Lake District Ridges Weekend – Striding Edge & Sharp Edge
Embark on a memorable walking weekend in the heart of the Lake District with Large Outdoors, taking on the well-known ridges of Striding Edge and Sharp Edge. Guided by experienced Mountain Leaders, you’ll move across these classic routes with support and confidence, gaining insight into the landscape, history and environment along the way. After each day out, return to a relaxed and sociable hostel setting, where group meals and time together round off the experience.
The Basics:
Experience Type: Multi-Day Experience
Duration: 2 nights
Accommodation: Hostel
Group Size: Maximum 8 (but up to 24 sharing the accommodation)
Level: Tough (Scrambling)
Age: 18+
Dogs: No dogs allowed
Booking Calendar…
Overview
This is a weekend built around two of the Lake District’s most talked-about ridge walks — Striding Edge and Sharp Edge.
Led by experienced Mountain Leaders, you’ll take on these classic routes as part of a small group, with guidance, support and a steady pace throughout. It’s an engaging and rewarding couple of days out in the hills, combining hands-on sections, big views and a real sense of achievement.
We’ll be based at the Field Studies Council Blencathra Centre (Lonscale building), set high on the slopes with wide views across to Derwent Water and Cat Bells. With other Large Outdoors groups also staying across the venue, the evenings have a friendly, social feel — a chance to relax, chat and share stories from the day.
The Walks
This weekend focuses on two full days out on the fells, taking on some of the most recognisable ridge routes in England.
You don’t need technical climbing skills, but you should be comfortable walking in the hills and have a good head for heights. Your guide will support you throughout, helping you move confidently over the terrain.
Helvellyn via Striding Edge
Distance: Approx. 8–10 miles
We begin from Glenridding, making our way up onto Birkhouse Moor where the views quickly open out across Ullswater and towards the Helvellyn range.
From here, we approach Striding Edge — a well-known ridge offering a mix of options, from the crest itself to a path that runs just below. You can move between the two as you feel comfortable, with your guide on hand to support and advise.
The route leads us up onto the summit of Helvellyn, before descending via Swirral Edge — a shorter but equally engaging ridge where you’ll again use your hands in places.
Once off the ridge, the route eases as we make our way back down into Glenridding, with time to take in the landscape after a full and rewarding day.
Blencathra via Sharp Edge
Distance: Approx. 6–8 miles
After breakfast, we head out for our second ridge walk of the weekend, this time on Blencathra.
A steady walk-in brings us to Scales Tarn, where Sharp Edge rises directly above. From here, the route becomes more hands-on, with sections requiring careful movement and balance. It’s shorter than Striding Edge but feels more direct, with a real sense of exposure in places.
Your guide will support you throughout, helping you move confidently across the ridge before the final push up onto the summit.
From the top, we’ll take in views across the northern Lake District before descending on a more straightforward path to finish the weekend.
This is not a car-free trip. We’ll usually take a short drive to reach the start of each walk, and we encourage car sharing between the group where possible.
The Stay
We’ll be staying at the Field Studies Council Blencathra Centre, based in the Lonscale building.
Accommodation is in shared single-sex dorm rooms (male and female rooms separate), with a total of up to 24 guests across the venue, including other Large Outdoors groups. This creates a relaxed and social environment across the weekend, with different groups heading out on their own activities during the day.
Time Together
Evenings are a big part of the experience.
After a day out on the ridges, we come back together for a relaxed evening at the hostel. Dinner is served as a group, and there’s plenty of time to sit back, chat and get to know the people around you.
You’re welcome to bring your own drinks, and if the weather is kind, the outdoor space and terrace offer a great spot to sit out and take in the views.
With multiple Large Outdoors groups staying at the venue, there’s always a good atmosphere — plenty of shared stories, a bit of laughter, and a chance to properly unwind after the day.
Arrival & First Evening
Arrive from 17:00 at the Field Studies Council Blencathra Centre (Lonscale building), where your host will be there to welcome you.
Dinner will be served around 20:00, giving everyone time to arrive and settle in. We’ll keep things simple with a one-pot meal followed by a cheeseboard, and use the evening to run through the plans for the weekend ahead.
The Weekend Feel
This is a sociable and active walking break with a clear focus on the routes themselves.
Across the weekend, you’ll take on two classic Lake District ridges, supported by experienced guides and surrounded by a friendly group. Back at the hostel, the atmosphere is relaxed and informal, with time to unwind and connect with others.
