Highlight • Summit
Helvellyn Summit
Hiking
5.0
(811)
Mountain biking
4.9
(33)
Mountaineering
5.0
(8)
Running
5.0
(6)
The summit is broad and long, so much so that an Avro 585 Gosport two-seater biplane successfully landed and took off here in 1926. The views from the top are magnificent, with the mountainous western Lake District draped across the horizon, whilst to the east beautiful Ullswater stretches towards Penrith and the distant Pennines.
Striding out onto Helvellyn’s flanks
Approaches to Helvellyn vary; it is a mountain system of two distinct sides. The western aspect is steep and green; it rises in fairly regular fashion for 2,500 feet (750 m) from the shores of Thirlmere. In total contrast, ancient glaciers have carved out rocky amphitheatres into the eastern side of the mountain. Here is where Helvellyn’s most spectacular sights are found.
Red Tarn, a glorious body of water, nestles below the summit, bounded on either side by two sensational ridges. Swirral Edge is the shorter and less narrow, connecting Helvellyn to the shapely summit of Catstycam. The southern ridge, Striding Edge, is the stuff of hillwalking legend. Technically straightforward, its long, narrow arête is the perfect introduction to scrambling, as long as favourable weather is forecast. In windy or icy conditions, the Edges are best avoided altogether.
Patterdale and Glenridding are excellent bases for adventures from the east, with all the amenities you could ask for. There is camping on the Thirlmere side, whilst Ambleside and Threlkeld occupy either end of a full Helvellyn ridge traverse. Helvellyn greedily hoards snow and should be left to experienced mountaineers in full winter conditions.
This Highlight is in a protected area
Please check local regulations for:
Tips
December 13, 2019
Hiking
October 17, 2018
Hiking
August 4, 2018
Hiking
Sign up for a free komoot account to get 57 more insider tips and takes.
Sign up for free
Nearby routes
Best routes near Helvellyn Summit
4.8
(403)
3,713
hikers
Embark on the Striding Edge, Helvellyn & Swirral Edge loop from Glenridding, a classic and challenging hike in the Lake District National Park. This difficult route covers 8.1 miles (13.1 km) with a significant elevation gain of 2673 feet (815 metres), typically taking around 5 hours and 9 minutes to complete. You will navigate varied and demanding terrain, including a Grade 1 scramble along the narrow, rocky Striding Edge, which features sections like "The Chimney" and offers spine-tingling exposure. After reaching Helvellyn's summit, the descent follows Swirral Edge, another steep and rocky ridge requiring hands-on scrambling.
This hike requires very good fitness, sure-footedness, and mountain walking experience. It is not recommended for beginners or those with a significant fear of heights, especially in adverse weather conditions. The exposure on the ridges can be particularly dangerous in wet, icy, snowy, or high-wind conditions. Always check the weather forecast before you go and be prepared for rapidly changing mountain conditions.
This loop is renowned for its legendary ridge walking, offering an adventurous challenge with two of the Lake District's most famous arêtes. From Helvellyn's summit, England's third-highest peak, you will be rewarded with spectacular panoramic views of Ullswater, Red Tarn, and the surrounding fells. On clear days, you might even see as far as the hills of south-west Scotland. This iconic route is one of the most popular and well-loved hikes in the UK.
4.5
(49)
293
hikers
15.4km
05:48
900m
900m
This difficult 9.6-mile hike to Helvellyn's summit via Striding Edge offers dramatic Lake District views and a thrilling scramble.
4.8
(114)
1,417
hikers
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
Details
Informations
Elevation 930 m
Good to know
Family Friendly
yes
Wheelchair access
no
Dog Friendly
yes
Weather
Powered by Foreca
Wednesday 13 May
9°C
1°C
79 %
Additional weather tips
Max wind speed: 17.0 km/h
Most visited during
January
February
March
April
May
June
July
August
September
October
November
December