Nice film guys. It inspired me to do it a few weeks ago. I'm disabled so it took me 11 and a half hours to complete including swirral edge and back down. I had a near miss though. I tripped on the ridge and fell about six feet and cracked my head. My beanie and the go pro saved any severe injury. Luckily I landed on a ledge on the left side. One roll and it would have been goodnight. What a great day though, challenging for me, but such a cool place to be. Thanks guys and look out for my film when I put it up. sadly I got the fall on film much to the entertainment of everyone else it seems. cheers Les
Thanks for watching 66lesjo 11 and a half hours is a long old time to be out there but I'm sure it was worth it, especially the sense of achievement when you reach the top. I found it to be very easy to take a tumble when walking along the ridge. All the little rocks poking out at different angles that seem to trip you up. I hope you didn't suffer too bad an injury and made a fast, full recovery. I will keep checking back on your channel to watch the video :-) All the best mate.
I am fine thanks Matt. I've got a thick skull. Totally right about the sense of achievement. I've been disabled since I was in the army over 20 years ago, but this last 6 months I decided to ignore my doctor and try to get out and do something a bit less mundane. I climbed Snowdon via the pig track earlier this year, then Helvellyn, and I'm climbing Scafell and Ben Nevis for charity over the next 6 weeks. I wish I had tried this years ago but you tend to follow medical advice. Anyhow thanks again and all the best to you too.
Glad you're ok 66lesjo Good on you for getting out there. Sometimes that is what's needed but what the doctor didn't order. Like you say, you follow their advice as they are the "experts" but it sounds like you're having fun out there again which is good :-). ATB to you too.
66lesjo Just read this. Inspiring stuff, and you're bang on here about stepping out of your doctor's comfort zone !. A few years ago, aged 60, I restarted my fell walking in earnest, after caring for my seriously ill wife for many years, then her sad passing. My two kids and I crossed Striding Edge via the safer, lower route (it was a very windy day...honest!). I will try to find your video of that now, though I won't be amused, as too many people know the difference a degree or two of angle can make when hitting a rock.
Thanks for watch Kathleen. Yeah there's a fair bit of scrambling. It been a few years since I've been up there now. I don't get there as much as I'd like and there are so many other fells to explore 😊
Thanks for posting. I've done Striding Edge twice when I was younger but my balance and agility are not what they once were now I'm in my 70th year. I think the wide angle camera lens makes the edge look even narrower than it is in real life.
Thanks for watching. It's definitely a walk to remember. Yeah the GoPro lens always makes the perspective look funny. Looks like you're walking on a knife edge.
Thanks. It's good that this video is still doing the rounds. It's a great route. Think I'll miss the Lakes this year unfortunately. Hope you have a good trip.
Woah..This brings back some memories. Did this when I did the coast to coast 14yrs ago. Still the best walk I ever did ! Thanks for sharing this vid, superbly done :0)
Absolutely brilliant. Loved the music. Really added to the excitement for someone like me who can't climb that high these days. Made my night! Thank you so much.
A really great video. Looks like you had amazing conditions. Watching you teering so close on the edge made me nervous! Thanks for sharing...maybe I will get the courage and skill to try this one day :)
An excellent video that captures the essence of the traverse, many thanks guys. I've had the good fortune to complete Crib Goch, Carn Mor Dearg & Aonach Eagach ridge but Striding Edge certainly is their equal.....
Thanks James van de Vyver Yeah this was the first time I had properly used it and was a great place to try it out. Hopefully will get some more later this year.
Excellent video of the scramble over Striding Edge up to Helvellyn. I've done it more than once but never been lucky enough to catch it with the clouds gradually burning off in the sun like that. Nice work.
Thanks for watching. Yeah we got lucky that day. It was the first time up there for the both of us and it was pretty miserable when we left Patterdale. It wasn't until we got to Hole in the Wall the drizzle stopped and the cloud lifted. I needed sun cream by the time we got to the top.
I have an awful head for heights, but I've done Striding Edge twice with no real concerns. I also did Liatach in Scotland and that was pretty terrifying but amazing. But I chickened out on the Aonach Eagach!
This looks amazing, i've decided to take up hiking this summer and my first small goal is going to be to make it up Hellvellyn, Looks like a beautiful place and not to far from where i live.
Matt Hawes it. Weather not as good as in your video. Drizzly until we got to Gough Memorial then the sun came out. Incredible views. Next time when we get to the rock chimney at the end of Striding Edge we'll have to remember to go down the right hand side not the left which is far trickier.
+Steve Davies I found the left side of the chimney much easier (going down it). You need long arms and legs for the right side, although you are quite hemmed in so it "feels" safer on the right. The left you can sit on a few places. I didn't actually realise you could bypass the chimney, and once you keep going you tend to ridge walk the whole sections as you get carried away!
Excellent vid! I’m 67 and just done it 2 days ago with my son. I’d done it a few times before, but as you get older it gets more scary. Pleased I watched this after the walk as I might not have done it. Felt physically sick in parts and can’t believe I done it.😂
Nice one Phil. It does make your bum nip in a few places but definitely a worthwhile experience. Better if you get the views too. We were in the Lakes last week and did Blencathra. Unfortunately we were in thick clag all day. Still enjoyed it though.
Love this video and this mountain :) And great weather, my last few there have been either snowy and cloudy or rainy and cloudy!! But great view mate!!
Gorgeous day here! The cloud formation on the south side of Striding Edge looks eerie yet beautiful. I ascended Helvellyn in '05 but came up from Glenridding on a different route that connected with the north side of the tarn and so went up via Swirral Edge. I descended on Striding to get the full circuit. Would like to do this again over the opposite approach but have a torn meniscus so I'm not sure if my knee could handle the rocky crest. Instability with one's footing along certain sections could prove fatal. Thanks for this superb video.
