Solo wild camping uk. Helvellyn via Striding Edge, Swirral Edge and Lake District wild camping.

[@trevpackerphotography]

Hey Paul, when you first went along Striding edge my belly and legs went no thanks! I dont know if it was the Go Pro but it looked super high. I've only been on ground level seeing it. But what a view from up there, red tarn is beautiful as is buttermere, nice spot despite the youngsters along the way. Great vid and thanks for sharing. Atb, Trev

[@PaulMessner]

+Bearded Bushcrafter thanks for watching Trev. Some parts are a bit scary. Others are quite straightforward. If it's windy and raining it's a game changer. If you fell...i imagine it would hurt 😂. Definitely worth going though if you get chance to do that route.

[@trevpackerphotography]

Certainly not somewhere I'd even want to just slip a little, but then a nice to wingsuit down though

[@hermit6208]

Bearded Bushcrafter , me too!! I got the stomach lurch when he turned the camera over the edge!! Like i was there

[@trevpackerphotography]

Must be what its like climbing everest, now imagine doing it in high winds, 😥

[@stuartrogers621]

I did this when I was 21, as part of an outward bound course in 1975 out of Brathay Hall Adventure centre Windermere! Coming up on 63 I doubt I will do it again but what a ride it was! We climbed Helvelyn as a team roped together in a snow blizzard, camping overnight next to red tarn! Thanks for bringing back the memories Paul!

[@bmirfin]

Happy memories!! Thanks! I did that walk/scramble every year, sometimes 2 or three times, all seasons, for 30+ years. In the early years, the ridge stones, were 'all' taller, and like packed giant books, all stood on end, at every angle. Impossible to walk on, especially when wet! Now, a lot of it looks flat tabletop smooth. The 'cop-out' path below, was in its early stages, and in most part 'none existent.' In parts, you traversed sideways. I saw part of that path just below me give way while a young woman was traversing. As it gave way, I saw how a woman can 'really' scream!! In the tourist season, people try to cross that ridge wearing their flimsy clothes, and totally inappropriate footwear. I saw children being made to cross, some wearing pretty 'My Little Pink Pony,' or Cinderella outfits! In 30 minutes, the weather on that ridge, can change from sunny pleasant, to dangerous strong freezing gales. The chances then, of going over the edge, are extreme! Now in my 70th year, with joints worn down, knees shot, and sat here watching you, I see the the man I wish I still was! Memories! Cheers!

[@Frosty-so4vd]

I haven't even watched it yet and am so pleased you have a video on helvellyn Paul Been watching your videos last week or so, I've always done climbing, went to Scotland for the first time in may and spoke about the munros, so put my kit together to get ready for practicing wild camping 😊 Thank you Paul

[@wildcampingharry]

Stunning scenery. Now on my “To do” list. Many thanks for a great video. All the best from Yorkshire.

[@jonnybirchall846]

I did striding edge as 17 yr old back in 89.. it was wet n misty.. very scary especially when two RAF tornadoes came what seemed 20 ft over our heads and did a wing wobble at us.. fcukin amazing memory 👍

[@darkswiggy5185]

I watched this when you first posted. Rewatched it a week ago and drove the 4 hours to do it myself! Little wild camp by red tarn, was an amazing day and the weather was bright and beautiful. Thank you for the inspiration. Shame I’ve now watched all your videos and I’m looking forward to more.

[@nigellapaul6787]

Hello Paul nearly watched all your episode's top quality I'm getting out there, I've been on the verge for years , now I've discovered your channel I've no excuse not to , brilliant content brilliant equipment information.

[@simonmccarthy8271]

Great POV view of Striding Edge Paul. Discovered your channel recently and being a Lakes Lover for 25+ years but currently in lockdown in Kiev since February, your videos are a nice escapism back to Old Blighty. Thanks👍🏻

[@pconnor76]

Did striding edge yesterday in the mist...quite eerie...but loved it! Thanks for your great account.. thoroughly enjoyed 👍

[@RobertJones-om9kx]

Paul, your scaring me up there and i am at home in a chair. Beautiful video. I love it. Thanks

[@PaulMessner]

Thanks Robert. I wouldn't dare it on in bad weather. It's not for the faint hearted. Thanks for watching

[@johnhardwick213]

Lovely film Paul. I thought your footage of Striding Edge was particularly impressive. Keep them coming. John

[@RM-io7qo]

Awesome video and a lot of truly stunning views along Striding Edge, wow! Your walk along that amazingly craggy edge made my hands feel quite odd, as if I was doing it for myself, but in truth I couldn't do it today if ever for that matter. I admire you for your honesty in regard to your feeling as you made your way to Helvellyn. The views of that landscape were stunningly beautiful and your video brought out the very best in what you saw and enjoyed. Thanks for sharing, especially as it's likely to be the closest I'll ever get to actually seeing it for myself. Take care...

