Helvellyn snow walk via Striding Edge & Swirral Edge – Map Route
Helvellyn walk via Striding Edge overview:
Helvellyn walk distance: 7.8mile
Helvellyn walk time: 5.5 hours
Helvellyn walk difficulty: Hard
Helvellyn walk via Striding Edge map route:
Helvellyn snow walk photos:
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Once past Birkhouse Moor, Striding Edge and Helvellyn comes into view and we approach the snow line. |
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When you arrive at the start of Striding Edge it’s a great chance to admire the views back towards Ullswater and the Pennines. |
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The north face of Striding Edge has a lot more snow on it than the south face.
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We are walking quite a bit on ice and thin snow now and spikes to strap onto the hiking boots come in handy (crampons would be too much for these conditions) |
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The snow is hanging around quite a bit on parts of Striding Edge that are out of the sun. |
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You’ve got to be careful and sure footed on this section – a slip could be quite dangerous |
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With Striding Edge now complete it’s a scramble up to the summit in ever deepening snow. My favourite views on this walk are on this section looking back over Striding Edge. |
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Approaching the summit of Helvellyn and the snow is quite thick up here. |
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The summit shelter – always a welcome respite when the wind is blowing |
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Incredible views today in all directions from the summit of Helvellyn – what a day to be out on the snowy fells! |
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Be careful of the cornices on summit tops when the snow can be wind blown to the edge – you might think it’s solid ground here – but it’s just snow and you could be heading through it for a fall |
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The summit cairn on Helvellyn – looking towards Ullswater |
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Looking north towards Skiddaw and Blencathra |
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Starting to descend on Swirral Edge now and looking over towards Striding Edge |
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The weather changes in an instant and the clouds roll in – a good time to be heading back down and got lucky that it was clear on the summit of Helvellyn |
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Looking back up Swirral Edge and to the summit of Helvellyn – it’s approaching sunset time and the colours are immense |
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On top of Catstye Cam looking towards Ullswater |
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Looking back along Swirral Edge to Helvellyn from Catstye cam |
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As the light begins to fade it’s one last chance to admire the views and then head back as quick as possible while daylight is still around! |