Helvellyn in the Lake District

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Say the word Helvellyn and probably the most immediate association, for walkers particularly, will be 'Striding Edge'. For many people the two are inextricably linked. It is a mountian, third highest in the Lake District, which becomes the favourite for many of the visitors who come to Lakeland. The top of the mountain is, surprisingly when you fits get there, big and flat. Apparently big and flat enough to allow a small plane, in 1926, to land and take off again. This remarkable happening is marked by a memorial stone on the mountain. The top of Helvellyn is approached on either side by curving arêtes, known as Striding Edge and Swirral Edge. Within the horseshow shape created can be found Red Tarn, a glittering pool that once supplied power for the Greenside mines in Glenridding. Helvellyn (Wythburn) lead mine, on the western slopes of Helvellyn, was in operation for about 40 years in the mid 19th century. Today, in summer, the area of Red Tarn attracts campers who can enjoy the fabulous views of Helvellyn summit and Striding Edge as they sit by theri tent.

Over a mile long, Striding Edge is the most popular and well known route to the summit but it is one not without dangers and care should be taken. Visitors should know their own capabilities before deciding to tackle this ascent. The earlier stretches of the route are less difficult, with a decent path but, as it gets higher, it becomes narrower and the sides steep and rocky, although a path does run along one side just below the crest of the edge. On Striding Edge weather conditions should always be an issue to take into consideration before setting out. Ice, mist and snow will make the ascent far more hazardous and potentially dangerous.

Geologically, Helvellyn is part of the Borrowdale Vocanic Rock Group. It lies between Thirlmere valley to the west and Patterdale to the east.