Hike around Helvellyn Mountain

An inevitable hike, to the most popular peak of the Lake District, Helwellyn. A hike made all the more pleasant by passing along two lakes: Red Tarn Lake and Grisedale Ran Lake.

Technical sheet

n°4098347

A Patterdale walk posted on 16/04/15 by Tamtraductions. Last update : 07/02/23

Activity: Walking
Distance: 15.86 km
Calculated time: 7h 05
Difficulty: Difficult
Return to departure point: Yes
Vertical gain: + 897 m
Vertical drop: - 891 m
Highest point: 935 m
Lowest point: 157 m

Area: Lake District
District: Patterdale
Start/End: N 54.544667° / W 2.950268°
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Description

Start : Greenside Road in Glenridding, Beckside Car Park. (CA11 0PA) Grid ref. NY 386 170

(S/E) From the car park, go West along Greenside Road. Shortly after Travellers Rest station, you reach a junction

(1) Leave Greenside Road taking a left onto a road heading South-West which quickly crosses Glenridding Beck and turns into a walking trail. Continue along the trail facing the road, you'll come across several paths, keep to the one along the western bank of the stream.

(2) After around 750 m, cross the stream to continue heading South-West on the Eastern bank.

(3) After around 1 Km, at the junction, take a left heading West to bypass Birkhouse Moor summit (718 m) from the southern side. Then, heading South-West, you'll reach the Coast to Coast junction.

(4) Now starts a long journey heading South-West. Maintaining this direction, start a long calm climb.

(5) Passing by Low Spying How, then High Spying How overlooking Red Tarn. Walk away from the lake before heading uphill through Stridind Edge Helvellyn (949 m).

(6).From Stridind Edge Helvellyn, change direction completely and head South, remaining on the Coast to Coast trail. Walk along Swallow Scarth, then Nethermost Pike before reaching High Crag.

(7). Keep heading South, passing nearby Dollywagon Pike (858 m).

(8). Then start your descent down stone slabs to reach Grisdale Tarn's north bank.

(9) New change of direction here. Now due North, still on the Coast to Coast trail. You'll reach a pasture at Ruthwaite Lodge after around 1.5 Km.

(10). Approximately 200 m after you reach a junction.

(11) Take a left on a path parallel to the Coast to Coast trail and, heading North-East, you'll come across several trails as you walk in the same direction for around 3.5 Km.

(12) After 3.5 Km, at the path junction, take the one that goes along Lanty's Tarn Lake heading North before going downhill towards Glenridding and reaching the car park. (S/E)

Waypoints

S/E : km 0 - alt. 157 m - Beckside Car Park
1 : km 0.55 - alt. 193 m - Greenside Road junction
2 : km 1.3 - alt. 277 m - Cross the stream
3 : km 2.35 - alt. 584 m - Birkhouse Moor junction
4 : km 3.55 - alt. 705 m - Coast to Coast trail
5 : km 4.78 - alt. 813 m - High Spying How
6 : km 5.5 - alt. 934 m - Helvellyn
7 : km 7.11 - alt. 848 m - High Crag
8 : km 7.8 - alt. 815 m - Near Dollywagon Pike
9 : km 9.05 - alt. 555 m - Grisedale Tarn
10 : km 10.52 - alt. 377 m - Ruthwaite Lodge
11 : km 10.81 - alt. 320 m - Coast to Coast junction
12 : km 14.23 - alt. 244 m - Coast to Coast junction
S/E : km 15.86 - alt. 157 m - Beckside Car Park

Useful Information

Start : Greenside Road in Glenridding, Beckside Car Park. (CA11 0PA)

Parking : Park your car in the car park by Greenside Road in Glenridding

Facilities : No water except for the torrents which would need to be purified. At the top of Helvellyn a stone hut provides shelter from the wind and gives you a well deserved break.

Accommodation : The Ruthwaite Lodge is closed.

Terrain : Hiking gear for experienced hikers as the climb by Striding Edge ridge is tricky, you'll need your hands for extra support. Beware of the wind, always present and often violent.

Always stay careful and alert while following a route. Visorando and the author of this walk cannot be held responsible in the event of an accident during this route.

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During the walk or to do/see around

The Lake District National Park lakes.
Tourist towns in the area: Ambleside, Glenridding, Windermere, Coniston etc...

Reviews and comments

5 / 5

Based on 1 review

Clarity of route description
5 / 5

Clarity of route map
5 / 5

Walk interest
5 / 5

Hogman

14 Jul 2022 at 15:50 EDT

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of walk : 06/07/22
Clarity of route description : ★★★★★ Very good
Clarity of route map : ★★★★★ Very good
Walk interest : ★★★★★ Very good

Brilliant walk. The weather was perfect, virtually no wind, bright sunshine and superb views.

Other walks in the area

Glenridding Dodd and Sheffield Pike from Glenridding

Departure from Patterdale (Westmorland and Furness)

This Lakeland walk includes two Wainwrights and although the distance walked is relatively short there is a steady steep climb up to the col between Glenridding Dodd and Sheffield Pike. The views are excellent throughout and route finding is generally good with clear paths for most of the route. Choose a fine day to enjoy the views across Ullswater and to the Helvellyn ridge.

Lanty's Tarn from Glenridding circular

Departure from Patterdale (Westmorland and Furness)

This is a short, low level walk that can fill a couple of hours. Good if you are short on time or if it has been raining most of the day and has cleared up in the late afternoon. Nice views over the lake and interesting scenery. (It is the sister walk to another which starts from Patterdale)

Birks, St. Sunday, Cofa Pike, Fairfield, Hart Crag & return via Dovedale.

Departure from Patterdale (Westmorland and Furness)

This is a great circular walk, taking in some of the higher tops and with a descent via the tranquil and less frequented Dovedale.

Circuit of Boredale from Patterdale

Departure from Patterdale (Westmorland and Furness)

A Lake District walk starting from Patterdale that includes Place Fell, Howtown, and Beda Fell in a circuit of Boredale. The scenic content of this route is excellent with Ullswater providing a contrast to the rugged fells all around you.

Angletarn Pikes, The Knott, High Street and Threshwaite Cove; Circular

Departure from Patterdale (Westmorland and Furness)

A circular walk from Patterdale which ascends gradually to take in the great views from Angletarn Pikes and The Knott before passing over the Straits of Riggingdale to High Street and The Beacon at Thornwaite Crag. It then descends Threshwaite Cove to Hartsop and a return to Patterdale.

Birks, St. Sunday's, and return via Grisedale

Departure from Patterdale (Westmorland and Furness)

This is a companion route to Birks, St. Sunday, Cofa Pike, Fairfield, Hart Crag & return via Dovedale as it offers a safe way off the mountain should you need a plan B or if you want a walk with less ascent. It is still a great walk in its own right and the descent of Grisedale is a nice contrast to the ascent of St Sunday Crag.