One of the most adored mountains in the UK, hikes to Helvellyn are incredibly popular. The range dominates the skyline to the east of central Lakeland. More accessible than the slightly higher Scafells in the west, walking routes to Helvellyn have something for every kind of hiker: from airy scrambles that get the adrenaline pumping to pleasant, grassy ascents or even epic traverses of the whole ridge system.

This Highlight is in a protected area

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Lake District National Park

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Location: St John'S Castlerigg And Wythburn, Allerdale, Cumbria, North West England, England, United Kingdom

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Trail Magazine

December 13, 2019

Hiking

Up there with Britain’s best-loved mountains, Helvellyn is home to a horseshoe ridge of legendary quality. First comes Striding Edge, a knife-edge arête with a tantalisingly-good tightrope path edging along the crest, before bagging the summit and completing your high-level loop of Red Tarn via the rocky staircase of Swirral Edge.

Dan Hobson

October 17, 2018

Hiking

As the third highest mountain in the Lake District, the views from Helvellyn are absolutely magnificent. However, this mountain is not simply a mere slog to the summit. If you follow the route along Striding Edge your breath is sure to be taken many times over. A Lakeland classic!

Barney

August 4, 2018

Hiking

A staggering view wherever you look is your prize for all that climbing, and it's a very generous one indeed. The summit is well-served by bridlepaths; if you're tacking the mountain on a bike, popular descents include Glenridding, