“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 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!
“Legend and poetry, a lovely name and a lofty altitude combine to encompass Helvellyn in an aura of romance”
A Wainwright
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.
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.
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Helvellyn overnight (private guiding) Review by Melanie
We met our guide, John, in the Wythburn car park at 2am, uncertain whether the thick mist and rain would prevent our ascent. Fortunately, as John explained, wind is more of a problem. It was clear that we had no chance of seeing a sunrise that morning and, by the time we reached the summit of Helvellyn, the rain was becoming heavier and visibility was poor so we stayed only long enough to take a couple of photographs before making our descent. Despite the disappointing weather, we did have fun and it was an adventure nevertheless. John patiently waited for us while we kept stopping to catch our breath, orientated us by pointing out features in the landscape and describing what we were unable to see. He was very knowledgeable about the area - both its history and current/future developments - his conversation was varied and interesting. The sky lightened on our way down so we did see something of Thirlmere and the fells through the mist and rain. Although we'd hoped for a sunrise, we had an experience to remember and certainly recommend the overnight climb. Thank you, John, for guiding us. (Posted on 05/06/2017)
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