It’s a straightforward, enjoyable way to experience some of the Lake District’s most well-known routes, with good company alongside you.
Essential Information
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Meeting Time: From 17:00
You can arrive any time from 17:00. Your Large Outdoors host will be at the accommodation to welcome you and get you settled.Dinner will be served around 20:00. If you plan to arrive later than this, please ensure you’ve had something to eat on the way.
Meeting Location:
Field Studies Council – Blencathra Centre (Lonscale Building)
Blease Road
Threlkeld
Keswick
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Once you arrive at the Field Studies Centre, we will be based in the Lonscale building.
Access Information:
After reaching the village of Threlkeld, turn onto Blease Road. The accommodation is located approximately one mile up the hill.Parking:
Free parking is available at the accommodation.Public Transport:
The venue is approximately 14 miles from Penrith Train Station, which has regular services to and from London, Preston, Manchester and Edinburgh. From the station, you will need to arrange a taxi to the venue.Getting to the Walks:
This is not a car-free trip. We’ll usually take a short drive to the start of our walks, and we encourage car sharing between the group where possible.Finish Time:
We aim to finish on the final day between 13:00 and 15:00. The exact timing may vary depending on the walk, group pace, weather conditions and whether we stop for a café or lunch before heading home.If travelling by public transport, we recommend booking flexible or later return tickets to allow for this.
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Field Studies Council – Blencathra Centre (Lonscale Building)
Blease Road
Threlkeld
Keswick
CA12 4SGWe’ll be staying at the Field Studies Council Blencathra Centre, based in the Lonscale building, set high on the slopes beneath Blencathra with wide-reaching views across the surrounding fells.
Accommodation for this trip is in shared single-sex dorm rooms (male and female rooms separate). Rooms are simple, comfortable and well suited to a sociable group stay.
Bedding is provided - but please bring a towel and don’t forget your own toiletries.
We have shared use of the space with other Large Outdoors groups, with up to 24 guests across the building. This creates a friendly and social atmosphere across the weekend, with different groups heading out for their own activities during the day and coming together in the evenings.
There is a welcoming communal area to relax in after your walks, along with outdoor space where you can sit out and enjoy the views if the weather allows. It’s a relaxed and informal setup that works well for a group weekend in the Lakes.
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Included
Accommodation (2 nights)
Guided walking on 2 days
2 breakfasts
2 evening meals
1 packed lunch
Tea & coffee
BeddingWhat’s Not Included
Travel to the meeting point
Transport during the trip (car sharing encouraged)
Meals not listed above
Personal purchases
Insurance
Towels (please bring your own)Dietary Information
We can provide vegetarian and vegan meals, along with dishes made using gluten-free or dairy-free ingredients. Please select your dietary preference at checkout.
Meals are prepared in shared kitchens and served in a group setting. While we take care when preparing food, we cannot guarantee the absence of cross-contamination.
Unfortunately, we are unable to accommodate severe allergies or highly specialised dietary requirements. If you have a medical food allergy, please contact us before booking so we can advise whether the trip is suitable.
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Please refer to our Residential Walking Kit List.
The compulsory items listed are required for safety and comfort. Every participant must carry the required kit during walks.
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If your trip is more than 12 weeks away, you can secure your place with a 20% deposit.
The balance is due 10 weeks before travel.
If booking within 12 weeks of departure, full payment is required at the time of booking.
We don’t offer automated instalment plans, but you’re welcome to make ad-hoc payments towards your balance at any time. Simply email hello@largeoutdoors.com with your order number and the amount you’d like to pay, and we’ll send you a secure payment link.
Standard Bookings
For standard bookings, you can request to move your booking to another trip up to 10 weeks before departure, or transfer your place to another participant up to 7 days before the trip, subject to availability and the full Terms & Conditions.
Advance Saver Tickets
Some trips include a limited number of Advance Saver places at a reduced price.
These require full payment at the time of booking and are non-refundable, cannot be moved to another date or experience, and cannot be transferred to another participant.
Standard cancellation, move, and transfer terms do not apply to Advance Saver bookings.
Travel Insurance
We strongly recommend that you have suitable travel insurance covering cancellation, medical and emergency expenses, and personal accident.
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Dogs are not permitted on this trip, except for trained assistance dogs. Please contact us in advance if you intend to travel with an assistance dog.
Still have questions?
See our full FAQ page for general booking and trip information.
This map is provided for guidance regarding the general location. For detailed meeting information, please refer to the 'Meeting Time & Location' section.