Hats off to you. In 1967 I (an Aussie) climbed Helvellyn with a Canadian girl and American boy who was told it's an easy 5 mile hike, no crags, no nasty bits to worry about. No "Edges" were mentioned and off we went last half in rain and wind and visibility towards the top only 1 metre in front of us. Coming back, at halfway point, the weather cleared to the most beautiful breathtaking panorama imaginable but we were frozen when we got back to a lot of trouble. We girls were told GET TO BED. The American copped most of the tongue-lashing (from manager of the youth hostel) because he persuaded us to go with him. I was happy we'd done it once I thawed out. Just recently I asked the internet has anyone died on Helvellyn? - the answer was 15 so far this year (couple of years ago).. That's when I started shaking at the thought it could have been us. I didn't know for 50 years that it was dangerous.
Thank you Abbie. I'm 72 now and no longer able to get up there. Your enthusiasm was just like I felt when I did that route for the first time. A Lovely video and once again Thanks.
Climbed this when I was 8 years old but the other way, up Swirral edge and down Striding edge, it was a perfectly clear sunny day, I remember it so well. I'm 23 and been bedbound the last few years, I miss climbing and hiking so much
Lovely video Abbie. Brought back happy memories of 2001 when we did Sriding Edge and Swirral Edge. It was the first day the fells were open following the Foot and Mouth disease, and a friend who was just recovered from breast cancer and chemo wanted to climb Helvellyn to prove she was back to full health. We had to go up via Red Tarn Beck as that was the only way open for ascent. We had a break at Red Tarn then carried on via Striding Edge. At the summit my friend was so chuffed that she had done it, and I produced a bottle of Champagne and 4 glasses from my rucksac to celebrate at the shelter. Unbeknown to all of us, he son and his girlfriend were approaching the shelter at the same time. They didn't know we were going to be there!
Really good video Abbie, thank you... as a family we have camped (and now caravan) every Easter at the campsite you passed (Gillside Farm) for over 50 years and have also been regular visitors at other times of the year. In all that time we can only count on one hand the amount of days on our walks up Helvellyn that the weather was as good as yours; you were very blessed. Keep these videos coming Abbie, they are important in the fight to inspire people away from TV, internet and social media (despite the need to watch them using those formats) and back out into the wild. As a teacher I am frequently shocked, and saddened, by students (AND in some cases staff) complete lack of awareness of even basic things such as local footpaths, parks and places of interest... when we go back to school in September there will be students that have barely left their bedrooms/house/xBox... Very sad. I use your videos to encourage debate within the classroom, this one is a definite 'conquering your fears' conversation. Good work Abbie.
Hello Abbie! You need a lanyard with a cordlock on your hat! When it is not windy & you don't want it hanging down, then flip it up & over to be behind the crown. Having the lanyard tight under your chin, will keep your hands free to hang on to the rocks & trees when it's Windy! Happy Trails~Abbie!
My great uncle, George Gibson, was killed at greenside lead mine in the Glennridding mining disaster, he posthumously won the Edward Medal ( miners equivalent of the George Medal) for his actions trying to save other miners. It is a hard but beautiful land around there.
Hi Abbie, when I watch your videos I always get a smile on my face. Your enthusiasm is very contagious. I myself have been to the Lake District twice. Beautiful memories. Coniston Old Men in particular is still in my favor. thanks for this nice video. I definitely have to go for a walk there again. with warm regards, Johan
Brilliant stuff. Describing Striding edge as a puzzle is an excellent description. I am so gonna recommend these videos to people. I can feel your passion and enthusiasm! That really adds to viewing experience. Very high quality. Thanks.
Hey Abbie, just so you know, I think my heart stopped beating once or twice as you traversed the Edge. Congrats on a safe crossing. Thanks for sharing the fantastic scenery.
Wonderful video, Abbie. I loved the scenery but I'm so scared of heights, so I had to take lots of deep breaths as I was watching. I'm such a wuss, lol. Thank you for sharing as always.
