The Lake District National Park is a land of superlatives. It’s England’s largest national park and is home to the country’s highest peak (Scafell Pike) and deepest lake (Wastwater). Rugged fells sit alongside rolling green valleys, and glacial lakes shimmer beneath the mountains. Sheep and belted Galloways graze on the hillsides, and charming towns and villages offer a warm welcome amidst the wild beauty. It’s this untamed beauty that draws many visitors, but it comes with risks. And one of the area’s mountains has a dangerous reputation.
Helvellyn, the Lake District’s third-highest peak, offers panoramic views of one of England’s most picturesque areas. But it has also claimed the lives of many eager hikers over the years, including three people in 2024 alone. It’s not a high mountain at just over 3,000 feet, but one route up is particularly treacherous. The Striding Edge route takes climbers across an exposed ridge called Striding Edge. It’s a grade 1 scramble (meaning hands and feet are employed but there’s no need for rope) across precipitous terrain, so this hike is not for beginners or those afraid of heights.
Read more: The Lake That Many Call The Most Dangerous In America
Summiting Helvellyn safely
person walking on grassy ridge in mountains – Nicolai Edward Cornell/Shutterstock
Sadly, many of the deaths on Helvellyn could have been prevented, and by taking certain precautions, you can summit the peak safely. First, assess your fitness level: Some of the climbs are steep, and you need good balance and some flexibility to get over the mountain. There are alternative paths up Helvellyn that don’t involve crossing the ridge by scrambling — though no route is “easy.”
If you deem yourself up to the climb, your next job is to assess the weather. Many of the deaths on Helvellyn occurred in winter, and while it’s a beautiful season to be in the Lake District, we recommend heading up from spring to fall. Be aware of windy conditions, too, which could make crossing the ridge more perilous. In addition, you’ll need the best and safest hiking gear: sturdy walking boots, waterproof clothing, a map, a compass (that you know how to use), and plenty of water. Snacks are optional, but local Kendal mint cake or Grasmere gingerbread would make for a tasty treat at the top!
Before you set off, let someone know you’re going, what trail you’re taking, and what time they can expect to hear from you when you finish. If you’re well-prepared, you’ll be able to truly enjoy the magnificent views on your way up. Make sure to turn around for spectacular views over Ullswater, England’s second-largest lake. If you’re there in spring, you might catch a glimpse of the “golden daffodils” that line the shore, which William Wordsworth immortalized in his poem “I Wandered Lonely as a Cloud.”
Exploring the Lake District
village with stone houses and church on sunny day – Acceleratorhams/Getty Images
Many visitors start the hike to Helvellyn from Glenridding, a pretty village on Ullswater. There’s a tourist information center in the car park in Glenridding, and the staff can give advice on walks in the area (including the routes up Helvellyn), and walking maps are available to buy. You can reach Glenridding and get around the rest of the Lake District by public transport (bus fares in the area are capped at £3, roughly $4, per ride). The Lake District itself is close to the northwestern cities of Liverpool and Manchester, and is just a three- or four-hour train ride from London.
Quaint towns and villages dot the Lake District. If you’re staying for a few days, consider basing yourself in Ambleside, with its cozy pubs and scenic trails. Just a short drive from there is tiny Grasmere, once home to William Wordsworth, where you can stroll past slate-built cottages and take in the tranquil beauty of the surrounding hills and dales. And a little further to the north, you’ll find Rick Steves’ favorite hike in the Lake District at Catbells.
Over in the charming village of Hawkshead, whitewashed buildings line its narrow lanes. You can explore local stores, traditional tearooms, and the museum of Hill Top, where Beatrix Potter lived and created beloved children’s characters like Jemima Puddle-Duck. The Lake District is a land of contrasts, from the heights and thrills of Helvellyn to the tranquil beauty of its villages, and it’s all worth exploring.
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