Thanks for commenting just remindes me now when i sent this only 5 years ago lol but i was just starting to getting on fells more ive done this a few times love it :)
Excellent video thank you for posting. I did it under much less clearer weather, during the mid-late 1970s, on one of my regular walking trips. The night before I stayed at the Patterdale YHA and had a smashing evening session at the White Lion pub, with others from the Hostel. One of the intersting and fun things about YHS-ing - One can spend a interesting evening with complete strangers. Then after breakfast (and chores) we all continue our separate ways - as though old friends. I wonder if it's still like that? The next day I set off alone to walk to Grasmere (YHA), via Striding Edge. It became more miserable as I approached the 'Edge section' and I considered another night at Patterdale. But a family came along with two little lads. And as they knew the route, the said I should tag along. The two little boys were like a couple of mountain Goats . It was an INTERESTING trip to the summit, but I saw precious little around me. Haha. The rain then just got worse and worse, as I headed by Dollywaggon and the nearby Tarn, before practically awimming into Grasmere. I'm still glad I did it though. NO trip to The Lakes is ever wasted for me. Jack.
Great story Jack. It definitely sounded like an experience. We're booked to go in September and I can't wait as it's been a couple of years since our last visit.
@@Matto216 Thanks Matt. Subsequent back injuries prevented me from being up in the high Fells from 93, but I occasionally, I get random flashbacks - when I'm up there.at various conditions. It's amazing country up there. enjoy your next visits.And it's all free haha.
Thanks Mark. This was our first trip up there. I'd say it would be a great location for a wild camp. There were a few tents on the shore of the tarn the day we did it. Would be fantastic to see the sunrise/sunset.
It didn't start off that way chriscox303 It was quite claggy and drizzly when we left Patterdale but once we had broken through the cloud base we were treated to a glorious day. Even got a touch of sunburn.
Great work. I've been across here several times the most memorable time was last June. We camped at Red Tarn and set of at about 6am and had the ridge to ourselves.
Great video, we did Helvellyn yesterday & Nethermost & Dollywaggon pikes. It was a total of 12 miles, we came up from Swirls car park, didn’t do striding edge because of our girls.
Yeah she is not as adventurous as me. This was my first time up there so had to make the most of it. Thanks for the kind comments and glad you enjoyed watching it.
Thanks for watching. Good to see the video is still getting some views after all this time. Hopefully the weather will be in your favour. Not sure I'm brave enough to do it in anything other than ideal conditions haha.
Great video. My wife and I went up Helvellyn 15 years ago. We visit the Lakes almost every year. We were wondering if our two children (now 8 and 11) were ready to do Helvellyn yet but I'd obviously forgotten what it was like. We all watched your video together and decided against it !!
Hi Neil. We like to visit once a year also. Although won't be making it this year. Your children would have probably been ok on a day like we had. They can always use the path you see my Mrs using. I will say that due to the wide angle of the camera, it does make the edge look sharper and narrower than it actually is. Care still needs to be taken and I am sure you will get up there soon with the family and all enjoy the experience :-) Thanks for watching.
Matt Hawes you answered one of my questions here.....as a photographer myself I was wondering if the gopro's wide angle lens made it look slightly more hairy than it really is......I'm sure it's still dangerous!
Jonathan Fletcher Yeah it does. The GoPro was set at its widest to get as much scenery in as possible but there is a fair amount of distortion. It can/is dangerous. Just have to take your time and know when to leave it for another day.
I'm watching this because I'm going up tomorrow via striding edge. I went up a few months ago via dollywagon pike when it was snowy. I'm only 11. It's really creepy looking of the edge 😨
Thanks darkstar1882 Yeah I find the GoPro is a great piece of kit for this sort of thing. How did you get on with Striding Edge? Hopefully the weather held out for you.
Matt Hawes Hi Matt..I was thinking of asking what camera you used so thanks for that....Did striding edge but very thick mist so kinda scary for a first time. Got to the summit and rested for 5 minutes then just as we set off back down the mist cleared and we got our reward :) Got some great photos then back by swirral edge. A well deserved pint back at Glenridding. Cheers.
No worries mate. Sounds like a similar day to when we went up. Really cloudy and misty until we reached hole in the wall. Glad it cleared up for you and you got to see the stunning views darkstar1882
Aa brilliantridge walk. In my youth I set a goal to cross minimum of 7 times a year, in order to keep this now ageing body in trim. That was 48 years ago. In those days there was no choice of routes around difficult sections, it was the top point of the ridge, or cling to the grassy slope below, which now seems to have several, worn down 'copout' paths. From your video, even the point of the ridge seems to be getting worn down flat after all these years. The shattered summit rocks seem to be disappearing. I suppose one day it will like walking on a table top! But the challenge is still there for those who try! Your video helps me now to remember my youth. Thanks! On another note; I like your head camera's picture quality, what make, or type is it, if you don't mind me asking?
Hi Brian. Thanks for watching. Good to see the video is still getting watched by people old and young. 7 times a year is good going. I wish I could visit more than I do which is currently every other year. It's a special place that's for sure. That's interesting to hear regarding the paths. I imagine thousands of people a year cross it. We were up there last week and had planned Blencathra via Sharp Edge then down Halls Fell Ridge but due to the thick clag we ended up going via Scales Fell. Probably the best (safest) route given the conditions. We also have the ridge down a miss too but still had an enjoyable walk.
You'll be fine. Just take you're time and don't be afraid to turn back if the weather changes. Be worth checking the mountain weather too incase of winter conditions up there. Are you walking or riding?
badlydrawn1000 Thanks for the compliments. Yeah do it. Its an awesome walk. Only pointers I'd say were to make sure you check a reliable weather forecast before you decide to do it. It's a dangerous route as it is without having bad weather to contend with. Other than that, take your time and enjoy the stunning views.
I'd say it really depends on what you've done previously and how you are with heights and exposure. Being able to read a map and use a compass is a great skill to have and sensible when walking somewhere like the Lakes. I believe this route can be found on The Walking Englishman website. It is quite a strenuous walk but as long as the weather conditions are favourable and you take your time it's a great experience 👍🏻
@@Matto216 thank you kindly for your help and advice..... And yes valuable advice.. I love hiking... Usually hike every weekend for a good 15 miles mainly the Yorkshire dales..... Just want to explore striding edge for a experience... Those views are stunning from up high.... Thanks again and stay safe...
Yeah it sure was. Had a few bum clenching moments where I didn't lift my feet up properly and nearly tripped up haha. The other half took the path lower down as she really doesn't have a head for heights either. Thanks for watching.
Thanks a lot. This was our first time up there and fancied giving Striding Edge a go. A few hairy moments when you don't pick your feet up properly and it tries to pitch you forwards. We couldn't see anything in the Thirlmere direction. It was completely covered in cloud.
