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| "There is some quality about Helvellyn which endears it to the memory of most people who have stood on it's breezy top." |
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A. Wainwright
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The summit of Helvellyn provides a wonderful viewpoint to watch the sun rising over the Lake District and the ascent from Wythburn Church gives a great ascent in the dark. A great experience, everyone should see the sun rise from the summit of a mountain at least once! |
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The western slopes of Helvellyn bear witness to historic mining activity. Helvellyn (or Wythburn) mine operated from 1839 until 1880, when the land was acquired for the Thirlmere reservoir scheme. Four levels can be found along the course of Mines Gill, from where lead was extracted. Despite the sizeable workings the venture was never a commercial success. The flat summit made the first British mountain-top landing of a plane possible, when John Leeming and Bert Hinkler successfully landed and took off again, in 1926. |
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The route climbing Helvellyn from Thirlmere gives a steady ascent on good paths throughout, perfect for an overnight walk. From Wythburn Church we will climb through the woods to the fell track climbing above Comb Crags to reach the summit of Helvellyn, this route gives wonderful views as we climb above Thirlmere. We will follow the fine ridge south from Helvellyn over the summits of Nethermost Pike, High Crag and Dollywaggon Pike before descending to Grisedale Tarn and the Raise Beck path down to Dunmail Raise and the track back to Wythburn Church. Each participant will be required to bring suitable equipment for their chosen event, please see Kit List tab above. |
