Helvellyn in the Lake District, England

Helvellyn in the Lake District Loch, Lake, Waterfall in Glenridding, Cumbria, England

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