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

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.

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.