Helvellyn

Helvellyn: A Majestic and Iconic Peak in the Lake District National Park

Hiking and Activities:

1. Striding Edge and Swirral Edge: Two of the most famous routes to the summit of Helvellyn are via Striding Edge and Swirral Edge, both of which are narrow, exposed ridges offering thrilling and challenging scrambles. These routes are best suited for experienced hikers and should be approached with caution, particularly in adverse weather conditions. The views from both edges are truly spectacular, showcasing the rugged beauty of the Lake District.
2. Alternative Routes: For those seeking a less challenging ascent, there are several alternative routes to the summit, such as the well-trodden path from Thirlmere or the route from Glenridding via Grisedale Tarn. These paths offer a more gradual ascent and still provide stunning views of the surrounding fells and valleys.
3. Red Tarn: Nestled between Striding Edge and Swirral Edge, Red Tarn is a picturesque mountain tarn that serves as a popular resting point for hikers. The tarn offers a serene spot to take a break and enjoy the surrounding landscapes, with the imposing Helvellyn summit as its backdrop.
4. Wildlife and Flora: The diverse terrain and altitude of Helvellyn provide a habitat for a variety of wildlife and plant species, including rare alpine flora, such as the Mountain Avens, and native animals like the red deer and the red squirrel. Birdwatchers may also spot species such as the ring ouzel and the peregrine falcon.
5. Winter Activities: During the winter months, Helvellyn transforms into a snowy playground, attracting mountaineers and winter walkers equipped with crampons and ice axes. The peak is also popular among experienced winter climbers, who tackle its snow-covered ridges and gullies.

Safety and Preparation:

When hiking Helvellyn, it is essential to be well-prepared and check weather conditions before setting off. Proper hiking attire, including waterproof and warm clothing, as well as appropriate footwear, is crucial for a safe and enjoyable experience. Navigational tools such as a map, compass, or GPS device are also recommended, especially in low-visibility conditions.

Allure of Helvellyn

Helvellyn offers a truly memorable and exhilarating experience for those seeking adventure and awe-inspiring landscapes. Its challenging ridges, diverse routes, and unparalleled views make it a must-visit destination for hikers and nature lovers exploring the Lake District National Park.

The ascent of Helvellyn, which rises high above the Lake District lowlands, forming a high divide between Ullswater and Thirlmere, has long been renowned as the nation’s favourite must-do mountain hike. The Glenridding ascent, which takes in the famed Greenside mine, where lead and silver were taken from the valley, before reaching the high height of Red Tarn, is equally popular from both valleys.

Helvellyn offers a simply breathtaking view across virtually the whole of the Lake District. On a clear day, it is believed that you can even see across to the hills of south-west Scotland, the Pennines and even Blackpool Tower.

Striding Edge Ascent

From here, one may choose between the well-known routes of Striding Edge to the south of the tarn and Swirral Edge to the north. The Striding Edge trail, which is famous for the sad death of Charles Gough in April 1805, is another ‘must do’ aspect of this fell for many hikers; the two are generally combined as a horseshoe walk.

Walking Helvellyn via Striding Edge involves a 1.5km steep climb along one of the most famous eastern ridges starting from Hole-in-the-Wall, recommended for experienced climbers.

Swirral Edge Ascent

A shorter but equally steep climb from Red Tarn (accessible from Glenridding and Patterdale).

From Patterdale

A 11.5km walk along a safe, easy path and old pony track up to the south ridge of Helvellyn.

Thirlmere Approach

The Thirlmere approach, on the mountain’s west flank, provides a steeper but safer route to the top, dropping down to a more mild ascent once Browncove Craggs is crossed. Either path leads to the third highest point in England, 951m above sea level. The vista over the bowl of Red Tarn, produced many thousands of years ago by the packed ice forming into a gigantic ball and scouring out the bowl, is breathtaking, with views stretching beyond to Glenridding and Ullswater; thus its appeal as a hike.

Via Grisedale Tarn

Accessible from Grasmere or Patterdale, a zigzagging but safe route up the south ridge.

Via Swirls

The most direct route to the mountain’s peak, described as the ‘modern pedestrian highway’. Approach from the west to zigzag up the fellside above Helvellyn Gill.

For most of the above routes, it takes around three hours to get to the top of Helvellyn. If you’re fit, you can do it in less time, but you may also want to choose longer routes that give you more opportunity to take in the scenery.

The mountain is also famous for being the site of the first plane landing on a mountain summit, and a plaque commemorates this courageous effort not far south of the cross cairn shelter; this narrative adds to the mountain’s attractiveness.

Wainwright Routes up Helvellyn

Helvellyn is featured in Alfred Wainwright’s ‘Pictorial Guides to the Lakeland Fells,’ specifically in Book 1: The Eastern Fells. There are several popular routes to the summit of Helvellyn, offering varying levels of difficulty and excitement. Here are three classic routes, referencing Wainwright‘s guides:

1. Striding Edge: Starting from the village of Glenridding or Patterdale, follow the path towards the Grisedale valley, and then head up to Hole-in-the-Wall. From here, the exhilarating and famous Striding Edge ridge begins. This sharp, narrow ridge requires some scrambling and a good head for heights but offers stunning views and a real sense of adventure. After crossing Striding Edge, a final steep ascent leads to the summit of Helvellyn. This route is approximately 8 kilometers (5 miles) one way, with an ascent of around 800 meters (2,625 feet).

2. Swirral Edge: Also starting from Glenridding or Patterdale, this route follows a similar path to the Striding Edge route but takes a different turn at Hole-in-the-Wall. Head towards Red Tarn and then up Swirral Edge, another impressive ridge, but slightly less challenging than Striding Edge. The ridge leads directly to the summit of Helvellyn. The distance is similar to the Striding Edge route, around 8 kilometers (5 miles) one way, with an ascent of approximately 800 meters (2,625 feet).

3. Thirlmere Approach: Starting from the Swirls car park near Thirlmere Reservoir, follow the well-trodden path that climbs steeply up the slopes of Helvellyn. This route is more direct and less technically challenging than the Striding Edge and Swirral Edge routes, making it a good option for those looking for a more straightforward ascent. The route is approximately 6 kilometers (3.7 miles) one way, with an ascent of around 800 meters (2,625 feet).

Many walkers choose to combine Striding Edge and Swirral Edge in a circular route, ascending one ridge and descending the other, to fully experience the dramatic ridges of Helvellyn.

Remember to check the weather conditions, carry appropriate gear, and inform someone of your plans before setting off on any of these routes.