What a great hike, scramble and film. Will have to do that one, one day. The use of 2 hats is a true fact not shown much on UA-cam and a heartfelt smile from me because I wrote a fictional poem about a long hike that took months and 2 hats are part of it.. Great film, great artistic flare as per usual, and honest from the heart even with the parking ticket which is all part of life and adventure. Best way to be, better than that Hollywood stuff. Good to push the boundaries but stay safe. 😉
Respect, Abbie, respect. The Edges are difficult and beyond my capabilities but it was great seeing what it's like "up there". A wonderful video. Thank you.
Yep, love the unique phrases; my personal favourite, “What the legit flip?” Fantastic walk; what a brilliant way to spend a day. Thanks for taking us along Abbie.
Your videos are amazing. They have reignited the light in my soul that had grown weary. Been bk in wild these last few months finishing off mtb down Snowdon Christmas day. Keep going you r inspiring.
Hello Abbie... Not seen you here for a while. Hope your aright and keeping wild-camping going. I shall be looking out in the near future for your video,s. Your inspiring me but as i have said all my plans are on hold this year. God bless you,,, Mick,,,, Chef-on-the-wild-side,,,, XX
Hi, Abbie, great to watch you enjoying the Helvellyn climb so much. I really enjoyed your journey to, it brought back great memories for me. i first climbed Striding Edge when was eleven years old, i am now seventy four. I have subsequently done the Horseshoe several times .its a beautiful and amazing route. Carry on the good work and keep making your excellent videos. Looking forward to your next one.
Oooooohoooo Abbie, this was one pretty insane single-handed rock scramble! Little scary.... 🤤 But I enjoyed these awesome views! Thanks for taking us along.
I now use the phrase "what the legit flip" when the shift is crazy busy. Today I watched this with my grandson who is almost two months old, he just smiled watching the video
Great wander Abbie! This brought back some wonderful memories of a winter hike there in Jan 2000 with my late pal. We had the perfect day, blue skies, sunshine, snow, ice and fantastic view. Unlike your trek, we went up via Swirrel and down via Striding. Happy days! Thanks for sharing your adventures with us.
I love how you always know which way to go, I get so lost with the paths and which ones are the right ones to follow😂 you do it so effortlessly. Really enjoyed watching this :) we car camped in one of the car parks just below Helvellyn actually 😊✌️
Thanks for sharing this video. You look like you had a fantastic time. Im going to tackle helveylynn tomorrow on that same route so thats just gave me some insight into what im up against. Thank you
Wow! Thanks for sharing. Helvellyn is mighty impressive and once I have more experience I'll try that route. This is the best video I've seen on Helvellyn and what it's like up there. Keep it up.
Big thanks Abbey for the video I'm taking my 15-year old lad to do some walking Lake District at the end of this month We Gonna Do Scafell pike and after watching your video on helvellyn is definitely pn the list aswell 👊👊
Great video Abbie of a great walk. Last time I went up Helvellyn I did the same route but in reverse to yours although it was in thick cloud. Moving along Swirral Edge a hole suddenly opened up in the clouds and showed me that if I continued on my path then I may well have fallen off! No view from the summit but just about to go down via Striding Edge and another hole in the clouds let me see Patterdale in all of its glory. Beautiful! It only hit me later but I think that somebody was looking down on me that day.
Striding Edge... I've done it many times & in all weathers. It is not a walk & not a climb that should be taken lightly. Many people have lost their footing, especially in poor weather, ice & snow. It comands RESPECT at all times & a lapse in concentration can be fatal. This goes for the whole of Striding Edge, the very steep scramble upto the summit & parts of Swirrel Edge. All of which have witnessed fatalities. I say to any first timer to be very very careful & if you're not good with heights but still want to hit the summit, forget Striding or Swirrel Edge but instead go up the shorter, steep but safe route from Grassmere side. Once on the summit, the view looking down & a long Striding Edge is quite special indeed.
Great video, so glad you walked this way around, i class it as the hardest way as i done it many times, always wanted to do it in the snow but feel i am not skilled enough for that. 10/10 thx
So cool Abbie! My BF and I did Helvellyn via Striding Edge 2 years ago and the chimney was truly a challenge that tested me 😊 we descended via Whiteside and I still would love to do it again via Swirrel. Absolutely wonderful footage 👍🏼 thank you as always for sharing!!
