Helvellyn Horseshoe inc. Striding Edge and Swirral Edge.

The Helvellyn Horseshoe is perhaps my favourite walk in the Lake District. The route takes in the famous Striding Edge and neighbouring Swirral Edge as well as the summit of the second tallest mountain in England. This is an advanced level walk for most hikers with steep paths and quite technical terrain that requires use of hands and careful movement. Both Striding Edge and Swirral Edge are grade one scrambling routes. 

The overall distance will be 14 kilometres , or just under 9 miles, with a around 850 metres of ascent. This takes most walkers around five hours to comple but I would advise paticipants to allow eight hours at a moderate pace and allowing time for refreshment stops. We will not be rushing along the ridges, this is dangerous terrain and I will be assuring my full attention to each individual participant. It is neccesary to have previous hill walking experience, a head for heights and a good level of fitness to take part in this walk. 

This walk is not for inexperienced hikers. There is a very steep start without much of a warm up, we climb around 550 metres in just 3km. Both Striding Edge and Swirral Edge are narrow, exposed ridges with steep drops and lots of accidents ocurr. That said, the traverse of either ridge is exhilerating and an experience to remember forever. I will only be accepting clients I have worked with previously who are deemed to have adequate experience to take part, or new participants will be asked a bit of a background information before accepting - not trying to make this an exclusive club but safety has to come first. 

Once Striding Edge has been completed, there is a steep scramble to the Helvellyn plateau where we will have a more gradual walk to the summit. The descent on to Swirral Edge is rocky, steep and exposed, time must be taken to ensure safety. We will eventually find oursevles beside Red Tarn where there is a comparatively simple walk back to Glenridding out of the valley. 

If you are for any reason unsure of your ability, please email me via moorstomountains@gmail.com and we can discuss things further before making a booking.

This walk is limited to 4 PARTICIPANTS at £55.00 per person. Please select how many places you would like below and click "Checkout" to continue.

Our start point will be the main car park in Glenridding (CA11 0PA). A full day is £8.50. Please do make sure you use this facility and do not park blocking access for local residents and businesses. Full information can be found here - https://en.parkopedia.co.uk/parking/carpark/glenridding/ca11/glenridding/?arriving=202407231730&leaving=202407231930

The is lots of various accommodation in the vicinity of Glenridding and other ares in the northern Lake District including camping, hostels and B&B's. It is advisable to book accommodation well in advance to avoid disappointment. Please ask me if you need any advice on where to stay. It is also possible to attend this walk using public transport from Keswick, Penrith or Windermere. Again, I am happy to advise on travel information.

Please bear in mind that I have calculated the route duration based on average speeds of clients. The walk may actually be done in a quicker time, but also may take longer than expected based on individual fitness levels within the group.  As mentioned, It is neccesary to have previous hill walking experience, a head for heights and a good level of fitness to take part in this walk. 

It should be mentioned that weather in the Lake District can be extremely unpredictable at all times of the year and so it isn't possible to guarantee excellent views on every walk. Multiple weather forecast sources are always studied before any Moors to Mountains activity. If there is a potential safety risk posed by the weather, an alternative route will be offered as per my Terms and Conditions.

What to expect when booking a professionally guided activity with Moors to Mountains.

I have had a number of individual clients book on to a group activity who have been anxious about not knowing the others on the day. Most people who join for the first time are in the same situation, but I assure you that you'll be making new friends and feeling comfortable in your surroundings in no time. Not only am I here to keep you safe and lead the group, I like to engage all participants in interesting conversation and always make a point of providing a friendly and welcoming experience for all my clients.

While I have led groups all different sizes over the years, all Moors to Mountains groups are designed for smaller parties. The number of participants that I allow for will depend on the terrain. But, I find this allows me to give each individual client the maximum attention throughout an activity. Whether this is to answer questions or helping an individual accross a section of unever terrain. My promise is to deliver that level of care and individual attentiveness to each member of the group.

As your guide, I am a qualified and insured Mountain Leader registered with the British Mountaineering Council. I only operate in areas where I have experience of the terrain and local knowledge. Before I received the ML award, I was already active in organising groups walks and wild camping expeditions across the UK from 2011. In that time, I have been lucky enough to spend time out on the hills and mountains with many people of different backgrounds and abilities. This experience has enabled me to develop an extensive knowledge of particular outdoor areas, and a penchant for designing routes that are both scenic and interesting. There are often places of historical or geological interest along the way and I enjoy sharing my knowledge of the landscape, history, industry, wildlife and geology.

All Moors to Mountains outings include some rewarding physical challenge, whether it be distance or terrain.

I also hold current DBS and Outdoor First Aid certificates.

Upon booking a space, please don't overlook the Footwear, Clothing and Equipment Requirements.

It is imperative to wear clothing that is suitable for both the activity and the time of year. Weather conditions can change very quicky while out and about in the hills. All participants must wear sturdy footwear and arrive to the activity with all other items listed under Moors to Mountains Footwear, Clothing and Equipment Requirements (please click link to view).

Once a place has been booked on any activity...

I will personally contact each client by email with any relevant information to the specific activity. There will also be a link to a Participation Consent Form that should be completed in good time before any activity takes place. This will ask for important medical information, important contact details and also request consent for me to give first aid where neccesary, take any photographs (or not) and anything else relevant.

Cheers, COLIN.