Helvellyn Walk
Swirls Car Park - Browncove Crags - Lower Man - Helvellyn - Lower Man - Whiteside - Raise - Sticks Pass - Sty Beck - Brown How - Swirls Car Park
Helvellyn, the third highest peak in the Lake District, is, according to statistics, the most frequently climbed mountain in the England. It is, therefore, not the place to come in search of solitude. Helvellyn is a grand mountain, and part of its popularity may lie in the fact that it can be approached from all sides, the eastern approach including the dramatic Striding Edge. The exposed, knife-edged ridge route from Patterdale is definitely not one for the faint of heart.
Many suggested routes to the top of Helvellyn are quite lengthy, often exceeding 10 miles. This route is a shorter suggestion at around 7 miles, and takes in part of the ridge that extends to the north of Helvellyn. The starting point is Swirls car park, located two-thirds of the way up Thirlmere, just as the A591 emerges from the trees flanking both sides of the road (heading north). The footpath is clearly signposted rom the car park and the route is well-worn. Follow the path south-east from the car park, ascending steeply to the right of Helvellyn Gill up to Browncove Crags. The path continues to rise south-east, passing Lower Man to the left, before reaching the summit of Helvellyn. The views that appear upon reaching the summit are quite dramatic, with Striding Edge and Swirral Edge stretching away either side of Red Tarn, with Ullswater beyond. There is a well-built shelter at the summit, so it is possible to enjoy your packed lunch even in a howling gale.
From the summit, retrace your steps north-west towards Lower Man. As you reach Lower Man, turn and head north, descending the ridge towards Whiteside. The path continues north, climbing relatively gently to the summit of Whiteside, before heading north-east to the summit of Raise. From Raise, the path drops north to Sticks Pass, at which point the route turns left, heading west and descending fairly steeply down the fell towards Sty Beck and the northern end of Thirlmere. Near the bottom before you reach the farm buildings, there is a junction in the path, with the left-hand option heading south. Take this left-hand route, and head south along a level path running parallel to Thrilmere and the A591. After just over half a mile there is a junction in the path, with a route to the right descending to Thirlspot, a route to the left, heading back up the fell, and a path continuing ahead. Take the path ahead, travelling in a south-south-west direction below Brown How. The Swirls car park is approximately 2/3 of a mile further along this path.
Approx. distance: 7.1 miles
Approx. total ascent: 3318 feet
Approx. time: 3.5-4.5 hours