Abbie you are a star. Great vid. A classic lakeland walk. I have done it twice and will definitely do it again. Re car parking - the last two times I have done walks from that area I have stayed at Gillside campsite. The prices are £12 per night (last time I stayed), and you can leave your car parked there on the day of your departure. It is a brilliant springboard for walks in the area, and is also close to the village shops, and pubs.
Amazing day for it. Was mid 90's I last did it .what was funny was a geordie family in full Newcastle kit shorts and flip flops carrier bag with pack lunch doing striding edge ...nuts
Another fantastic video Abbie, very inspirational and easy to watch. We so want to do this but know it will be a huge challenge especially as I'm not great with heights. Next year then!! Regards, Ashley
Beautiful views and the scenery wasn't half bad either ;@). Love climbing Helvellyn and Striding Edge. Respect to you climbing Striding Edge one handed and filming. You were so lucky with the weather and had the place pretty much to yourself. Lots of good walking in the Lakes. Old Man of Coniston is a good one day walk as well.
As i never have visited the lake district which i hope to tick off my list one day, i appreciate the amazing views and journey you went on...not forgetting the sound fx , Abbie. :D
Did this last year Abbie, brilliant walk & scramble. You had striding edge to yourself by the look of it. And a great day for it too. Fantastic , have fun... 👍😊
Hats off to you. In 1967 I (an Aussie) climbed Helvellyn with a Canadian girl and American boy who was told it's an easy 5 mile hike, no crags, no nasty bits to worry about. No "Edges" were mentioned and off we went last half in rain and wind and visibility towards the top only 1 metre in front of us. Coming back, at halfway point, the weather cleared to the most beautiful breathtaking panorama imaginable but we were frozen when we got back to a lot of trouble. We girls were told GET TO BED. The American copped most of the tongue-lashing (from manager of the youth hostel) because he persuaded us to go with him. I was happy we'd done it once I thawed out. Just recently I asked the internet has anyone died on Helvellyn? - the answer was 15 so far this year (couple of years ago).. That's when I started shaking at the thought it could have been us. I didn't know for 50 years that it was dangerous.
Takes no prisoners
"ah solid ground! It's... Just the wrong angle" 😂😂😂
I just find your enthusiasm so infectious in all your videos.
Thank you Abbie. I'm 72 now and no longer able to get up there. Your enthusiasm was just like I felt when I did that route for the first time. A Lovely video and once again Thanks.
Climbed this when I was 8 years old but the other way, up Swirral edge and down Striding edge, it was a perfectly clear sunny day, I remember it so well. I'm 23 and been bedbound the last few years, I miss climbing and hiking so much
I hope you get to experience it once again
An interesting hike, with jagged test,
Morning start, brings excited jest.
Another path with faithful hat,
Within the realms, her habitat.
Rear of step, a strident knee, Face a lit with compound glee. Over mountains and passing tarns, The spreading joy from Abbie Barnes.
Roses are red,
Violets are blue,
Your poem is shit.
Lovely video Abbie. Brought back happy memories of 2001 when we did Sriding Edge and Swirral Edge. It was the first day the fells were open following the Foot and Mouth disease, and a friend who was just recovered from breast cancer and chemo wanted to climb Helvellyn to prove she was back to full health. We had to go up via Red Tarn Beck as that was the only way open for ascent. We had a break at Red Tarn then carried on via Striding Edge. At the summit my friend was so chuffed that she had done it, and I produced a bottle of Champagne and 4 glasses from my rucksac to celebrate at the shelter. Unbeknown to all of us, he son and his girlfriend were approaching the shelter at the same time. They didn't know we were going to be there!
Watching with my heart in my mouth, I have no head for heights
Really good video Abbie, thank you... as a family we have camped (and now caravan) every Easter at the campsite you passed (Gillside Farm) for over 50 years and have also been regular visitors at other times of the year. In all that time we can only count on one hand the amount of days on our walks up Helvellyn that the weather was as good as yours; you were very blessed.
