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Helvellyn

Helvellyn



Grid Reference: NY 34167 15158
Height: 950 metres/3117 feet

"Legend and poetry, a lovely name and a lofty altitude combine to encompass Helvellyn in an aura of Romance."
A Wainwright

The third highest summit in England and one of the most popular, Helvellyn is rightly popular. The highest point on the long ridge rising above Ambleside to Red Screes at it southern end and terminating in Clough Head above Threlkeld at it's northern extremity.

The gentle slopes to the west of the summit descend to Wythburn and Thirlmere, to the east the picture is drastically different, steep crags drop down to Red Tarn, encircled on either side by two magnificent arêtes, Swirral Edge descends above the northern shores of Red Tarn to the satellite summit of Catstycam while Striding Edge, probably the most famous route in the Lake District, descends above the southern shore of the tarn to Birkhouse Moor.

The two edges, Striding Edge and Swirral Edge make a magnificent route for those who like a little exposure, although in winter conditions this is a serious route and extreme care should be taken.

 

  1. Helvellyn and the edges from Birkhouse Moor

    Helvellyn & Striding Edge: Private Guiding

    Difficulty:
    Exposure:
    Distance: 12km / 7.5 miles
    Ascent: 930m / 3000ft
    Duration: 6 hours
    Maximum Group Ratio: 8:1

    Not the longest walk but with high levels of exposure on narrow rocky ridges

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  2. Above the cloud on the path to Helvellyn

    Helvellyn from Wythburn: Private Guiding

    Difficulty:
    Exposure:
    Distance: 11km / 7 miles
    Ascent: 940m / 3000ft
    Duration: 6 hours
    Maximum Group Ratio: 10:1

    One of the easier ascents of Helvellyn with little exposure

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  3. Looking back to Helvellyn from the ridge towards White Side

    The Helvellyn Ridge Walk: Private Guiding

    Difficulty:
    Exposure:
    Distance: 20km / 12 miles
    Ascent: 1330m / 4390ft
    Duration: 8 hours
    Maximum Group Ratio: 10:1

    A long linear walk taking in all the summits along the main Helvellyn ridge north of Grasmere

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  4. Wastwater, a welcome sight at the end of day 3

    The Bob Graham 5 Day Challenge: Private Guiding

    £1,000.00 As low as: £400.00

    Difficulty:
    Exposure:
    Distance: 115km / 72 miles
    Ascent: 8200m / 27000ft
    Duration: 5 days
    Maximum Group Ratio: 10:1

    The infamous 42 peak circuit of the Lakes, we cover the route over 5 days

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  5. Scafell & Scafell Pike

    Lakeland 3000s 24 Hour Challenge: Private Guiding

    Difficulty:
    Exposure:
    Distance: Up to 56km / 35 miles
    Ascent: 4000m / 13000ft
    Duration: 24 hours
    Maximum Group Ratio: 10:1

    A very long challenge event crossing the four highest summits in the Lake District

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  6. The sun rising from Dollywagon Pike

    Helvellyn Overnight Walk: Private Guiding

    Difficulty:
    Exposure:
    Distance: 11km / 7 miles
    Ascent: 940m / 3000 ft
    Duration: 6 hours
    Maximum Group Ratio: 8:1

    The chance to watch the sun rise from the summit of Helvellyn

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  7. Fairfield from St Sundays Crag

    Helvellyn & Fairfield from Patterdale: Private Guiding

    Difficulty:
    Exposure:
    Distance: 19.5km / 12 miles
    Ascent: 1500m / 5000ft
    Duration: 8 hours
    Maximum Group Ratio: 8:1

    A wonderful long day in the fells, exposed ridges and rugged scenery throughout

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  8. Looking back to Helvellyn from Raise

    Helvellyn, White Side & Raise: Private Guiding

    Difficulty:
    Exposure:
    Distance: 11km / 7 miles
    Ascent: 920m / 3000ft
    Duration: 7 hours
    Maximum Group Ratio: 10:1

    A great route climbing Helvellyn from the western slopes above Thirlmere, stunning views throughout and easy walking

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