphill to the end of the road. A footpath sign on the left points down to a stream, Nant Gwdi, which you cross and head up the other side, bearing left up some steps cut into the ground. Turn left and follow the path through woodland, keeping the stream below you to the left. The path veers away from the stream towards a wire fence to the left. Follow the track through the ferns, keeping the fence to your left, until you reach a footpath sign pointing pack to the Cwm Gwdi car park.

From here, there are two ways to reach the ridge – the first along tracks and over fields following public rights of way, and a second more direct but steeper way requiring some route-finding over the hills:

OPTION A Turn left through the gate and follow the track ahead to a stile. Continue in the same direction to a junction, where you turn right along a wide track that leads to a farm. Pass through the farm and at the stile continue heading south-east as you follow the orange footpath arrow towards the top right-hand corner of the field and a gap in the trees. Keep in the same direction to cross the next three fields, eventually reaching a track, which you follow to the left to yet another stile and a tarmac lane. Turn right – the lane heads downhill to a steam, then starts to climb. It is now uphill all the way to the summit of Cribyn, a climb of some 1,790 ft / 545 m. The tarmac lane gives way to a stony track enclosed by a low stone wall, which ends at a gate and a National Trust sign for Cwm Cynwyn, the valley to the left of Bryn Teg. Continue climbing up the hillside, bearing right off the main path towards a grassy track that you can clearly see heading through ferns up the slope to the Bryn Teg ridge.

OPTION B This route continues ahead at the Cwm Gwdi sign to skirt the hillside, veering right to head south-west through the valley of Cwm Sere. At a series of waterfalls, descend and find a place to cross the stream and head up the slope ahead to the Bryn Teg ridge. The track ends, and you simply have to find the best route. Because you will need an OS map, no detailed instructions are given here.

As you climb up Bryn Teg, the views expand to a panorama of the main Beacons ridge: Fan y Big on the left, Pen y Fan on the right and, directly before you, the imposing north face of Cribyn. The gradient becomes much gentler for a short time as you prepare for the final, steep 445 ft/135 m climb to the summit. Your reward is the 360 view you will have in clear weather.

At the summit, turn right to steeply descend a broad track and then ascend another 200 m or so to the summit of Pen y Fan, the climb becoming increasingly steep and rocky as you reach the top. From here you can see the small glacial lake of Llyn Cwm Llwch, which you will pass later.

Bear left for Corn Du, the third summit, which is reached by a much easier descent and ascent. Once at the top, keep ahead at the summit cairn to follow the path steeply downhill, heading towards the lake. Pass a memorial obelisk on the left; behind you, the imposing backdrop of Corn Du and Pen y Fan rises starkly above the lake.

A narrow path to the right leads down 20 m or so to the lakeshore – you can take this path if you wish, and rejoin the main track further down the valley. Alternatively, keep above the lake as you descend over open ground through the valley of Cwm Llwch, with a beautiful view of wooded countryside ahead.

Climb the stile by the National Trust sign and continue descending through light woodland, with sheep-dotted hills to each side. Bear left just before a cottage and cross two stiles following the white arrows. Keep the wall to your right and head around a clump of trees to a sunken track with a low wall and rocks to either side. Turn left to follow the track northwards to a metal gate and stile. The path continues to parallel the stream, before veering slightly away as you head through a parking area. Pass through the metal gate – it is now quiet tarmac lanes all the way back to Cwm Gwdi Training Camp. Keep right (east) at the crossroads, and ahead at the next junction, and after 1.5 miles you will reach the entrance to the training camp.

FACT FILE

Location: The central part of Brecon Beacons National Park. The nearest town is Brecon.

Directions: The A40 to Brecon can be accessed from the north and east via the M6/M5 and M50, or from the south via the M4 (toll charged over the Severn Bridge) and A449.

Trailhead: Car park at Cwm Gedi Training Camp. From Brecon, continue west on the A40 at the first roundabout to bypass the town centre. At the second roundabout, turn right onto the B4601, and shortly after turn right at the Drovers Arms on to Ffrwdgrech Road. After 1 mile, bear left at the three-way fork and continue on for another 1.5 miles. The Cwm Gwdi Training Camp is well signed – head over the cattle grid and up the hill to the car park near the end of the road.