Keep these videos coming Abbie, they are important in the fight to inspire people away from TV, internet and social media (despite the need to watch them using those formats) and back out into the wild. As a teacher I am frequently shocked, and saddened, by students (AND in some cases staff) complete lack of awareness of even basic things such as local footpaths, parks and places of interest... when we go back to school in September there will be students that have barely left their bedrooms/house/xBox... Very sad.
I use your videos to encourage debate within the classroom, this one is a definite 'conquering your fears' conversation. Good work Abbie.
Areet Martin Luther King calm down... I had a dream... when I fell asleep reading what you’ve just wrote
Hello Abbie!
You need a lanyard with a cordlock on your hat!
When it is not windy & you don't want it hanging down, then flip it up & over to be behind the crown. Having the lanyard tight under your chin, will keep your hands free to hang on to the rocks & trees when it's Windy!
Happy Trails~Abbie!
That's one that I could never do , so thanks for showing me what's up there =-)
My great uncle, George Gibson, was killed at greenside lead mine in the Glennridding mining disaster, he posthumously won the Edward Medal ( miners equivalent of the George Medal) for his actions trying to save other miners. It is a hard but beautiful land around there.
Cool story bro...
lol
Hi Abbie, when I watch your videos I always get a smile on my face. Your enthusiasm is very contagious. I myself have been to the Lake District twice. Beautiful memories. Coniston Old Men in particular is still in my favor. thanks for this nice video. I definitely have to go for a walk there again. with warm regards, Johan
Have only just discovered your videos and I am loving them. Great work ❤
Did the walk four times, in all, assisting with school groups as well as on my own. Great memories.
Did this route when I was in the Army Cadets when I was 13, a whole 35 years ago. *THANK YOU SO MUCH* for bringing back these fond memories. 💕
Well done !!!
Love your joyful enthusiasm.
Brilliant stuff. Describing Striding edge as a puzzle is an excellent description.
I am so gonna recommend these videos to people.
I can feel your passion and enthusiasm! That really adds to viewing experience.
Very high quality. Thanks.
Hey Abbie, just so you know, I think my heart stopped beating once or twice as you traversed the Edge. Congrats on a safe crossing. Thanks for sharing the fantastic scenery.
Great video Abbie, definitely gnarly in places, but the views were stunning. Well done 👍
You should definitely be proud of yourself for making this summit
Wonderful video, Abbie.
I loved the scenery but I'm so scared of heights, so I had to take lots of deep breaths as I was watching. I'm such a wuss, lol. Thank you for sharing as always.
Absolutely loved this blog!!! What a stunning day you had!!! Fabulous 🤩 well done 🤩👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻
What a great hike, scramble and film. Will have to do that one, one day. The use of 2 hats is a true fact not shown much on UA-cam and a heartfelt smile from me because I wrote a fictional poem about a long hike that took months and 2 hats are part of it.. Great film, great artistic flare as per usual, and honest from the heart even with the parking ticket which is all part of life and adventure. Best way to be, better than that Hollywood stuff. Good to push the boundaries but stay safe. 😉
omg my heart nearly stopped at 9.30..that is scary.. beautiful, yes...but scary
Respect, Abbie, respect. The Edges are difficult and beyond my capabilities but it was great seeing what it's like "up there". A wonderful video. Thank you.
Yep, love the unique phrases; my personal favourite, “What the legit flip?” Fantastic walk; what a brilliant way to spend a day. Thanks for taking us along Abbie.
Your smile and joie de vivre are infectious . So great to see someone enjoying the simple pleasures of nature. Not a bad day out for :£6.50
Your videos are amazing. They have reignited the light in my soul that had grown weary. Been bk in wild these last few months finishing off mtb down Snowdon Christmas day. Keep going you r inspiring.
Well done!!
Hello Abbie... Not seen you here for a while. Hope your aright and keeping wild-camping going. I shall be looking out in the near future for your video,s. Your inspiring me but as i have said all my plans are on hold this year. God bless you,,, Mick,,,, Chef-on-the-wild-side,,,, XX
Hi Abbie, I climbed Helvellyn today via striding edge in the pouring rain and just wanted you to know watching your video inspired me👍🏻
Thanks Abbie for letting me see Helvellyn, the views and Striding Edge because when I
walked up there the cloud was down and I couldn't see very much!
