Striding Edge Being 'Fixed'

Striding Edge, one of the most iconic routes in the Lakes is undergoing repairs with work starting today and scheduled to last four to five weeks. The route won't be closed, though numbers on the final descent will be briefly restricted during helicopter stone drops.

The work is taking place on the final part of the route where a steep, rocky face climbs from the end of the ridge proper onto the summit plateau. The aim of the repairs is, according to Fix The Fells, to safeguard rare alpine flora and also to make the area safer.


Apparently walkers put off by the steep, scrambly exit to the ridge have created new trails which might look easier, but actually lead onto dangerous, steeper ground. In the process, precious and endangered flora are being endangered and loose soil from the paths is clogging up the spawning ground of rare white Schelly fish which date back to the last ice age and putting them at risk.

Richard Fox of the Fix The Fells project explains that the aim is not to inconvenience walkers. There will only be a couple of days of stone drops and on those days, hikers will be encouraged to use alternative routes.

"We know how well-loved Striding Edge is, he says. 'And don’t want to inconvenience people more than we have to. However, the path’s popularity has led to significant ecological and safety problems.

“People see the steep headwall and look for less strenuous ways up to the summit. New trails have been created. They might look easier but, in fact, lead to potentially dangerous areas of sheer rock face."

Richard said the Fix the Fells project had to remedy an “untenable situation” but would cause as little disturbance as possible. Notices will be put up around Helvellyn’s access points and car parks and marshals will be on hand during helicopter drops.

Information about the work will be posted on Weatherline - www.lake-district.gov.uk/weatherline. You can find out more about the Fix The Fells project at www.fixthefells.co.uk