Love the film and is helping me prepare for a group trip along the Edge at end of April. How long did Stricing Edge to Helvellyn take you. Am considering hiring a guide as we are fit and experienced walkers but not climbers. What are your thoughts please?
Thanks for watching. From memory I would say from Patterdale to the top of Helvellyn 1.5 to 2 hours. I'd say you wouldn't need a guide. There is no climbing involved. Just a bit of scrambling so holding on with your hands. There is also a path lower down which I you can see my wife take if you don't want to walk long the top. The camera makes everything look steeper than it is due to the wide angle lens. You'll be fine. Just check the weather before you go to make sure it's not going to be too windy as it whips through there. Hope you enjoy your trip.
Yes you should get yourself up there. There is something about the Lakes that draws me back time and time again. Just a shame I can't get there as much as I'd like.
@@Matto216 same. I love the place. Infact I just love being out. More videos coming to my channel soon. Doing the Tolkien Trail on Thursday and Stocks Reservoir.
@@RamblingWithRitchie Me too. Just out the habit now since the plague hit. Always seem to be busy with DIY. No excuse really, should just make time to get out.
... great video! ... how long to the summit? and how long was the round trip? ... I remember arriving at Glenridding at about 9.00am and doing the full circuit and back in time for a pint before last orders at 3.00pm ... but we were fit young soldiers then ...
Hi Nigel. Thanks for watching. To be honest I can't remember how long long this one took. It was before I started tracking walks. It also depends who you're with. I was with my wife for this one so probably slower than if I was on my own. We left from Patterdale too. Are you thinking of giving it another go?
@@Matto216 ... yes, I'm getting a bit long in the tooth now ... I'm 70 next b'day but I want another crack at Scafell, Helvellyn and the Welsh 3000s before I pack it in ...
Happy birthday for next the next one. Definitely carry on getting out while you can. I love the Lakes. My Dad took me when I was little and it got me. Try to get every other year if possible. Would loved to have visited it with him again but unfortunately he is no longer with us.
Thanks for watching. As for advice, make sure you have a good upto date forecast for the area and be prepared to turn back if conditions aren't ideal. It's good fun and does get the blood pumping. Just take your time and you'll be fine.
I'm new to fell walking. After watching this vid I don't think I could do he ridge. There's supposed to be a well used path at the side. Would that be a better option?
You're right there is a well used path at the side but it can lead you in to some tricky situations and corners. We had one and ended up having to back track. I'm led to believe the "easiest" route is to keep on top of the ridge if you have the nerves for it. It is also not as bad as the video shows as there is some lens distortion that makes it look really narrow.
@@S.Hitchcock Yeah see how you feel. Also weather is a big factor if you're considering going across the ridge. Is it the ridge you want to do or just Helvellyn itself? From memory I'd say the last scramble to the summit is somewhere between going up the stairs and a ladder on your hands and feet. Strenuous but easy enough if you take your time. It's been a few years since I've been up there.
This is one of the most inspiring video,s i have ever seen, the music is also very good. Can u give a googlemap or google earth location of this, we live in FLAT Netherlands.
Thanks for watching. Here is a link which should take you to the path across the ridge. If not, search for Striding Edge Penrith on Google maps. Dropped pin Near Penrith maps.app.goo.gl/BzdtxDq9tqVd1Ht8A
Im going there this weekend with a large group. What time of day is this clip showing? Morning or afternoon. We hope to get similar view/experience... with the cloud and all. If you can share the time of day that would be greatly appreciated! Thanks!
It can happen year round but more common in the Winter months, I wouldn't recommend this route in Winter conditions if you have not done crossed such terrain in Winter conditions, it is a very different beast if there is snow or ice.
Woahhhhh... that ginger lady managed to get to the top?! How old is she and how difficult did she find it? Could you also tell me how long it took to reach the top? I'm going this Monday.
Yep she did. Where you see her in the video is where we caught her up. Don't know how old she was as she wasn't with us but by the look on her face when she reaches the top I'd say she found it hard work. Which it is tbh. It depends which route up you are taking. We went from Patterdale and I'd say it was a good 3 hrs from there to the top with breaks. Good luck for Monday. You'll love it. Just hope the weather holds out for you Tess Tickles
The weather was spot on. Took the missus and I 2hrs 15mins to get up there and 1hr 30mins to get down. Stunning views up there (full of flies though- which was weird). Didn't attempt Striding Edge, we took a look at that and then looked at the memorial which told the story of a skeleton being found along with a dog and thought 'nah... phuk that'. Besides, we were gonna be late picking up the kids from school. The views up there are quite similar to The Old Man.
I just hiked up Swirral Edge the other day in thick fog. A bit slippy and quite scary on the muddy bits with a big bag on! I recorded the climb if anybody wants to see the walk from Glenridding, the ridge in the fog looked incredible!🙂
Great video Matt, this is about the best quality I've seen along striding edge, and a cracking day for it. What camera did you use? Exposure and colours seemed spot on and really noise and sharp. All the best, Chris.
Thanks very much Chris. Its sure was. Started out grey and murky but once we had climbed through the clag that is the day we ended up with. Plus a little sunburn aswell haha. All my videos are done with my GoPro Hero 3 Black so exposure is all done by the camera. Settings from memory were 1080p, 30fps, wide view with spot metering on. A great bit of kit and something I never thought I would get much use out of but I take it whenever I go out and about now.
This is the route I took about eight years ago. The last mountain I will ever climb. Since then my emphysema has worsened- don't think I'll ever walk up another mountain again. Nice to live vicariously though, ta
Hi Matt, I am a student at William Howard School sixth form in Cumbria and I am currently making a promotional video for the Brewery Hesket Newmarket. I came across you video on Helvellyn and was wondering if I could have your permission to use some of this for my media promo. Many thanks :)
+Matt Hawes I would possibly be using various small cuts throughout and the last few seconds where you look out from the top . I would be unable to reference you in the video itself but when posted to youtube,facebook etc I can reference if you would like? Thanks
+katie tatie Referencing me somewhere along the line would be nice as obviously I own the rights to the video. Also it's a bloody slog getting up there and you didn't have to listen to my other half moaning all the way up lol. It's a situation I very rarely find myself in with people wanting to use my footage as it is done for fun/memories. Would be nice to see where it has been used and not just passed off as your own. Hope you see where I'm coming from :-)
+Matt Hawes Yes I see where you are coming from of course! I've been up myself but sadly without a camera, if I were to use the footage(not confirmed yet) I would be linking your channel/link to this video . Its all up to you :)
katie tatie If you need to use it you can but please link me wherever possible please. Its good to see where these things get shared. Easier that way as you could still use it without permission and I'd never know. Good Luck.