That brought a lot of memories back for me from 1999. Did this route whilst on R&R during army training. loved watching this, thank you!
Cracking video Abbie much love, truth, peace and harmony be sent your way...
Awesome vid, mate. Love watching yours after I've done the routes for the memories.
Abbie thanks 👍🏻 absolutely brilliant 🤩
Abbie I really enjoy your UA-cam videos, you are a credit to us all that have problems. Well done Abbie keep going girl.take care.
It doesn't even look like real views. It looks like a background. How beautiful
So true!
Hi, Abbie, great to watch you enjoying the Helvellyn climb so much. I really enjoyed your journey to, it brought back great memories for me. i first climbed Striding Edge when was eleven years old, i am now seventy four. I have subsequently done the Horseshoe several times .its a beautiful and amazing route. Carry on the good work and keep making your excellent videos. Looking forward to your next one.
Oooooohoooo Abbie, this was one pretty insane single-handed rock scramble! Little scary.... 🤤 But I enjoyed these awesome views! Thanks for taking us along.
Brings back some good memories of the exact same route
The blue skies are incredible- always rained when I've visited the lakes ..
I now use the phrase "what the legit flip" when the shift is crazy busy. Today I watched this with my grandson who is almost two months old, he just smiled watching the video
Fantastic video of that famous edge, one of the best I have seen... Your enthusiasm is very infectious... Well done...
Thanks for showing me such a beautiful part the Lake District.
Wonderful , wonderful , wonderful and well done Abbie. Loved it.
Great video ✊I remember my first time over striding edge
Great wander Abbie! This brought back some wonderful memories of a winter hike there in Jan 2000 with my late pal. We had the perfect day, blue skies, sunshine, snow, ice and fantastic view. Unlike your trek, we went up via Swirrel and down via Striding. Happy days! Thanks for sharing your adventures with us.
Oh wow Abbie, that was incredible what you did !!! Really am enjoying your videos, thanks for sharing them, fantastic views.
Another great adventure from Abbie. The Lakes are truly wonderful. Some important advice from Abbie 4:05 >
Excellent, Video, Abbie. I did this mountain back in 1992. A great climb. Thanks for posting!
Really enjoyed this, very inspiring, thank you Abbie.
I did this exact route 2 days ago in very similar conditions. Great video, really well shot and sums up the exciting issues to be tackled perfectly!!!
Heading up there Friday. Looking forward to it, thanks Abbey 😃👍
Amazing Abbie, well done , my life in lockdown is watching and being inspired by your travels in the lake district
another great video. what a great and brave lady
Amazing Abbie! Well done. Thanks for taking us along with you.
Admirable landscapes!
Loving your videos. Simply fab, you should have your own tv series.
Great share.
Just completed this walk last Thursday. It was amazing. The views where unreal. Another great video. Thanks for sharing.
Wow Annie that took some nerv love all your videos so much information well done 👍
I love how you always know which way to go, I get so lost with the paths and which ones are the right ones to follow😂 you do it so effortlessly. Really enjoyed watching this :) we car camped in one of the car parks just below Helvellyn actually 😊✌️
Thanks for sharing this video. You look like you had a fantastic time. Im going to tackle helveylynn tomorrow on that same route so thats just gave me some insight into what im up against. Thank you
Nice views on a perfect day, you will be soon ready for An Teallach and the Northern Highland Munro's.
Looks amazing and on my list. You should have gone to Pooley Bridge and had a coffee and scone.
Wow! Thanks for sharing. Helvellyn is mighty impressive and once I have more experience I'll try that route. This is the best video I've seen on Helvellyn and what it's like up there. Keep it up.
Brilliant video Abbie, you're much braver than I am. Striding edge is the stuff of my nightmares. 👍
Nice one Abbie. I did this last week in the snow and it's the best hike I've ever done.
It really is!
Really great video, thanks. Did it last week, same sun but with no wind. Loved it
Big thanks Abbey for the video I'm taking my 15-year old lad to do some walking Lake District at the end of this month We Gonna Do Scafell pike and after watching your video on helvellyn is definitely pn the list aswell 👊👊
Great video, thank you for sharing. You were very lucky with the weather.
