“Raise deserves a special cheer”
A Wainwright
A great route climbing Helvellyn from the western slopes above Thirlmere, stunning views throughout and easy walking with very little exposure taking in the fine summits of White Side and Raise to the north of Helvellyn as well as the rarely visited minor summit of Brown Crag, one of the best viewpoints over Thirlmere.
“Legend and poetry, a lovely name and a lofty altitude combine to encompass Helvellyn in an aura of romance”
A Wainwright
From Legburthwaite we follow the track up past the village hall, climbing to a small bridge across the leat and up above the intake wall.
Following the wall south we will have some wonderful views over Thirlmere and as we climb up above Fisherplace Gill to Brown Crag the views open up to include Skiddaw and Keswick.
The gentle path continues from Brown Crag climbing up across the western flank of White Side to reach the ridge between the summits of White Side and Helvellyn, with a great view east over Brown Cove.
A steep climb south along the ridge will bring us onto Little Man, a minor summit on the ridge above Brown Cove Crags, from here it's just a short walk along the easy path to the summit of Helvellyn.
A wind shelter near the summit can give us a good spot for lunch, with wonderful expansive views over Ullswater, Red Tarn and the High Street range to the east. To the south there are great views over Windermere and Coniston while to the west we see all the high tops of the Lake District, including Scafell Pike, Great Gable, Coniston Old Man and Bowfell.
From the summit we will follow the ridge back to the north, passing the trig point and back to Little Man, descending back north along the ridge and climbing to the summit of White Side.
On a clear day there are some great views past Skiddaw to the Solway and Scotland as we descend from Little Man.
From White Side it's n easy walk north to the next summit, Raise, with a great summit cairn and views north over the Dodds.
From Raise we continue north on the good path, descending to Sticks Pass, here turning to the west and following the bridleway down to Legburthwaite.
Each participant will be required to bring suitable equipment for their chosen event, please see Kit List tab above.
Where to meet: Legburthwaite Village Hall, St John's in the Vale
Postcode: CA12 4TQ
Grid Reference: NY 318 189
Directions
Legburthwaite can easily be found on the A591 between Grasmere and Keswick, just to the north of The King's Head Inn and Thirlmere, turn off the main road onto St John's In The Vale road, the village hall is on the right hand side, just off the main road. There is some parking in the village hall car park or also on a layby next to the junction with the A591.
Bus Services
Legburthwaite is well served by buses, the closest bus stop is by the junction, a few hundred metres away from the meet point.
The 555 bus runs between Kendal and Keswick, passing through Windermere and Grasmere.
Stagecoach bus timetables can be viewed here
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Helvellyn Review by Robert Cope
A great day out last Thursday on the Helvellyn, White Side and Raise walk. John was both good company and a highly experienced and knowledgeable guide. My first time using crampons, I really appreciated his encouragement in getting me through some tricky patches of ice on the ascent to Helvellyn.
Weather on the summit was a bit rough, but some great views on both the way up and the subsequent descent.
Would definitely recommend it! (Posted on 28/03/2018)
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28th Feb 2016 Review by Tom
This is one to recommend - Days just do not come much better than this. So thankful to John for an amazing day up Helvellyn, White Side & Raise from Legburthwaite. Fantastic view throughout the walk, together with ice climbers, skiers and mountain bikers. 35 years since being on top of Helvellyn and a first experience with crampons and ice axe. Cheers Tom (Posted on 01/03/2016)
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An outstanding day's walking Review by Steve
The top of snow-covered Helvellyn on a clear day in February is hard to beat. Incredible views: many of the Lake District's high mountains, Scotland and even the Blackpool tower! There were even a few skiers. (Posted on 26/02/2016)
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Helvellyn on Thursday the 18th February 2016 Review by Jeff Marshall
Many thanks indeed for the trip up to Helvellyn on Thursday the 18th February 2016. Absolutely fantastic day, as a 67 year old man maybe pushing his limits, I was very grateful to be in such helpful and experienced hands, which enabled me to achieve, for me, a significant dream. I could not recommend enough the wisdom and security in using the services of The Lake District Walker. Once again many, many thanks. I will be back! Jeff (Posted on 21/02/2016)
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