+Alpine Ruben This was most likely filmed in 1080p 30fps. Can't remember if the spot meter was on or not. Colour and how it looks is straight off the camera. At the time this was filmed and edited I was only using Windows Movie Maker which is very basic.
+Alpine Ruben No worries mate. I do use 60fps now though due to it producing a smoother video. At the time my old laptop couldn't play 60fps without skipping let alone edit it but not that is all I shoot in.
Zoe Taylor Thanks Zoe. It really does depends on the route you're taking and the weather conditions on the day but I would always recommend carrying the correct map for the area and compass with you whenever you're out in the mountains. For this particular walk though, once you've reached the start of Striding Edge, on a clear day you can see where you need to be going and is pretty straight forward. Let me know if you need anymore info.
Summit for Helvellyn is 950m. Haha yeah she was. Its a bit of slog up the last scramble. Luckily no one toppled off anywhere. Would have ruined the holiday a little I think.
Haha okay it’s quite good to know even I good weather it took a this dodgy. Tried doing it in fog, rain and snow thinking it would be tough exercise but otherwise just another hike. Boy we’re we wrong!
It really does depends on your ability and what gear you have. In November there is a good chance it could be in full winter conditions so crampons etc will be needed. I've never done any proper winter walking that requires additional equipment. I'd be keeping a close eye on the mountain weather in the days leading up to your walk so you can make the choice if you think it is safe or not. Remember it'll always be there another day :-)
I've climbed Skiddaw helvelyn scarfed pike Ben Nevis and all of the mountains that are tall in the U.K make sure you do not climb striding edge when there is snow I almost slipped to the side where all of the clouds were Scary😁😱
Nice film guys. It inspired me to do it a few weeks ago. I'm disabled so it took me 11 and a half hours to complete including swirral edge and back down. I had a near miss though. I tripped on the ridge and fell about six feet and cracked my head. My beanie and the go pro saved any severe injury. Luckily I landed on a ledge on the left side. One roll and it would have been goodnight. What a great day though, challenging for me, but such a cool place to be. Thanks guys and look out for my film when I put it up. sadly I got the fall on film much to the entertainment of everyone else it seems. cheers Les
Thanks for watching 66lesjo 11 and a half hours is a long old time to be out there but I'm sure it was worth it, especially the sense of achievement when you reach the top. I found it to be very easy to take a tumble when walking along the ridge. All the little rocks poking out at different angles that seem to trip you up. I hope you didn't suffer too bad an injury and made a fast, full recovery. I will keep checking back on your channel to watch the video :-) All the best mate.
I am fine thanks Matt. I've got a thick skull. Totally right about the sense of achievement. I've been disabled since I was in the army over 20 years ago, but this last 6 months I decided to ignore my doctor and try to get out and do something a bit less mundane. I climbed Snowdon via the pig track earlier this year, then Helvellyn, and I'm climbing Scafell and Ben Nevis for charity over the next 6 weeks. I wish I had tried this years ago but you tend to follow medical advice. Anyhow thanks again and all the best to you too.
Glad you're ok 66lesjo Good on you for getting out there. Sometimes that is what's needed but what the doctor didn't order. Like you say, you follow their advice as they are the "experts" but it sounds like you're having fun out there again which is good :-). ATB to you too.
Cheers mate. ATB to you too.
66lesjo Just read this. Inspiring stuff, and you're bang on here about stepping out of your doctor's comfort zone
!. A few years ago, aged 60, I restarted my fell walking in earnest, after caring for my seriously ill wife for many years, then her sad passing. My two kids and I crossed Striding Edge via the safer, lower route (it was a very windy day...honest!). I will try to find your video of that now, though I won't be amused, as too many people know the difference a degree or two of angle can make when hitting a rock.
I did this in 1974 so had forgotten how much scrambling as well as walking was involved. An excellent video, one of the best I've seen from this walk.
Thanks for watch Kathleen. Yeah there's a fair bit of scrambling. It been a few years since I've been up there now. I don't get there as much as I'd like and there are so many other fells to explore 😊
Bloody amazing footage, love it and want to do this on my 60th year.. Thank you for this.. Look forward to watching more when I can..
Thanks for watching. I haven't been up for 3 years or so but booked to go again next May. Will take the camera and get some footage.
Lovely video. I've done Striding edge / Helvelyn a few times. That last part after the edge is a killer, and certainly gets the lactic acid pumping.
Thanks for posting. I've done Striding Edge twice when I was younger but my balance and agility are not what they once were now I'm in my 70th year. I think the wide angle camera lens makes the edge look even narrower than it is in real life.
Thanks for watching. It's definitely a walk to remember. Yeah the GoPro lens always makes the perspective look funny. Looks like you're walking on a knife edge.
Great and fast bought to you both - very impressive to watch
Great to watch we are giving it a go this coming weekend so thanks for posting very educational
GREAT video!!! Doing this hike again on Saturday and this has made me excited!!!
Thanks. It's good that this video is still doing the rounds. It's a great route. Think I'll miss the Lakes this year unfortunately. Hope you have a good trip.
Love it. This is on my bucket list , shall be doing it next month. After watching this video, for the fifth or sixth time. Thanks for sharing.
Thanks for watching. Glad this video is still giving people the motivation to get out there and explore 👍🏻
Woah..This brings back some memories.
Did this when I did the coast to coast 14yrs ago. Still the best walk I ever did !
Thanks for sharing this vid, superbly done :0)
Glad you enjoyed it SONGSTICKS Thanks for watching.
Absolutely brilliant. Loved the music. Really added to the excitement for someone like me who can't climb that high these days. Made my night! Thank you so much.