Great Walk and Scramble Abbie and Cracking views up top Thanks for taking us along, Stay Safe, Les.
Looks amazing. Very informative thank you x
Great video Abbie of a great walk. Last time I went up Helvellyn I did the same route but in reverse to yours although it was in thick cloud. Moving along Swirral Edge a hole suddenly opened up in the clouds and showed me that if I continued on my path then I may well have fallen off! No view from the summit but just about to go down via Striding Edge and another hole in the clouds let me see Patterdale in all of its glory. Beautiful! It only hit me later but I think that somebody was looking down on me that day.
Great video Abbie.. really captured the magic of the Lakes..
Excellent video Abbie and spectacular scenery. Rather you than me doing Striding Edge taking a video. Well done and stay wild!
Striding Edge...
I've done it many times & in all weathers. It is not a walk & not a climb that should be taken lightly. Many people have lost their footing, especially in poor weather, ice & snow.
It comands RESPECT at all times & a lapse in concentration can be fatal.
This goes for the whole of Striding Edge, the very steep scramble upto the summit & parts of Swirrel Edge. All of which have witnessed fatalities.
I say to any first timer to be very very careful & if you're not good with heights but still want to hit the summit, forget Striding or Swirrel Edge but instead go up the shorter, steep but safe route from Grassmere side.
Once on the summit, the view looking down & a long Striding Edge is quite special indeed.
Awesome video!!!! Love the history you share. Keep up the great work!! The views are amazing just awesome
Your videos are brilliant! great work on the climb. Just got back from the lakes myself. Amazing place
Great video, so glad you walked this way around, i class it as the hardest way as i done it many times, always wanted to do it in the snow but feel i am not skilled enough for that. 10/10 thx
So cool Abbie! My BF and I did Helvellyn via Striding Edge 2 years ago and the chimney was truly a challenge that tested me 😊 we descended via Whiteside and I still would love to do it again via Swirrel. Absolutely wonderful footage 👍🏼 thank you as always for sharing!!
Abbie you are a star. Great vid. A classic lakeland walk. I have done it twice and will definitely do it again. Re car parking - the last two times I have done walks from that area I have stayed at Gillside campsite. The prices are £12 per night (last time I stayed), and you can leave your car parked there on the day of your departure. It is a brilliant springboard for walks in the area, and is also close to the village shops, and pubs.
Spot on. Loved your viewpoint
Brilliant video Abbie, such a inspiration for our own video of the trail, honestly such a well presented Vlog. Well done, one cracking mountain!
What an outstanding video!
Next T-Shirt design:
Black, white writing reading:
"Oo Flip! - Abbie Barnes"
😂😂😂
Next T-shirt design:
Black, white writing reading
‘I wish I got an abortion’ - Your mum
That looked hard!!
Did this way back in 2013. Still think about it till this day. Wonderful walk.
Did this today. Loved it. Proper inspiring
well done for pushing yourself in this one. still, you made it look so easy !! big smiles all around
Amazing day for it. Was mid 90's I last did it .what was funny was a geordie family in full Newcastle kit shorts and flip flops carrier bag with pack lunch doing striding edge ...nuts
So enjoyable. Loves your vids, especially the Lake District.
Excellent video Abbie..... fantastic weather for you also....
Beautiful weather. Another one to add to my list.
Another fantastic video Abbie, very inspirational and easy to watch. We so want to do this but know it will be a huge challenge especially as I'm not great with heights. Next year then!! Regards, Ashley
Beautiful views and the scenery wasn't half bad either ;@).
Love climbing Helvellyn and Striding Edge. Respect to you climbing Striding Edge one handed and filming. You were so lucky with the weather and had the place pretty much to yourself. Lots of good walking in the Lakes. Old Man of Coniston is a good one day walk as well.
Another brilliant video of you in the Lakes
As i never have visited the lake district which i hope to tick off my list one day, i appreciate the amazing views and journey you went on...not forgetting the sound fx , Abbie. :D
You have to go there. True gem of England is the lake District
Did this last year Abbie, brilliant walk & scramble.
You had striding edge to yourself by the look of it.
And a great day for it too.
Fantastic , have fun... 👍😊