Disruption Warning on Striding Edge

© Dan Bailey

Anyone heading for Striding Edge in the next couple of weeks may face an unanticipated delay. In addition to the normal weekend queues, helicopter stone drops will render the route temporarily out of bounds, say the Lake District National Park Authorrity - though precisely when this happens is up to the weather.

Striding Edge at sunset  © Dan Bailey
Striding Edge at sunset
© Dan Bailey

The airlift will provide material to repair one of the Lake District's busiest hill routes.

Work on the eroded path from Striding Edge to Helvellyn's summit depends on the chopper delivery, which will take place on an as-yet-unspecified day between now (23 April) and 9 May.

While 25 April has been provisionally earmarked, Lake District National Park management leader Chris Tomlin said the exercise was entirely weather dependent:

'We are not closing the route, but marshals will be in place to stop walkers during the drops. Obviously this is a hugely popular route and we aim to keep disruption to a minimum.'

'However, safety is our main priority. The ridge is challenging terrain at the best of times. I'm sure people will understand we have to help protect them and keep the path surface maintained to the best of our ability.'

'Countless Lake District paths have fallen victim to millions of boots trampling over them, causing erosion and surface damage. Thanks to Fix the Fells, a charity set up to raise funds for restoration, many are being repaired.'

'We are grateful that many who love walking in hills have supported the venture, which is paying for the Striding Edge renovations.'

Since summit weather conditions dictate the timing, it's impossible to give specific dates and times for the helicopter drops.

'It's literally a case of seizing the opportunity when it presents itself within the given timescale' said Tomlin.


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