| Probably
the most popular mountain in the Lakes via the most famous ridge -
Very challenging and Striding Edge shouldn't be attempted in bad
weather - Approx 8 miles |
Leave
Patterdale in the direction of Glenridding and walk past St Patrick's
church to Grizedale Bridge. Immediately
before the bridge take the left turn and follow the minor road past
Patterdale Hall and on up until the road begins to descend. Notice a
bridge on the right crossing Grizedale Beck; turn right on the footpath
to cross the
bridge and go straight ahead to a gate. Cross the field up to another
gate. In fact, there are two gates, so take the left one and turn half
left to follow the footpath up the hill, following the sign to Hole in
the Wall and
Helvellyn.
Go through a kissing gate and climb steadily to another gate, then continue the long, slow climb (much of it
on rough cut steps) to the Hole in the Wall (actually just a stile through) over a stone wall.
Cross
the Hole in the Wall stile and continue ahead, following the path along
the right of the ridge (accompanied
by cairns). Red Tarn soon comes into view on the right. Continue up to
the large rocky mound known as High Spying How. Clamber a few paces up
the How then follow the path down to the right and round the How to the
start of
Striding Edge. The path mostly runs along the right of Striding Edge
but loops to the left in places, where the walk becomes more of a
clamber. The trickiest part is a rocky section at the end, which sets
you on the final
walk to the summit (passing the Gough Memorial Stone).
From
the summit, continue along the edge and turn right by a cairn to
traverse Swirrel Edge along the opposite
side of the corrie. Bear right at the end of the arrĂȘte and veer down
on the path towards Red Tarn. As you come level with the outflow end of
Red Tarn take the path on your right leading straight towards the Tarn.
Cross
the outflow stream and continue to follow the path across the valley
until the ladder stile comes into view. Cross the ladder stile and find
yourself back at Hole in the Wall, from where you retrace your steps
back down to
Patterdale.
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