Striding Edge, Helvellyn, Swirral Edge and Catstye Cam

About trip

This route is a classic from Glenridding on the bank of Ullswater to Helvellyn which rivals Scafell Pike for the accolade of most visited Lake District mountain. The reason for its popularity is simple; there are a number of fantastic routes to access it from all directions - from the north there are many options including Sticks Pass and White Side, from the east via Patterdale or Glenridding which is our way on this walk), from the south via Grisedale, Dollywaggon Pike and Nethermost Pike and from the west via Wythburn and Birk Side. I had climbed Helvellyn from many directions but not this one and as it my friends and I another crossing of Striding Edge it was a delight. Even more so since we also crossed Swirral Edge which was a new adventure for me.