[@jackieturner7421]

Perfection is an understatement... the lake district is just heaven on earth

[@AndyHiggins007]

A bit late to this video Paul, I'm nervous on exposed ridgelines as well, well done for not taking the easier option despite your reservations! Hope to do this one myself soon. I did a ridge in Snowdonia at the Weekend, the Nantlee Ridge, a couple of sections had my heart rate up. Keep them coming. I'm also venturing into wild camping this year so checking out your reviews. Keep them coming

[@michaeld9941]

Much respect doing that with a pack and go pro mate. I left my pack in the tent on the tarn this weekend and crawled the whole of Striding Edge as I'm scared of heights😂. The climb at the end is brutal. Glad I've done it but don't think I'll be rushing back.😂

[@stueyre1406]

At least you stuck to the ridge edge rather than wimping off and doing one of the side paths, and you did it while filming, so good on you. I don't do crowds, so the last time I did it, I go to the hole in the wall at 4am. No one around but me and the Ravens

[@middy1065]

Well done Paul! Better you than me, very rewarding views though...

[@federico8853]

Amazing place, thanks for sharing!

[@carlosalmeida1273]

Just... Beautiful 🎥 views 👍 ☺️ 🚶. Awesome spot. Tks for sharing.

[@PaulMessner]

+Carlos Almeida thanks Carlos. It's a stunning place. Glad you enjoyed it

[@did61two]

Ha ha That chimney at the end is a killer with a Berghaus Cyclops Atlas 55 lb on, camped on the top lol ..Did it 1983 with full pack ..Loved it so much I took friends across 15 time after that same with jack rake grate video mate you done good.

[@MarcusTDM]

Great video. We went up Helvellyn via Striding Edge last month. Was an amazing experience. Also climbed Scafell, Scafell Pike and Skiddaw! Was a tiring 3 days! Nice one mate.

[@steveelkins52]

That was a good video of striding egde. It's like Tesco's there most days if the sun comes out. On our third visit we went up early at first light, and got it (almost) to ourselves - then made bacon butties to torchure the day trippers!

[@darrentabrar8826]

Fantastic video Paul 👌👏☘

[@stanparton1735]

Insperational mate👍..especially now...

[@SimonOutdoors]

Don’t think I ever saw this one somehow mate. A corker from back in the day 👍🏻

[@raomudasir6490]

Just WOW... What an incredible adventure....

[@AlanMETALMAN]

What a glorious day and to be honest, I think this is the best Helvellyn video I have seen, really enjoyed it. What a bonus Buttermere was at the end as well, my wife's favorite lakeside walk and what a view to wake up to! Thanks for filming this, cheers Alan

[@PaulMessner]

+Alan METALMAN thank you very much. It's a lovely place. Looking forward to getting back to the lakes ASAP. Glad you enjoyed the video.

[@scotttimlock4421]

Kahunas of steel Paul,I found my fear of heights giving me the vertigo like dizzies watching you walk along that fantastic ridge,what a mindblowingly beautiful area!

[@zero2dad644]

Rather you than me, I would have ricked my ankle! The lower path seems exciting enough for me. Crazy doing it while holding a GoPro! Loving your content, Simon.

[@archerdeath]

Great video, watched this and instantly had too do this walk, completed it a month ago and camped at red tarn, did not have your weather but was an amazing walk and loved both edges. keep it with the great videos, Archie

[@johnwilliams23]

We were both on 'The Edge' at the same time! You on Striding and Swirral Edges and me on the 'Edge of My Seat'.Well done Paul, and the toilet paper unused.

[@AndysmGray]

Great views Paul. Well done on the "Edge" for someone who's not keen on the drops. Keep em coming mate. atb Andy.

