“There is some quality about Helvellyn which endears it to the memory of most people who have stood on it's breezy top”
A Wainwright
The Thirlmere face of Helvellyn gives a good alternative in winter to the more technical eastern edges.
The ridge south from Helvellyn over Nethermost Pike and Dollywaggon Pike is a fine ridge with spectacular views in all directions.
This is a good chance to climb one of the four mountains over 3,000ft in England whilst getting a bit off the beaten track.
“Legend and poetry, a lovely name and a lofty altitude combine to encompass Helvellyn in an aura of romance”
A Wainwright
We use this route during the winter months to avoid the Striding Edge ridge in bad weather conditions, although both routes can be privately booked all year.
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.
Where to meet: Wythburn Church, Thirlmere
Postcode: CA12 4TN
Grid Reference: NY 318 195
Directions
From Keswick: Follow the A591 south from Keswick, towards Ambleside and Windermere, continue through the woods alongside Thirlmere, when a small white church is seen to the left look out for an entrance to a car park shortly after, we will meet here.
From the South Lakes: Follow the A591 north from Ambleside, passing Grasmere and crossing Dunmail Raise, after descending from Dunmail Raise pass a lane to the left, look out now for an entrance to a car park on the right at Wythburn Church, follow the track to the car park by the church, we will meet here.
Please note that the car park is now pay and display, (£7 per day in 2014)
The postcode above may not send you to the exact location, there is a long stretch of road here on the same postcode, some satnav systems may send you a little further down the road.
Bus Services
Wythburn Church is served by regular buses, the bus stop is at the entrance to the car park.
The 555 bus runs between Kendal and Keswick, passing through Ambleside, Windermere and Grasmere.
Stagecoach bus timetables can be viewed here
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A great day out. Review by Gill
Thank you for organising a private guide for my group of friends (and Rolo my black Labrador) to walk up Helvellyn from Wythburn on Sunday. Our guide Katherine made our day very pleasant and we were blessed with sunshine and great views. (Posted on 14/08/2017)
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