Length: 9 miles / 14.4 km

Trail Type: Loop

Elevation Change: 1,856 ft / 566 m
Total ascent 2,886 ft / 880 m.

Duration: 6 hours

Trail Condition: Main ridge trail over the peaks is easy to follow in good weather, although very steep and rocky in places. The initial part of the hike, from the car park to the Bryn Teg ridge, is more difficult to follow.

Features: Panoramic views, stark peaks, glacial lake, wooded valleys.

Climate: Changeable. Generally cool and often wet, windy and misty.

Accommodation: Hotels, B&Bs and campsites in and around Brecon. Bed-booking service available through the tourist information centre in Brecon.

Trail Notes: Trail is potentially dangerous in misty conditions, given the steep drop-offs from the north-facing ridge. Always be prepared for changeable weather. A map (Ordnance Survey Outdoor Leisure 12, which is widely available) and compass are recommended, and essential in poor weather.

Hay Stacks

Khan — Wed, 24 Sep 2008 08:51:07 +0000

Buttermere, Lake District

Trail Name:
Hay Stacks

Summary:
A peaceful walk around a picturesque lake is contrasted by a steep climb and dramatic views from atop a high ridge.

Trail Description

As you approach Lake Buttermere, you pass alongside fields of sheep; look behind and you will see the end of Crummock Water. Pass through the gate to the right (ignoring the one ahead), with fine views of High Stile and a tumbling waterfall. Follow the footpath round as it leads down to the lake. The pretty path follows the lakeshore for about 1 mile, including a section tunnelled out of the sheer rock. Enjoy the views of the peaks to your right, including your goal, Hay Stacks.

When the path rejoins the road, turn right and head to Gatesgarth Farm. Ignore the first turning on the right through the farm and, just after crossing the stream and passing a cottage, look out for a public bridleway sign on the right. Follow this stony path, heading south initially, through the valley of Warnscale Bottom, with Hay Stacks ahead and other high peaks looming all around.

After 0.75 mile on this path the trail forks, marking the start of the steepest section of the climb. You can take either path – the one to the right is shorter and harder. At the trail junction, turn right to head south-west to the top of Green Crag, a climb of 1,300 ft from the valley floor. Short rests on the way up will give you a chance to take in the great views of Buttermere.

The gradient lessens as you head to Blackbeck Tarn (small lake), from where there are more wonderful views over Buttermere between rocky crags. Veer right to continue on to Innominate Tarn. From here it is a short climb, involving some scrambling, along the rocky ridge to the summit of Hay Stacks. The panoramic views take in Ennerdale to the west, Buttermere, and majestic peaks including Pillar, Kirk Fell and Great Gable to the south.

Continue heading in a westerly direction as the path descends steeply into Scarth Gap. At the trail junction, turn right to descend steeply down Scarth Gap Pass towards the head of the lake. Turn left at the bottom to follow the path along the opposite shore of the lake. Keep right at the fork to continue hugging the lake as you pass through Burtness Wood. At the end of the lake, cross the footbridge and head north on the clear path back to the village.

FACT FILE

Location: North-western section of the Lake District National Park, in Cumbria, north-west England. The nearest town is Keswick.

Directions: From junction 40 of the M6, take the A66 west and follow signs to Keswick, then pick up the B5289 (Borrowdale Road) south along Derwent Water then east over the Honister Pass to Buttermere. Also accessible by bus from Keswick.

Trailhead: From any of the village car parks, head back along the B5289. Pass the Bridge Hotel on your right, and turn right at a sign for Sykes Farm shortly after. Follow the public footpath sign to ‘Lakeshore’.

Length: 7.5 miles / 12.0 km

Trail Type: Loop

Elevation Change: 1,600 ft / 488 m

Duration: 5 hours

Trail Condition: Very steep and rocky in places. Path briefly disappears at the Hay Stacks summit.

Features: Lake, fells, spectacular views.

Climate: Cool and wet year round.

Accommodation: Two hotels in Buttermere and tent camping close to the lake. Plenty of other accommodation and campsites in surrounding area.

Trail Notes: Be prepared for changeable weather. A compass and topographical map are recommended – Ordnance Survey Outdoor Leisure 4 is a good choice (easy to find in Keswick and elsewhere).

