On the night of 5th November a group of walkers illuminated a wintry Striding Edge, raising £1500 for Mountain Rescue in the process.

The Striding Edge by Torchight night drew crisicism from some quarters for the apparent risk of the endeavour, but in the event it went without a hitch, with 42 fundraisers plus organisers and rescue volunteers safely taking on the ridge at night in aid of the Lake District Search and Mountain Rescue Association.

'It was really nice to have Patterdale Mountain Rescue Team come and wave us off (thanks all!)' said Matt Le Voi of Lakeland Mountain Guides, who ran the event.

Earlier this year the same team organised a hugely successful night time charity mass ascent of Cat Bells (see UKH news here). But a cold November traverse of Striding Edge was always likely to prove more of a challenge to manage. 

'It was a cool blustery night, and as we approached Striding Edge it became evident to the leading team that a traverse of Striding Edge was going to be a riskier affair than we were willing to take on' said Matt.

'We got ourselves on to Striding Edge for a taste of the experience, but soon backed off to descend safely back to Glenridding - and thankfully out of the wind!'

'Leading up to this event there were sceptics which can at times get you down, especially when you know [you] are doing something to the best of your ability for a great cause. We have once again proved to the world that we are capable of safely managing an event such as this, so please take note non-believers!'

'Thanks to all the participants for helping us raise over £1,500 for Lake District Search And Mountain Rescue Association, to Mountain Rescue for their continuous support on the lead up and during the event, to the LMG leading team who were once again faultless and finally to Carmen Norman Photography and Lakeland Photo Walks for braving the cold and capturing the evening so well.'

Pictures from the event can be bought from the photographers, with a proportion of the money going to LDSMRA.