[@Exduper]

Great vid-based on the narrow ledges you were walking, have you ever thought about picking up some spikes? We have some here in Hawaii that fit right over the shoes. Very helpful when walking on narrow, high spurs and such. More weight, but I bring them along when I know I'm doing stuff like that, or in muddy/wet conditions. Enjoy the videos. Living vicariously through you- can't get out as much as I want, and being on an island (much smaller than yours :-) am somewhat limited on routes to use. Thanks for sharing. Aloha.

[@christienelson73]

I'm climbing Helvellyn via striding edge in August, I hope the weather is as great as it was for you! Thanks for the video!

[@archieontour9834]

great video Paul, think a wild camp at lake buttermere is a must looked fantastic cheers for sharing

[@PaulMessner]

+Roland Archer thanks for watching Roland. It's a lovely place. ATB Paul

[@terrypatterson1481]

I did my first walk across Striding edge in 1973 with St Edward's Boxing Club where I was a member. I've done it three times now. I boxed for 22 years and enjoyed every minute. I enjoyed the climbs as well which helped strengthen my legs and lung power.

[@StephenTurnockMIRPCertRP]

Hi Paul - was with you all the way over Striding & Swirral Edge.. had me on edge there too! was the perfect weather for the scramble and not one I'd try in the wet but on my list to do now. Stunning views up there thanks for the journey. Liked your M&M salad haha. ATB Stephen.

[@andrewross4468]

22.30 - emergency fig rolls! Marvelous - I more or less live on them when I'm hiking. 😂

[@jajajdjdjdj6434]

Figs are amazing

[@KentSurvival]

nice vid paul, looks like a good Hike.. I'm yet to get to the lake district.. hopefully soon :) ATB

[@Yorkie263]

Did that a long time ago, not sure if my missus would talk to me if I made her walk across it. Great to see you back again, we had a great walk up near Tintwistle over the weekend, very warm weather, and could have done with a lake to splash around in

[@PaulMessner]

+Yorkie263 your Mrs would love it yorkie..drag her along. I've been around glossop which isn't too far away. It's nice around there isn't it. Thanks for watching

[@LifeofKev]

nice one mate, loved this! love the lakes and love Hellvellyn haha i got a lotta love, heading up in 4 weeks time cant wait!! thanks for taking us along dude

[@PaulMessner]

+Woodland Camp and Craft thanks for watching and the comment Kev. I can't get enough of the place. Love the lakes too. Looking forward to catching up with you all again. Cheers. Paul

[@shanelewis9568]

Paul nice to see you back out by your self mate I watching your videos all the time mate just fantastic 👍⛺️👌🇬🇧🌲🌲🌲🌲🌲🌲🌳🌳🌳👌

[@PaulMessner]

+Shane Lewis cheers Shane. Back in the zone now so will be out on my travels with the camera a bit more frequent. Thanks for the kind words. ATB Paul

[@slazbury15]

Enjoyed thanks for sharing.

[@PaulMessner]

+Gary Salisbury thanks for watching and commenting. Glad you enjoyed it Gary.

[@victordevonshire807]

Well done Paul. 👍

[@campbellforestry3703]

Good on you mate. Looks awsome

[@ArcturanMegadonkey]

great footage Paul. Looks a great place to go for a long walk and camp by that lake look stunning

[@stepheneverett6131]

Went ower there great Paul .well done 👍

[@J_Harker]

It's beautiful near buttermere, i remember that waterfall and it torments me during lockdown :)

[@PaulMessner]

It really is!

[@wildphil64]

My wife was terrified when we did the striding Edge. If you enjoy craft beers then there's a new bar in Clowne named the Heist. I personally enjoy cooking when I'm out, so there has to be a very good reason for me not doing so! I think seeing all those people camping out would have really p****d me off, so well done for finding your spot. I thought it fabulous. A very well documented video atb phil

[@mrstrong5695]

Another cracking little adventure here, thanks.

[@hikingwiththeshackletons]

We hiked Helvellyn yesterday, we did a 12 mile loop, but came up from Swirls to the summit, then onto Nethermost & Dollywaggon pikes before dropping down to Grizedale tarn.

[@SuperMeowingtons]

Can't wait to get back up there. Helvellyn is my favourite fell

[@philipwalton4877]

The parents would take me and my siblings camping to Buttermere 2 or 3 times a year. We would walk along the lake into the village and you would pass through a farm that sold unpasteurised cows milk.. so many top memories.. Buttermere is my favouriteplace in Britain.