Borrowdale

Khan — Tue, 23 Sep 2008 08:35:38 +0000

Derwent Water, Lake District

Trail Name:
Borrowdale

Summary:
This beautiful walk over hills and through tranquil valleys and villages includes far-reaching views of lake and peaks.

Trail Description

A short footpath from the campsite leads down to Derwent Water. Follow the boardwalk to the right and the stony path to a footbridge over Cannon Dub. Cross and turn left to reach the B5289. Turn left and follow the road for a short distance, then head behind the Stakis Lodore Hotel where a sign points ‘To the Falls’. At the signpost, you need to take the left path, which runs through woodland adjacent to the road. But first, turn right for the short detour to Lodore Falls, where moss-covered boulders and a carpet of ferns frame the tumbling water.

The 0.5 mile path through the woodland is rocky in places. It emerges opposite Kettlewell car park at the edge of the lake, an area popular with picnickers and children. Cross the road and turn right to follow the lakeshore along a path with a stone wall to your right and the road beyond.

Climb over a stile and veer left to continue following the lake edge around the headland. The broad grass path has ferns and wildflowers to either side, lake views to the left and hills and rocky crags to the right. A pebbly beach leads to a landing stage for the launches that regularly cross Derwent Water. Climb the stone steps to the right, cross the road and head up the lane opposite, signed to Watendlath.

A steady 0.5 mile climb up the lane takes you to the old Ashness Bridge and a famous view over Derwent Water, with the dramatic bulk of Skiddaw behind. Unfortunately, road access and a car park mean that you will have to share the view with many others, unless you have set out early. Continue up the lane for a further 0.5 mile, to an even better view from a sheer precipice, looking over the lake and your starting point at Manesty Woods.

Continue heading south along a track that leads through the woods, adjacent to the road. The walk becomes far more peaceful as you leave the road and car parks behind. Pass through a gate in a wall, turn right to cross the footbridge and then left to follow the well-marked path along Watendlath Beck (stream).

The path hugs the bank of this pretty stream, lined with trees, grass and ferns. The valley opens out as you walk, with beautiful views of the hills ahead. After around 0.75 mile, the path veers away from the stream and ferns grow high on either side. Enjoy the tranquil country scenery of lush foliage and fields of grazing cows as Watendlath comes into view.

The path climbs slightly on the approach to this tiny hamlet. Cross the stream, and a wonderful view opens up of the beautiful valley you have just passed through, hemmed in by rocky crags on either side. The path leads through a gate to Watendlath Tarn (small lake), where it forks. Follow the right-hand path, signed to the village of Rosthwaite, which climbs steeply for a short distance to the highest point on the walk. As it levels, and then starts downhill, a magnificent view opens up of the Borrowdale Valley surrounded by rocky crags, with high peaks in the distance.

The descent into Rosthwaite is steep and rocky in places. On the way, pass through one gate, ignore a track to your right signed to Keswick and the Bowder Stone, then pass through a second gate in a dyke (dry-stone wall). As you approach a third gate, you have a choice for the final approach into Rosthwaite. Either pass through the gate and follow the bridle path for a short descent; or ignore the gate to continue on the path heading south for a more gradual descent into the village, with more opportunities to enjoy the valley views to your right. Taking the latter route, at the bottom of the hill pass through a gate and turn right along the well-defined stony path (part of the long-distance footpath, the Allerdale Ramble) running alongside a stone wall. This will take you the short distance into Rosthwaite along the shady bank of Stonethwaite Beck, with lovely crag views to either side.

Cross the bridge over the stream to the B5289, turn left along the road and take the first right. Pass the car park and bear right at a tea-room, looking out for the sign to Grange which points your way. The well-defined path heads to the right of a farm, in an easterly direction towards the River Derwent, again with glorious views to both sides. Johnny Wood, a distinctive wooded mound, rises to your left.

Follow the river for a short distance, cross the stone bridge and turn right to two gates and a stile. Here you have a choice of routes to Grange: cross the stile to take a lower route along the river and through Hows Wood or, for a longer and higher route, pass through the left-hand gate and climb the grass path up Lingy Bank to connect with the Allerdale Ramble. The two routes converge after about 1 mile at Bowder Dub, a popular beauty spot on the banks of the river.

Head north along the well-defined path and, at the fork, take the right path along a sealed track. Turn left at the quiet road to pass through the village of Grange, and continue a

FACT FILE

Location: North-western section of the Lake District National Park, in Cumbria, north-west England. The nearest town is Keswick.