+Christine Montgomery Glad you enjoyed it and thanks for watching :-)
A really great video. Looks like you had amazing conditions. Watching you teering so close on the edge made me nervous! Thanks for sharing...maybe I will get the courage and skill to try this one day :)
It's definitely worth giving it a go if you have the chance. Pick a good weather day, take your time and you'd be fine 😊
An excellent video that captures the essence of the traverse, many thanks guys. I've had the good fortune to complete Crib Goch, Carn Mor Dearg & Aonach Eagach ridge but Striding Edge certainly is their equal.....
Thanks for watching. I've always had my eye on Crib Goch but since having the dog I have to pick slightly different walks.
I disagree. It's nowhere near Crib Goch or the Aonach Eagach IMHO. The Carn Mor Dearg - Ben Nevis arete is about as hard as Striding Edge.
Brilliant bit of video. I was up there a couple of days ago and thought *wouldn't it be great if I had a head cam on". This video brings it all back!
Thanks James van de Vyver Yeah this was the first time I had properly used it and was a great place to try it out. Hopefully will get some more later this year.
Excellent video of the scramble over Striding Edge up to Helvellyn. I've done it more than once but never been lucky enough to catch it with the clouds gradually burning off in the sun like that. Nice work.
Thanks for watching. Yeah we got lucky that day. It was the first time up there for the both of us and it was pretty miserable when we left Patterdale. It wasn't until we got to Hole in the Wall the drizzle stopped and the cloud lifted. I needed sun cream by the time we got to the top.
I have never been to the Lake District.
I admire your bravery, Matt!
The highest I have ever climbed is Cromer Church tower, which is 160ft.
Great video. Love the low clouds.
Thanks for watching. Yeah it was a good day to be out.
I climbed Helvellyn 30 years ago. It is as beautiful as I remember. Thanks for the upload :)
Many thanks for watching Paul. Glad you enjoyed it. We're heading back up to the Lakes in September so might take the camera.
And this is as close as I will ever get to doing this. My acrophobia would make this impossible. Thanks for showing this to all us cowards! :)
I have an awful head for heights, but I've done Striding Edge twice with no real concerns.
I also did Liatach in Scotland and that was pretty terrifying but amazing. But I chickened out on the Aonach Eagach!
This looks amazing, i've decided to take up hiking this summer and my first small goal is going to be to make it up Hellvellyn, Looks like a beautiful place and not to far from where i live.
Amazing video. Hope we get a good day like this when we tackle Striding Edge next month. Well done.
John Davies Cheers mate. Excuse the late reply. When are you planning to do Striding Edge?
Half term. Whichever day is the driest. If we're still in one piece we'll tackle Blencathra too.
Cool. Hope the weather hold out for you John Davies
Matt Hawes it. Weather not as good as in your video. Drizzly until we got to Gough Memorial then the sun came out. Incredible views. Next time when we get to the rock chimney at the end of Striding Edge we'll have to remember to go down the right hand side not the left which is far trickier.
+Steve Davies I found the left side of the chimney much easier (going down it). You need long arms and legs for the right side, although you are quite hemmed in so it "feels" safer on the right. The left you can sit on a few places. I didn't actually realise you could bypass the chimney, and once you keep going you tend to ridge walk the whole sections as you get carried away!
Excellent vid! I’m 67 and just done it 2 days ago with my son. I’d done it a few times before, but as you get older it gets more scary. Pleased I watched this after the walk as I might not have done it. Felt physically sick in parts and can’t believe I done it.😂
Nice one Phil. It does make your bum nip in a few places but definitely a worthwhile experience. Better if you get the views too. We were in the Lakes last week and did Blencathra. Unfortunately we were in thick clag all day. Still enjoyed it though.
Love this video and this mountain :) And great weather, my last few there have been either snowy and cloudy or rainy and cloudy!! But great view mate!!
Gorgeous day here! The cloud formation on the south side of
Striding Edge looks eerie yet beautiful. I ascended Helvellyn in '05
but came up from Glenridding on a different route that connected
with the north side of the tarn and so went up via Swirral Edge. I
descended on Striding to get the full circuit. Would like to do this
again over the opposite approach but have a torn meniscus so
I'm not sure if my knee could handle the rocky crest. Instability
with one's footing along certain sections could prove fatal. Thanks
for this superb video.
I need to go there sometime when weather gets better glad it's heading into spring , loving this video n that cloud under the edge :-D
Thanks for commenting just remindes me now when i sent this only 5 years ago lol but i was just starting to getting on fells more ive done this a few times love it :)
Amazing! thanks for sharing.
Great video! 👍🏻
Nice video, did it 30 years ago and brought back great memories
Excellent video thank you for posting.
I did it under much less clearer weather, during the mid-late 1970s, on one of my regular walking trips.
The night before I stayed at the Patterdale YHA and had a smashing evening session at the White Lion pub, with others from the Hostel.
One of the intersting and fun things about YHS-ing - One can spend a interesting evening with complete strangers. Then after breakfast (and chores) we all continue our separate ways - as though old friends. I wonder if it's still like that?
The next day I set off alone to walk to Grasmere (YHA), via Striding Edge. It became more miserable as I approached the 'Edge section' and I considered another night at Patterdale. But a family came along with two little lads. And as they knew the route, the said I should tag along. The two little boys were like a couple of mountain Goats . It was an INTERESTING trip to the summit, but I saw precious little around me. Haha. The rain then just got worse and worse, as I headed by Dollywaggon and the nearby Tarn, before practically awimming into Grasmere. I'm still glad I did it though. NO trip to The Lakes is ever wasted for me. Jack.
Great story Jack. It definitely sounded like an experience. We're booked to go in September and I can't wait as it's been a couple of years since our last visit.
@@Matto216 Thanks Matt. Subsequent back injuries prevented me from being up in the high Fells from 93, but I occasionally, I get random flashbacks - when I'm up there.at various conditions. It's amazing country up there. enjoy your next visits.And it's all free haha.
This rocks. Its on my list of things to do this summer. Wild camp at the tarn could be in order as well. Great vid mate. ATB Mark.
Thanks Mark. This was our first trip up there. I'd say it would be a great location for a wild camp. There were a few tents on the shore of the tarn the day we did it. Would be fantastic to see the sunrise/sunset.
Camped at about 900m with 3 others, woke up to see we were in the clouds, captured it all on go pro. Good experience for my first mountain. Loved it
Great video, really captures the experience. 👍
19:22 your Mrs is like 'no more!' This video is awesome by the way.