[@davidpinder4587]

Love this video Paul. Great work. Keep it up. 👌👍🏻

[@PaulMessner]

Thanks for watching

[@fareedmasood]

ONE OF THE TOUGHER TRAILS SINCE I'VE STARTED FOLLOWING YOU PAUL 😱😰🤯❤👍

[@bipedal_shenanigans]

great to see you back and what a cracking trip to share

[@phyllisweaving13]

Great video, scary walk.

[@maxt7525]

Well done mate 😃🇦🇺👍

[@joshuadennison5538]

Love the video really enjoying them , watched it before i tackled Helvellyn last weekend. Although unfortunately our conditions weren't as good due to classic English weather and the clouds making the visabilty poor ( could only see 15m in front of me)! Will 100% have to go for it again when i can appreciate the views in better weather!

[@PaulMessner]

Thanks for watching

[@wawawutosnftbs8922]

Your Hammock n tarp shelter would have been perfect,Paul.. great vids mate btw.

[@jlynn732]

Looking more like James Bond on a Mission..Fantastic camera work Paul

[@paulrichmond3348]

Hiya, I've done that route twice....well done on doing it carrying the gopro mate. :)

[@TheHuzi2012]

Another great video mate

[@outdoorswithdaz1012]

love striding edge but I had a bad experience in 89 in the winter in snow . I only go there in summer on dry days now lol

[@onaramble4120]

Fair play for conquering that mate. It looked like a hairy ridge. Nice little spot next to the lake for the night. Glad the protein bar was of use. Cheers.

[@PaulMessner]

+On a Ramble cheers Pete. Saved me cooking a steak 😁. It's an awesome way to climb a mountain in the UK. Loved it. Buttermere is gorgeous too. We'll worth a visit. ATB Paul

[@jeffreyfowler4362]

Hi Paul great vid hope all is well good to know your be doing more videos.

[@dpax100]

Nice going Paul as you say a third hand needed. Not easy with one hand.

[@stueyre1406]

GTX 4? You don't come across as an experienced walker, the edge is only a click and a bit long, but you did stick to the top of the arret, so 👏👏👏The final scramble is always the best bit

[@tonyhall395]

Great vid as usualPaul, it’s okay in the rain and snow (crampons) although it’s not a nice place to be in the wind 😂😂😂 took my daughter over when she was 14, roped her up a treat, kids have no fear at all 😂😂😂

[@trueblue2124]

I know I'm a wimp -but walking alone up there is surely a bit risky -tho I understand why it must feel amazing in such a stunning area -great filming -thank you! --stay safe

[@PaulMessner]

I'm a wimp too but I took my time and there was only one bit that I struggled. Thanks for watching. Best wishes, Paul

[@Fishy1764]

Before i had me stroke id of probably have had a go but now seeing as my right leg has gained a sense of humour not a cat in hells chance pmsl! well done to you mate. :)

[@cpcnw]

I usually get up to Grisedale tarn late in the day, setup up and bivvy then get up early to do Striding Edge via Dollywagon Pike. I'm back in Fell Bites at Glenridding for lunch whilst all and sundry and making the fells annoying. Early bird catches the worm.

[@bobmarley6161]

Wow fantastic... Stunning .. Breathtaking views from the top of striding edge.. I need to do that walk.... Climb.... Can I ask how long did it take you to get across striding edge.. .. Thanks for sharing. .

[@TheChadWork2001]

If you were skydiving and you landed on those rocks... It would be "Game over man. Game over!"

[@howardpotts5763]

Fair play on striding edge ! I would have shit myself scared of heights

[@BluesMews]

Hi Paul, great vid as usual. Was wandering if you would ever consider pitching on Helvellyn

[@alfdornan9895]

Well done to you Paul. That was a wee bit scary but you managed okay. At times I though that your were a goner Mate.

[@TonyHobbs]

Interesting ground sheet what is it? Also mat inside or under bivy? Have you done a video on bivy and condensation etc Ordered one from USA 🇺🇸 😀 :)

[@reddeaddaily62]

Great video mate (y)

[@anthonypayne1]

Fantastic Paul! Thanks for bringing us along. ATB Anthony

[@PaulMessner]

+Anthony Payne thanks for watching Anthony. Glad you enjoyed it.