Directions: From junction 40 of the M6, take the A66 west and follow signs to Keswick, then pick up the B5289 (Borrowdale Road) south along the east shore of Derwent Water. Alternatively, catch a bus or a launch from Keswick to the south of the lake.

Trailhead: he walk can be started from various points, including the villages of Rosthwaite and Grange. Our route description begins at the Low Manesty campsite, about 1 mile north of Grange on the south shore of Derwent Water.

Length: 9.5 miles / 15.2 km

Trail Type: Loop

Elevation Change: 790 ft / 241 m

Duration: 5.5 hours

Trail Condition: Well defined, steep and rocky in places. Some sections of the route follow paved country lanes.

Features: Panoramic lake, hill and valley views; villages, river and woods.

Climate: Cool and wet year round. Take waterproofs!

Accommodation: Hotels, B&Bs and campsites in and near Grange, Rosthwaite and Keswick.

Trail Notes: A topographical map (e.g. Ordnance Survey Outdoor Leisure no.4 – widely available in Keswick and elsewhere) will help you identify surrounding peaks and other landmarks.

Blencathra via Sharp Edge

Khan — Mon, 22 Sep 2008 08:15:48 +0000

Blencathra, Lake District

Trail Name:
Blencathra via Sharp Edge

Summary:
An exciting ridge and daunting scramble lead to the summit of this distinctive mountain.

Trail Description

You start climbing immediately – something of a shock to the system as your legs have had no chance to warm up. A well-defined path cut into the hillside leads up the steep slope, with classic Lakeland scenery behind and to the right. The only thing blighting the views is the roar of the traffic on the A66 below, but this you will leave behind as you round Scales Fell.

The uphill path is steep and relentless, with loose shale and rock in places. However, after 0.75 mile the initial ascent ends and the path levels out to skirt Scales Fell. You are surrounded by high fells and valleys, with Glendermackin River below to the right and the daunting face of Blencathra ahead.

Keep to the path as it veers towards Scales Beck tumbling down the hillside. A steep climb to the right of the beck on the rocky path leads to tranquil Scales Tarn, nestled beneath the summit of Blencathra. To the right is your ascent route – the narrow, jagged ridge of Sharp Edge.

Make no mistake – this is not a casual stroll to the summit. Aptly named Sharp Edge has sheer drops either side and there are few people confident enough to cover its length without using their hands. You will certainly need to use all four limbs for the final steep scramble at the end of the ridge – made all the more challenging by smooth rock. Look for a narrow gully slightly to the right, which provides some easier hand and footholds and feels less exposed. At the top, turn left for the short walk to the summit of Blencathra.

This is an exhilarating climb but (in our opinion) far scarier than the renowned Striding Edge of HELVELLYN. For those afraid of heights or otherwise unwilling to tackle the ridge, an alternative route climbs from the left of the tarn directly to the summit.

As you would expect, there are panoramic Lakeland views from the summit: Thirlmere, Derwent Water and Keswick, and high peaks, including Helvellyn and Great Gable. Descending south from the summit is Halls Fell Ridge, a classic descent route involving more scrambling. However, we recommend the descent via Blease Fell, for the views it affords to the western fells.

For the Blease Fell route, head south-west along the summit plateau following a clear path. The steep descent begins at Knowe Crags. The path continues to be easy to follow but watch your footing on the loose stones – this eventually turns to a grassy, well-defined track with some rocky sections. Keep to the track when it eventually veers left (ignore a grassy side trail that leads ahead to the Mountain Centre).

As you head east, parallel to the A66 and valley below you to the right, views of the southern flanks of Blencathra open up to the left. The setting is perfectly tranquil, with majestic mountain views all around, blighted only by the traffic noise from the A66. Soon the descent eases and the path follows a stone wall to the right. Keep to the same direction all the time as you cross Blease Gill, pass Gate Gill Fell to the left, and then cross Gate Gill. Here, the Halls Fell Ridge route joins to the left.

Continue on, crossing Doddick Gill along the way, before a steep, short descent over boulders leads down to Scaley Beck. Ascend the other side, and follow the same path for another 0.25 mile or so towards Scales. Look out for a stile on the right, which leads down to the A66 and your starting point.

