Helvellyn
Helvellyn is a 950-metre mountain settled near Thirlmere Lake, alongside the towns of Keswick and Glenridding. It offers hikers striking scenery, thanks to its glacial coves, ridges and its lake, Red Tarn.
The mountain is one of the most iconic sights of the Lake District National Park and has been around for nearly 450 million years! Helvellyn is home to a wealth of special wildlife, from ravens to the beloved Herdwick sheep. Rare species of flora await here, too, including the Downy Willow.
Helvellyn Walk
There are many walks you can embark on up and around Helvellyn. However, the most popular hiking trail is along Striding Edge.
The walk begins at the Ullswater Information Centre car park. From here, make your way up Greenside Road before turning left.
Cross a bridge, then turn right and walk along a trickling stream. The walk goes uphill from here, and you’ll pass through a gate. This is also when you’ll start to see the mountain’s summit!
The weaving path will take you up to the left-hand side of Striding Edge. Please take care when hiking along here, as the ridge is incredibly narrow!
Scramble your way across the rocks and venture right to end up at the summit of Helvellyn. This part of the hike offers impressive views of the surrounding fells.
After pausing at the top, begin your descent by following Swirral Edge. The circular ridge will bring you back down to the base of the mountain, where the hike finishes.
A challenging but scenic hike awaits at this magnificent mountain…