[@AndyWragg]

Nice one Paul, Can't believe its 20 years since I did Striding Edge and Helvellyn. See you out and about sometime soon I hope. ATB

[@steverichardson5817]

Great vid Paul, just stumbled across this one... you made striding look easy! ATB Steve

[@mrskinflint99]

Fair play Paul - I have just struck Striding Edge off the bucket list after seeing that footage. My stomach is going to take a few days to recover :-)

[@imaybesometime]

If you haven't gone up Blencathra via Halls's Fell Ridge and down via Swirral Edge, I recommend it. Halls Fell Ridge is just as much fun and far less frequented. and Swirrel Edge is grand on the way down.

[@mark.wilko1969]

Well done for getting across Striding Edge. You've got bigger balls than me!

[@SenditosAdventures]

Awesome video. Great share mate! I just did Helvellyn last weekend, my vid is in production now ;) I did the easy way tho, broke me leg 7 months ago so.... :p but WOW this Striding way oh! I ought to try it someday :) all the best mate keep on going :)

[@Robutube1]

Hi Paul - bit of a latecomer here, sorry. Like you, I'm not a fan of heights but I AM a hillwalker so recognise "The Edge" as a big tick item. How long do you estimate that it took you to traverse the edge and also, if I bottled it, are there escape routes? Finally, how much did your pack weigh (I ask, because I drink an unconscionable amount of water on good weather days (3L+) and that weighs a fair bit!). Thanks.

[@one-sixtytwo-sixty8946]

Hi Paul, just found your channel and loving it, for me you hit exactly the right compromise somewhere between hardcore bushcraft and camping. A brief escape to be fitted in between work and/or family life. This particular vid took me back to the two times I walked the same route, the first time in mist and light rain (scary) the second on a clear sunny day like yours. Both times I remember that as you walk up the hill you look in awe at the edge looming before you... then as you walk the edge you look in awe at the final scramble looming ahead, both having moments with (very) steep drops on both sides. Obviously afterwards we tell everyone it's a doddle! I f you're going to do crib goch or sharp edge please use a chest or head strap...or just do like me and say 'striding edge was enough exposure for me'. I'm in the Pennines so familiar with most of the peak and lakes as you are. Your camerawork and editing are great.. so keep them coming. ATB. Pete.

[@sconjaoutdoors7658]

Spot on Paul very enjoyable vid. Thanks for sharing. Atb Sconja

[@PaulMessner]

+Sconja Outdoors 76 thank you for watching. Glad you liked it.

[@OUTDOORJULES]

excellent paul a great adventure enjoyed that cheers

[@PaulMessner]

+Julie Liddle thanks Julie. Glad you enjoyed it.

[@grizzlydoutdoors5115]

Great video as always Paul. Well done for overcoming your fears. One of my mates I go hiking with is petrified of heights so I should really take him there. Keep up the good work. ATB

[@PaulMessner]

+Dave Allen cheers Dave. Glad you enjoyed the video. I'll keep pushing out of the comfort zone. Gets the blood rushing. ATB Paul

[@Liveforadventure913]

Nice one Paul.Its been years since I did striding edge, I might have to o it again now...lol.

[@PaulMessner]

+Mark Stones cheers Mark. Loved every minute. Will definitely be back there again. 👌

[@davidmorton6094]

might seem like a daft question but when you go to the likes of buttermere, where do you leave ya car parked overnight

[@J_Harker]

Gatesgarth car park :)

[@eleveneleven572]

I did that back in the winter of '89. Having done Striding Edge we carried on to the top of Helvellyn. I saw a sheet of snow and ice to my right and got my ice pick out and worked my way across for my brother in law to take a photo. It was only on trying to get back that I looked down and realised that if I'd slipped I'd have shot straight down towards the tarn 😨

[@kevin110571]

We have got to do this mate!!! Looks ace!!

[@PaulMessner]

+Kevin Ellis done it...it is ace

[@iqbalmatadar5862]

Well done pal

[@johnbell2722]

Cryb Goch Snowden is more extreme. Aanoch Egoch in Glencoe is another level. 🧙‍♂️

[@harrydance1969]

Nice film - cheers.

[@PaulMessner]

Thank you for commenting. Glad you liked it. ATB Paul

[@mikeyf1904]

Is this as narrow and as steep as it looks? Or does the camera make it look worse? Thinking of doing it with a mate who's fairly confident but doesn't like heights 😂