Really enjoyed that, thanks for putting it up...hope to tackle it later this year.
Thanks for watching. Get yourself up there and fingers crossed you get the weather as the views are fantastic.
Great vid mate, looks like you had an amazing day for it
It didn't start off that way chriscox303 It was quite claggy and drizzly when we left Patterdale but once we had broken through the cloud base we were treated to a glorious day. Even got a touch of sunburn.
Great work. I've been across here several times the most memorable time was last June. We camped at Red Tarn and set of at about 6am and had the ridge to ourselves.
Sounds good Graham Arthur There were a few tents around Red Tarn when we were up there. Looked an awesome place for a wild camp.
Great video, we did Helvellyn yesterday & Nethermost & Dollywaggon pikes. It was a total of 12 miles, we came up from Swirls car park, didn’t do striding edge because of our girls.
Great video .I was there last week with my wife .My first mountain walk since I had my kidney transplant ....
Your girlfriend had the right idea taking the copout path, great clear video of Striding Edge, one of the best I've seen.
Yeah she is not as adventurous as me. This was my first time up there so had to make the most of it. Thanks for the kind comments and glad you enjoyed watching it.
Very well done, great footage, i am looking to get there as soon as possible, Early November if weather permits.
Thanks for watching. Good to see the video is still getting some views after all this time. Hopefully the weather will be in your favour. Not sure I'm brave enough to do it in anything other than ideal conditions haha.
Great video. My wife and I went up Helvellyn 15 years ago. We visit the Lakes almost every year. We were wondering if our two children (now 8 and 11) were ready to do Helvellyn yet but I'd obviously forgotten what it was like. We all watched your video together and decided against it !!
Hi Neil. We like to visit once a year also. Although won't be making it this year. Your children would have probably been ok on a day like we had. They can always use the path you see my Mrs using. I will say that due to the wide angle of the camera, it does make the edge look sharper and narrower than it actually is. Care still needs to be taken and I am sure you will get up there soon with the family and all enjoy the experience :-) Thanks for watching.
Matt Hawes you answered one of my questions here.....as a photographer myself I was wondering if the gopro's wide angle lens made it look slightly more hairy than it really is......I'm sure it's still dangerous!
Jonathan Fletcher Yeah it does. The GoPro was set at its widest to get as much scenery in as possible but there is a fair amount of distortion. It can/is dangerous. Just have to take your time and know when to leave it for another day.
Excellent video mate, really enjoyed that
Enjoyed video stunning cumbria i love it
Glad you enjoyed it and thanks for watching gary perry I'm back up there in September and can't wait.
Fantastic video! I am impressed! Tank you!
Thanks for watching *****
I'm watching this because I'm going up tomorrow via striding edge. I went up a few months ago via dollywagon pike when it was snowy. I'm only 11. It's really creepy looking of the edge 😨
excellent video...gotta get me a headcam....Doing Striding Edge and Swirral Edge tomorrow weather permitting :)
Thanks darkstar1882 Yeah I find the GoPro is a great piece of kit for this sort of thing. How did you get on with Striding Edge? Hopefully the weather held out for you.
Matt Hawes
Hi Matt..I was thinking of asking what camera you used so thanks for that....Did striding edge but very thick mist so kinda scary for a first time. Got to the summit and rested for 5 minutes then just as we set off back down the mist cleared and we got our reward :) Got some great photos then back by swirral edge. A well deserved pint back at Glenridding. Cheers.
No worries mate. Sounds like a similar day to when we went up. Really cloudy and misty until we reached hole in the wall. Glad it cleared up for you and you got to see the stunning views darkstar1882
That reminds me of Cumshingaun Lake in the Comeragh Mountains in County Waterford in Ireland. One of the most difficult "hikes" I've ever done.
Aa brilliantridge walk. In my youth I set a goal to cross minimum of 7 times a year, in order to keep this now ageing body in trim. That was 48 years ago.
In those days there was no choice of routes around difficult sections, it was the top point of the ridge, or cling to the grassy slope below, which now seems to have several, worn down 'copout' paths.
From your video, even the point of the ridge seems to be getting worn down flat after all these years. The shattered summit rocks seem to be disappearing.
I suppose one day it will like walking on a table top! But the challenge is still there for those who try!
Your video helps me now to remember my youth. Thanks!
On another note; I like your head camera's picture quality, what make, or type is it, if you don't mind me asking?
Hi Brian. Thanks for watching. Good to see the video is still getting watched by people old and young. 7 times a year is good going. I wish I could visit more than I do which is currently every other year. It's a special place that's for sure. That's interesting to hear regarding the paths. I imagine thousands of people a year cross it. We were up there last week and had planned Blencathra via Sharp Edge then down Halls Fell Ridge but due to the thick clag we ended up going via Scales Fell. Probably the best (safest) route given the conditions. We also have the ridge down a miss too but still had an enjoyable walk.
Class video mate, added to my list to do.
Definitely one to do.
am planning to do this soon but nevious just watching your video......
You'll be fine. Just take you're time and don't be afraid to turn back if the weather changes. Be worth checking the mountain weather too incase of winter conditions up there. Are you walking or riding?
@@Matto216 planning in walking this mid Nov we got a cold snap at the moment so not sure if it's a good idea
@@kmtb2011 It's a bit squeaky bum time when it's dry, let alone wet, windy or icy 😂
Did this in february 1965, deep snow, howling wind. Outward bound type course based in Patterdale.
Great vid mate. I think I've just found my next walk any pointers you could give would be greatly received.
badlydrawn1000 Thanks for the compliments. Yeah do it. Its an awesome walk. Only pointers I'd say were to make sure you check a reliable weather forecast before you decide to do it. It's a dangerous route as it is without having bad weather to contend with. Other than that, take your time and enjoy the stunning views.
Wow fantastic loved it... Want to do this now..... Is it OK for a first timer or do you need to no exactly the way around....
I'd say it really depends on what you've done previously and how you are with heights and exposure. Being able to read a map and use a compass is a great skill to have and sensible when walking somewhere like the Lakes. I believe this route can be found on The Walking Englishman website. It is quite a strenuous walk but as long as the weather conditions are favourable and you take your time it's a great experience 👍🏻
@@Matto216 thank you kindly for your help and advice..... And yes valuable advice.. I love hiking... Usually hike every weekend for a good 15 miles mainly the Yorkshire dales..... Just want to explore striding edge for a experience... Those views are stunning from up high.... Thanks again and stay safe...
