Helvellyn in the Lake District, England
Details
Lochs Lakes and Waterfalls, Walking and Climbing
Address:
- Glenridding
- Cumbria
- CA11 0QN
- England
Opening Hours:
Open all day every day!Helvellyn in the Lake District Loch, Lake, Waterfall in Glenridding, Cumbria, England
The must do walk in the Lake District! England's second Highest Mountain and one of the most popular. Approach from Glenridding and Patterdale in the east or Thirlmere in the west.
30 miles, 26 peaks (including Helvellyn) and 10,000 feet of ascent to raise money for Patterdale Church and School.
Helvellyn, ("Yellow Upland" in Cambric) is the third highest mountain in the Lake District. It is the most famous and most climbed and walked of all the Lakeland fells and is the ideal place to experience the majesty of the area.
The eastern aspect is by far the most picturesque and dramatic, with the summit encircled by Striding Edge and Swirral Edge. Striding Edge is one of the most popular ridge walks in the Lakes, although there is a lower path for those who prefer (recommended in high wind and the wet!). Swirral Edge also provides a dramatic ascent or descent, and leads to Catstyecam.
The summit of Helvellyn is remarkably flat (helped by some Victorian workmen), so flat indeed that in 1926 John Leeming and Bert Hinkler landed a plane on it (and took off again!). This is marked by one of three memorials in the area. The other on the summit commemorates Charles Gough, immortalised by William Wordsworth. Gough died attempting to cross Striding Edge to reach the summit in 1805, and his faithful dog stayed by his body for 3 months until both were discovered. The final memorial is perched incongruously on Striding Edge and commemorates the spot where the unfortunate Mr Dixon plunged off Striding Edge while running with the Ullswater hounds in 1858.
In the natural hollow bordered on three sides by Helvellyn, Striding and Swirral edges lies Red Tarn, which contrary to its name is a splendidly clear glacial pool which looks like an inviting plunge pool from the top in the summer but regularly freezes over in the winter months. Water from the tarn was used to power Greenside mines above Glenridding.
Suggested Route
Patterdale - Hole in the Wall - Striding Edge - Helvellyn - Swirral Edge - Red Tarn - Glenridding via Green side Mine - Patterdale
Distance: c. 21 km (13 miles)
Total Ascent: 1329m (4359 ft)
Time: c.9 Hours
Maps OS Landranger 90/OS Explorer OL5
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The must do walk of any trip to the lakes. We recommend to ascend from Patterdale, as the climb up to Hole in the wall is short and relatively painless! On the way up don't forget to look behind you at the splendour of the dale and the magnificence of High Street and Place Fell |
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Come back down via the “gentle” Swirral edge and then stop off at Red Tarn for a rest before meandering down to Glenridding via Greenside mine. All in all a grand day out! |
Nearby Holiday Accommodation
The Inn On The Lake Hotel by Ullswater Lake District
From £ 88.50 p/night
Patterdale Hotel near Ullswater and Helvellyn in the Lake District
From £ 68.00 p/night
Moss Grove Organic Hotel in the Lake District
From £ 110.00 p/week
Queens Hotel in Keswick Lake District
From £ 35.00 p/night
Location Details and other Things to Do
Nearby Things to Do
Helvellyn in the Lake District
Cumbria, England
Catstycam The Outdoor Shop
Cumbria, England
St Patricks Landing Boat Hire
Cumbria, England
Catsycam The Lake District
Cumbria, England
Sharmans Shop
Cumbria, England
Ratchers Tavern & Restaurant and Kilners Coffee House
Cumbria, England
Thirlmere The Lake District
Cumbria, England
Greystones Coffee House & Gallery
Cumbria, England
Ullswater Steamers
Cumbria, England
Travellers Rest Glenridding
Cumbria, England
Fellbites Cafe & Restaurant
Cumbria, England
Glenridding Sailing Centre on Ullswater in the Lake District
Cumbria, England
Nearby Accommodation Hotels in England
The Inn On The Lake Hotel by Ullswater Lake District
From £ 88.50 p/night
Patterdale Hotel near Ullswater and Helvellyn in the Lake District
From £ 68.00 p/night
Moss Grove Organic Hotel in the Lake District
From £ 110.00 p/week
Queens Hotel in Keswick Lake District
From £ 35.00 p/night
Skiddaw Luxury Hotel Keswick Lake District
From £ 68.50 p/night
Low Wood Hotel Ambleside Lake District
Pet & Dog Friendly
From £ 115.20 p/night
Sharrow Bay Luxury Hotel on Lake Ullswater in Lake District
From £ 200.00 p/night
Macdonald Old England Hotel & Spa Lake Windermere Lake District
Wheelchair Friendly
From £ 112.50 p/night
Lindeth Fell Country House Hotel Windermere Lake District
From £ 60.00 p/night
Storrs Hall Luxury Hotel on Lake Windermere Lake District
From £ 198.00 p/night
North Lakes - A Shire Hotel & Spa Luxury Hotel in the Lake District
From £ 138.00 p/night
Edenhall Country Hotel in Cumbria Lake District
From £ 65.00 p/night