FACT FILE

Location: North-eastern section of the Lake District National Park, in Cumbria, north-west England. The nearest town is Keswick, 6 miles to the west.

Directions: From junction 40 of the M6, take the A66 west for 10 miles to the hamlet of Scales, about 1.5 miles before the village of Threlkeld. There are some parking places in two roadside lay-bys, as well as limited parking in the hamlet itself close to the White Horse pub.

Trailhead: From the White Horse, walk a short distance west (right) along the A66. Just beyond Tollbar Cottage and before a lay-by, a public footpath sign points your way to the right.

Length: 7 miles / 11.2 km

Trail Type: Loop

Elevation Change: 2,125 ft / 648 m

Duration: 4.5 hours

Trail Condition: Defined and easy to follow. Narrow ridge and very steep sections with scree and loose rock.

Features: Narrow ridge scramble, views of the northern Lakeland fells.

Climate: Cool and wet year round.

Accommodation: Hotels and B&Bs in and around Keswick. Several signed campsites just off the A66 near Scales and Threlkeld.

Trail Notes: Do not attempt Sharp Edge in high winds or if you are afraid of heights. It is an extremely narrow, rocky ridge with steep, exposed drops on either side, leading to a scramble up the rock face to the summit plateau. Be prepared for changeable weather. A compass and topographical map (e.g. Ordnance Survey Outdoor Leisure 5) are recommended.

Aira Force

Khan — Sun, 21 Sep 2008 21:38:09 +0000

Ullswater, Lake District

Trail Name:
Aira Force

Summary:
This easy walk through a picturesque gorge is a good choice in wet weather, when the waterfalls are at their most dramatic.

Trail Description

Follow the well-maintained path through a gate for a short distance and turn left when you reach the open glade, ignoring the way ahead to a footbridge.

The path climbs gently through a wooded ravine, Aira Beck (stream) below you to the right. In a little under 0.5 mile, steps lead down to a footbridge at the base of Aira Force. This picturesque waterfall is very popular, and you will no doubt be sharing the spectacle with many others.

Return up the steps to continue following the same path up the gorge. A little further on, a second footbridge to the right leads over the top of Aira Force. After making this detour, rejoin the main path once again, always keeping the beck to your right. You will be relieved to hear that as you move further up the ravine towards the second waterfall, High Force, the crowds start to thin.

The path eventually bears left, following a stone wall to the left, and soon you reach the top of High Force. Turn left to pass through a gap in the stone wall and cross the field straight ahead to a gate. Keep to the right of the small, rocky crag as you cross, and be sure to pause to admire the view over Ullswater. At the gate turn right to follow the road into the village of Dockray.

Shortly after the Royal Hotel, turn right where a footpath sign points to Aira Force. The way is easy to follow along a well-defined track. At one point you pass through a gate, the way pointed ahead with an orange arrow. Further along, the track bears right, with another sign confirming the way back to Aira Force.

Along the track, there are plenty of good views to enjoy: Place Fell ahead, Gowbarrow Fell to the left and glimpses of Ullswater with its mountain backdrop. Eventually you rejoin Aira Beck – keep to the higher path, with the stream below you to the right, as this way offers some lovely views over Ullswater. Where the gravel path ends in a clearing, continue ahead, crossing a stile in the process. As the walk comes to an end, the path descends down to the beck. Cross the footbridge and continue ahead to the car park.

FACT FILE

Location: North-eastern section of the Lake District National Park, in Cumbria, north-west England.

Directions: Exit junction 40 of the M6, take the A66 west for 1 mile, then the A592 along the north shore of Ullswater for 9 miles. A signed National Trust car park is to the right of the road, just before the junction with the A5091.

Trailhead: The way to the waterfalls is clearly signed at the far end of the car park.

Length: 3 miles / 4.8 km

Trail Type: Loop

Elevation Change: 425 ft / 130 m

Duration: 1.5 hours

Trail Condition: Well-defined paths through the gorge and from Dockray village back to Aira Beck. One section of quiet road.

Features: Waterfalls, distant lake views.

Climate: Cool and wet year round.

Accommodation: Glenridding, 2.5 miles further west on the A592, and neighboring Patterdale have hotels, B&Bs and places to camp. More accommodation and campsites are clearly signed along the A592.