Superb looks great fun just wish I had a head for heights.
Yeah it sure was. Had a few bum clenching moments where I didn't lift my feet up properly and nearly tripped up haha. The other half took the path lower down as she really doesn't have a head for heights either. Thanks for watching.
Did it for the first time last week, loved it!
Thanks a lot. This was our first time up there and fancied giving Striding Edge a go. A few hairy moments when you don't pick your feet up properly and it tries to pitch you forwards. We couldn't see anything in the Thirlmere direction. It was completely covered in cloud.
Wow! Rather you than me! Lol stunning though
Is sure is Jonathan. Thanks for watching.
I recently climbed Helvellyn via striding edge and Scaffel pike (via a rough route) in 48hrs, without any previous experience in hiking.
Fantastic!
Great Video!
Thanks Ryszard :-)
Excellent video - done this a last week and made a video about it :))
Love the film and is helping me prepare for a group trip along the Edge at end of April. How long did Stricing Edge to Helvellyn take you. Am considering hiring a guide as we are fit and experienced walkers but not climbers. What are your thoughts please?
Thanks for watching. From memory I would say from Patterdale to the top of Helvellyn 1.5 to 2 hours. I'd say you wouldn't need a guide. There is no climbing involved. Just a bit of scrambling so holding on with your hands. There is also a path lower down which I you can see my wife take if you don't want to walk long the top. The camera makes everything look steeper than it is due to the wide angle lens. You'll be fine. Just check the weather before you go to make sure it's not going to be too windy as it whips through there. Hope you enjoy your trip.
Need to get up there again and get a video done for my channel. First heard a wood pecker here!
Yes you should get yourself up there. There is something about the Lakes that draws me back time and time again. Just a shame I can't get there as much as I'd like.
@@Matto216 same. I love the place. Infact I just love being out.
More videos coming to my channel soon.
Doing the Tolkien Trail on Thursday and Stocks Reservoir.
@@RamblingWithRitchie Me too. Just out the habit now since the plague hit. Always seem to be busy with DIY. No excuse really, should just make time to get out.
awesome cloud inversion
... great video! ... how long to the summit? and how long was the round trip?
... I remember arriving at Glenridding at about 9.00am and doing the full circuit and back in time for a pint before last orders at 3.00pm ... but we were fit young soldiers then ...
Hi Nigel. Thanks for watching. To be honest I can't remember how long long this one took. It was before I started tracking walks. It also depends who you're with. I was with my wife for this one so probably slower than if I was on my own. We left from Patterdale too. Are you thinking of giving it another go?
@@Matto216 ... yes, I'm getting a bit long in the tooth now ... I'm 70 next b'day but I want another crack at Scafell, Helvellyn and the Welsh 3000s before I pack it in ...
Happy birthday for next the next one. Definitely carry on getting out while you can. I love the Lakes. My Dad took me when I was little and it got me. Try to get every other year if possible. Would loved to have visited it with him again but unfortunately he is no longer with us.
Great video! Thinking of trying this out soon, what advice would you give to a novice?
Thanks for watching. As for advice, make sure you have a good upto date forecast for the area and be prepared to turn back if conditions aren't ideal. It's good fun and does get the blood pumping. Just take your time and you'll be fine.
Thank you!
I'm new to fell walking. After watching this vid I don't think I could do he ridge. There's supposed to be a well used path at the side. Would that be a better option?
You're right there is a well used path at the side but it can lead you in to some tricky situations and corners. We had one and ended up having to back track. I'm led to believe the "easiest" route is to keep on top of the ridge if you have the nerves for it. It is also not as bad as the video shows as there is some lens distortion that makes it look really narrow.
@@Matto216 cheers pal. We will probably make our decision on the day. What's the clime like after ridge up to the summit? Again looks very steep.
@@S.Hitchcock Yeah see how you feel. Also weather is a big factor if you're considering going across the ridge. Is it the ridge you want to do or just Helvellyn itself? From memory I'd say the last scramble to the summit is somewhere between going up the stairs and a ladder on your hands and feet. Strenuous but easy enough if you take your time. It's been a few years since I've been up there.
@@Matto216 helvellyn, but I want to start at glenridding & finish there including both striding edge & swirral edge.
@@S.Hitchcock That'll be a decent walk. We started and finished in Patterdale.
This is one of the most inspiring video,s i have ever seen, the music is also very good. Can u give a googlemap or google earth location of this, we live in FLAT Netherlands.
Thanks for watching. Here is a link which should take you to the path across the ridge. If not, search for Striding Edge Penrith on Google maps. Dropped pin
Near Penrith
maps.app.goo.gl/BzdtxDq9tqVd1Ht8A
Im going there this weekend with a large group. What time of day is this clip showing? Morning or afternoon. We hope to get similar view/experience... with the cloud and all. If you can share the time of day that would be greatly appreciated! Thanks!
what is the best month to go and enjoy clouds please guide thanks
It can happen year round but more common in the Winter months, I wouldn't recommend this route in Winter conditions if you have not done crossed such terrain in Winter conditions, it is a very different beast if there is snow or ice.
Great Video Matt. Hope you are well. :)
Yeah all good here mate. Hope you are too.
Did Helvellyn again with the Extremies. :)
Woahhhhh... that ginger lady managed to get to the top?! How old is she and how difficult did she find it? Could you also tell me how long it took to reach the top? I'm going this Monday.
I applaud her...
Yep she did. Where you see her in the video is where we caught her up. Don't know how old she was as she wasn't with us but by the look on her face when she reaches the top I'd say she found it hard work. Which it is tbh. It depends which route up you are taking. We went from Patterdale and I'd say it was a good 3 hrs from there to the top with breaks. Good luck for Monday. You'll love it. Just hope the weather holds out for you Tess Tickles
The weather was spot on. Took the missus and I 2hrs 15mins to get up there and 1hr 30mins to get down. Stunning views up there (full of flies though- which was weird). Didn't attempt Striding Edge, we took a look at that and then looked at the memorial which told the story of a skeleton being found along with a dog and thought 'nah... phuk that'. Besides, we were gonna be late picking up the kids from school.
The views up there are quite similar to The Old Man.
