Helvellyn
Walking Guide and Walks

Helvellyn is the third highest peak in the Lake District rising to 950 metres above sea level. One of the most popular summits in England and Wales, the summit sees a steady stream of walkers throughout the year. The reason for its popularity is Striding Edge - a narrow ar&ecic;te that offers some scrambling for walkers heading for the summit. However, for some this is a challenge too far.

Most walkers approach from the east with the usual approach from Glenridding on the shores of Ullswater where the route takes you over Birkhouse Moor and on via Striding Edge to the summit. To complete the horseshoe the return is via the less challenging Swirral Edge with an optional ascent of Catstye Cam before descending back via Red Tarn to the start.

From the west paths from Wythburn and Swirls offer an alternative approach over less interesting terrain. These paths can be combined in a circular walk and for much of the route avoids the 'crowds' that can be encountered on the Striding Edge route.

A few words of warning. Under ice and snow Striding Edge needs to be treated with respect and appropriate equipment used. In addition, the east facing crags on Helvellyn suffer from cornices in snow so don't go too near the edge!

List of walks

★ GPS file available ☩ Route profile

Walk	Description	Grade	Miles
2327★☩	Red Tarn & Birkhouse Moor from Glenridding	moderate	6.00
1235★☩	Red Tarn & Grisedale	moderate	7.00
1247★☩	Helvellyn & Raise from Swirls	mod/hard	7.00
3668★☩	Catstye Cam from Glenridding	mod/hard	7.00
1229★☩	Helvellyn & Dollywaggon Pike from Wythburn	moderate	8.00
2025★☩	Helvellyn & Wythburn from Swirls	mod/hard	8.50
1156★☩	Helvellyn via Striding Edge	hard	9.50
1710★☩	Glenridding, St. Sunday Crag & Helvellyn	hard	11.50
1520★☩	Helvellyn & Fairfield Horseshoe from Patterdale	very hard	13.00

Table of summits in the Helvellyn Group

Rank	Mountain	Metres/Feet	Location
12	Helvellyn	950 / 3117	Lake District
27	Catstye Cam	890 / 2920	Lake District
38	Dollywaggon Pike	858 / 2815	Lake District
104	Seat Sandal	736 / 2415	Lake District

What is a mountain?

The accepted standard for a mountain in England & Wales is that its summit is 610 metres (2000 feet) or more above sea level. In addition, rules are in place on the height difference above intervening cols with adjacent summits to determine whether a summit is a separate mountain or a subsidiary 'top'. This is not the place to discuss the technicalities of this issue but the list has been checked against reliable tables. With simplicity in mind separate tops have been excluded from the list as these would normally be discussed in relation to their main summits. The list includes 258 summits and these will all be added in due course starting from the highest and working down.

Stay Safe

Do enjoy yourself when out walking and choose a route that is within your capabilities especially with regard to navigation.

Do turn back if the weather deteriorates especially in winter or when visibility is poor.

Do wear the right clothing for the anticipated weather conditions. If the weather is likely to change for the worse make sure you have enough extra clothing in your pack.

Do tell someone where you are planning to walk especially in areas that see few other walkers.

Do take maps and other navigational aids. Do not rely on mobile devices in areas where reception is poor. Take spare batteries especially in cold weather.

Do check the weather forecast before leaving. The Met Office has a number of forecasts for walkers that identify specific weather risks.

Please Note - These walks have been published for use by site visitors on the understanding that Walking Britain is not held responsible for the safety or well being of those following the routes as described. It is worth reiterating the point that you should embark on a walk with the correct maps preferably at 1:25000 scale. This will enable any difficulties with route finding to be assessed and corrective action taken if necessary.

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HelvellynWalking Guide and Walks

List of walks

Table of summits in the Helvellyn Group

Messaging & Social Media

Mountain Weather

Helvellyn
Walking Guide and Walks