Trail Notes: Aira Force is very popular. If you want to enjoy the waterfalls in relative peace, it would be a good idea to set out early and avoid weekends.

Ocean View-Fern Creek

Khan — Fri, 19 Sep 2008 21:32:34 +0000

Muir Woods, California

Trail Name:
Ocean View-Fern Creek

Summary:
Hike through groves of coast redwood, the world’s tallest living thing, at the foot of Mount Tamalpais.

Trail Description

Although smaller in diameter than its close relation the giant sequoia, the redwood grows around 50 ft taller, and can reach heights in excess of 360 ft. The pristine redwoods found in the canyon of Muir Woods are up to 250 ft tall and some are over 1,000 years old. Other trees to be seen along the trail include Douglas-fir, big-leaf maple (with its beautiful yellow leaves in fall) and oak.

Follow the main trail from the visitor center, keeping Redwood Creek to your left. Pass the first bridge, and after less than 0.25 mile take the Ocean View Trail, which climbs away to the right. As you climb from the canyon floor away from the redwoods, you start to leave the crowds behind.

After about 1 mile, take the left turn-off from Ocean View onto the Lost Trail. A landslide in the 1930s covered this trail for 30 years, giving it its name. Enjoy this wonderful stretch of peaceful Douglas-fir forest as you make the short descent back down to the redwoods. The Lost Trail ends after 0.25 mile when it connects with Fern Creek Trail.

Turn left and follow Fern Creek through redwoods for just over 0.25 mile. You now re-join the main paved trail along Redwood Creek and, no doubt, the crowds. Turn left to follow the trail back to the visitor center, passing along the way Cathedral Grove and, on the other side of the creek, Bohemian Grove, accessed via bridge 2 or 3. These groves contain the biggest redwoods in Muir Woods.

FACT FILE

Location: Muir Woods National Monument, 17 miles north of San Francisco. Entrance fee charged for adults.

Directions: From San Francisco, take US 101 north over the Golden Gate Bridge, then Hwy 1. Vehicles over 35 ft are not allowed on the steep access roads to Muir Woods.

Trailhead: Muir Woods visitor center.

Length: 2.5 miles / 4.0 km

Trail Type: Loop

Elevation Change: Negligible

Duration: 1.5 hours

Trail Condition: Well marked. The first part of the trail along the floor of Redwood Canyon is paved and busy.

Features: Redwoods and other flora.

Climate: Cool year round, warmest in early fall (70 F). Fog in summer.

Accommodation: Nearest lodging in Mill Valley, Corte Madera and Sausalito. Camping also nearby, although not allowed in Muir Woods.

Trail Notes: Muir Woods National Monument is open 8am-sunset. This and the adjacent Mount Tamalpais State Park get very busy due to their proximity to San Francisco – arrive early and avoid weekends.

Helvellyn, Lake District UK

Khan — Tue, 26 Aug 2008 21:39:43 +0000

Helvellyn, Lake District

Trail Name:
Helvellyn via Striding Edge

Summary:
A classic approach to England’s third highest mountain, with a descent offering spectacular views of high fells.

Highly Recommended One Day Hike

Trail Description

Exit the car park by the sign ’Helvellyn via Greenside Mine and Red Tarn’ and turn left. The road climbs gradually to a further footpath sign pointing the way ahead. Cross a footbridge and continue on, veering first left and then turning right where indicated by a couple of signs to Helvellyn via Mires Beck. A short rocky path leads to a stile. Here, you turn left (this time ignoring the sign pointing ahead to Helvellyn via Greenside and Red Tarn) to follow a well-defined path that crosses and then climbs parallel to Mires Beck.

You now follow the same path all the way to Striding Edge, with an initial relentless climb of some 1,500 ft/450 m. There is a good excuse, however, to pause for breath on the way up – look behind, and savor the magnificent views over Ullswater, which only get better as you climb higher. At one point, you follow a stone wall on the left, but only for a short time before the path veers away to the right – a divergence from the route indicated on the OS map due to erosion.

Finally you crest the hill, to be met by a fabulous view of Catstye Cam and Helvellyn’s summit beyond. A level section follows, allowing you to fully enjoy the surrounding fell views. As you start to climb again, you get your first sight of Red Tarn, enclosed beneath the narrow, jagged ridges – Striding Edge on the left, Swirral Edge on the right – and the mountain summit behind.