Awesome!
By the way I'm thirteen and I went up there with my school everything was completely engulfed with mist...
I just hiked up Swirral Edge the other day in thick fog. A bit slippy and quite scary on the muddy bits with a big bag on!
I recorded the climb if anybody wants to see the walk from Glenridding, the ridge in the fog looked incredible!🙂
Great video Matt, this is about the best quality I've seen along striding edge, and a cracking day for it. What camera did you use? Exposure and colours seemed spot on and really noise and sharp. All the best, Chris.
Thanks very much Chris. Its sure was. Started out grey and murky but once we had climbed through the clag that is the day we ended up with. Plus a little sunburn aswell haha. All my videos are done with my GoPro Hero 3 Black so exposure is all done by the camera. Settings from memory were 1080p, 30fps, wide view with spot metering on. A great bit of kit and something I never thought I would get much use out of but I take it whenever I go out and about now.
Did this today, hoping today either Scaffell pike tomorrow or old man coniston
How did you find it? BIG SOUTH
This is the route I took about eight years ago. The last mountain I will ever climb. Since then my emphysema has worsened- don't think I'll ever walk up another mountain again. Nice to live vicariously though, ta
Thanks for watching. Just watched your hospital videos. Hope you're well again soon mate.
@@Matto216 Ta, I'm still recovering but am back home now
Have you got a link to this mix buddy? Love Nuage's stuff
Search for "Bulb Into The Deep 011" on Google. It should bring up a link to his Soundcloud.
Fantastic
Thanks mate. Glad you enjoyed it. I'm half way through the doing the Coniston one.
Hi Matt, I am a student at William Howard School sixth form in Cumbria and I am currently making a promotional video for the Brewery Hesket Newmarket. I came across you video on Helvellyn and was wondering if I could have your permission to use some of this for my media promo. Many thanks :)
+katie tatie Hi Katie. What parts of the video do you wish to use and will I be referenced to show where the footage is from?
+Matt Hawes I would possibly be using various small cuts throughout and the last few seconds where you look out from the top . I would be unable to reference you in the video itself but when posted to youtube,facebook etc I can reference if you would like? Thanks
+katie tatie Referencing me somewhere along the line would be nice as obviously I own the rights to the video. Also it's a bloody slog getting up there and you didn't have to listen to my other half moaning all the way up lol. It's a situation I very rarely find myself in with people wanting to use my footage as it is done for fun/memories. Would be nice to see where it has been used and not just passed off as your own. Hope you see where I'm coming from :-)
+Matt Hawes Yes I see where you are coming from of course! I've been up myself but sadly without a camera, if I were to use the footage(not confirmed yet) I would be linking your channel/link to this video . Its all up to you :)
katie tatie If you need to use it you can but please link me wherever possible please. Its good to see where these things get shared. Easier that way as you could still use it without permission and I'd never know. Good Luck.
Looks nice.
The lower lake walk looks nice. I'm not even comfortable with ladders.
It's nice coming back along there after the excitement of the ridges 👍🏻
What settings did you use on your GoPro and did you edit the colour and that afterwards
+Alpine Ruben This was most likely filmed in 1080p 30fps. Can't remember if the spot meter was on or not. Colour and how it looks is straight off the camera. At the time this was filmed and edited I was only using Windows Movie Maker which is very basic.
magic mate thank you kindly good sir
+Alpine Ruben No worries mate. I do use 60fps now though due to it producing a smoother video. At the time my old laptop couldn't play 60fps without skipping let alone edit it but not that is all I shoot in.
Walked up yesterday, it wasn't particularly scary but my lack of fitness meant the last part leaving Striding Edge was hard work!
magnifique!
I so want to do this but I have no one to do it with lol 😅
There's nothing stopping you having a go yourself. It does depend on how much you like your own company though 😂
Great video! How often did you need to use a map?
Zoe Taylor Thanks Zoe. It really does depends on the route you're taking and the weather conditions on the day but I would always recommend carrying the correct map for the area and compass with you whenever you're out in the mountains. For this particular walk though, once you've reached the start of Striding Edge, on a clear day you can see where you need to be going and is pretty straight forward. Let me know if you need anymore info.
Summit for Helvellyn is 950m. Haha yeah she was. Its a bit of slog up the last scramble. Luckily no one toppled off anywhere. Would have ruined the holiday a little I think.
Haha okay it’s quite good to know even I good weather it took a this dodgy. Tried doing it in fog, rain and snow thinking it would be tough exercise but otherwise just another hike. Boy we’re we wrong!
Yeah I can imagine. It's not a route I'd like to do in anything other than decent weather.
Awesome..!! :)
Lee Camfield Thanks for watching Lee.
I'm climbing this for the first time in 10 days time. I feel knackered just watching though 😂
Good luck. Its a good old climb. What route are you taking?
@@Matto216 thank you, I'm starting off at Swirls car park > Striding Edge > Hole in the wall> Red Tarn Beck > Swirral Edge > back to the car park
Hey mate i'm planning on visiting in November, would you consider it to be safe?
It really does depends on your ability and what gear you have. In November there is a good chance it could be in full winter conditions so crampons etc will be needed. I've never done any proper winter walking that requires additional equipment. I'd be keeping a close eye on the mountain weather in the days leading up to your walk so you can make the choice if you think it is safe or not. Remember it'll always be there another day :-)
Camera makes this look really intense!
I know what you mean. The wide angle of the GoPro makes it look like a knife edge in places. Thanks for watching.
Great vid, is it shot on GoPro?
+Chris McKevitt Yes it was. Hero 3 Black.
I've climbed Skiddaw helvelyn scarfed pike Ben Nevis and all of the mountains that are tall in the U.K make sure you do not climb striding edge when there is snow I almost slipped to the side where all of the clouds were
Scary😁😱
I imagine it was scary. I'd never attempt it in adverse conditions.
Striding Edge is a great outing in snow as long as you're properly equipped and the conditions are right.
Striding Edge is way better when there's snow! As long as you have crampons and an axe. :)
Is this doable for a 13 year old that's used to hiking?
It's a good walk and strenuous in places but I'd say so yes. Be a good adventure for them. Just make sure they take their time and keep them close.
Awesome
Thanks for watching Donald Hart
Never done it but looks like an accident waiting to happen. I would need new under crackers after that!!!