Now make your way over piles of boulders to the 300-yard Striding Edge. Although care must be taken negotiating the ridge, it is really not as bad as its daunting reputation suggests (except in poor weather), and never feels as exposed as Sharp Edge on Blencathra. Indeed, the thrill of being atop this narrow edge, with exhilarating views and steep drops to either side, makes it tempting to linger.

The final climb to the top is a steep, easy scramble, followed by a short walk to the right along the crest to the actual summit. There are far-reaching views from the top in all directions, and you can easily see the classic descent route via the similar but less dramatic Swirral Edge down to Red Tarn. This way, however, offers much the same scenery as has gone before. For dramatic views over Grisedale valley and the mountains to the east, a return via Nethermost Pike, Dollywaggon Pike and Grisedale Tarn comes highly recommended.

For this route, take the path that heads south over the summit plateau. You can see that it soon forks – take the left path, ignoring the one to the right. The main path you are now on leads past Nethermost Pike, bypassing the summit. It is well worth veering left and making the short climb along the crest to the top for the stunning views of Grisedale valley enclosed by soaring fells. Behind you, Striding Edge leads to Helvellyn’s summit, with Catstye Cam beyond.

Rejoin the main path and continue on, now enjoying the panoramic views to your right of distant lakes and rugged mountains. Just after crossing Dollywaggon Pike (again, the path bypasses the summit), you catch a glimpse of Grisedale Tarn below to the right, followed by another wonderful view over Grisedale valley to the left. Now the main descent begins, on a long, steep, rocky path to the tarn (lake). Towards the bottom, the path veers left, the tarn now on your right. Ignore a path on the right that leads to the lakeshore, instead continuing ahead north-easterly into Grisedale valley.

The stony path continues to descend. In places, there is evidence of rockfalls, with large boulders scattered all around. St Sunday Crag looms to your right, with Dollywaggon Pike and then Nethermost Pike to the left. Streams cascade down rocks behind Ruthwaite Lodge, a climbing hut restored by Outward Bound Ullswater in 1993 in memory of two of their tutors killed on New Zealand’s Mount Cook five years earlier. Shortly past the hut, cross a footbridge and continue in the same direction through the valley, keeping to the same clear path all the time. The gradient is now much kinder on the legs. Every now and again, pause to look behind to admire the peaks rising at the head of the valley where you were walking just a short time before, a real contrast to the pastoral valley you are now in.

About 2 miles from the hut, and now not far from Glenridding, pass through a kissing gate and a little further on take the left fork. The path climbs, thankfully only for a short time, to Lanty’s Tarn, which you pass to the left as you continue on the path. As you descend, there is a great view of Ullswater, with Glenridding nestled below it amongst the trees. The path veers right as you continue heading towards Ullswater (at this point, ignore a kissing gate and track to your left). A delightful descent through a wooded glade follows, with a further glimpse of Ullswater through the trees, as you make your way back to Glenridding.

FACT FILE

Location: North-eastern section of the Lake District National Park, in Cumbria, north-west England. This exciting ascent route begins in the village of Glenridding, at the southern end of Ullswater.

Directions: Exit junction 40 of the M6, take the A66 west for 1 mile, then the A592 for 11 miles along the shore of Ullswater to Glenridding.

Trailhead: Car park (£2 for the day) next to the Glenridding information center.

Length: 9.5 miles / 15.2 km

Trail Type: Loop

Elevation Change: 2,625 ft / 800 m
Total ascent 3,035 ft/ 925 m.

Duration: 7 hours

Trail Condition: Defined and easy to follow. Narrow ridge and steep sections with loose scree and rock.

Features: Narrow ridge scramble; expansive mountain, lake and valley views.

Climate: Cool and wet year round. Be prepared for changeable weather.

Accommodation: Glenridding and nearby Patterdale have hotels, B&Bs and places to camp. More accommodation and campsites can be found along the A592 on the north shore of Ullswater.

Trail Notes: Striding Edge is an exciting, narrow, rocky ridge with steep drops to either side. Although there is an easier path slightly below and to the right, this route still cannot be recommended to anyone afraid of heights. Do not attempt the ridge in poor weather (especially high winds or icy conditions) unless suitably equipped and experienced. A compass and topographical map (e.g. Ordnance Survey Outdoor Leisure 5) are recommended.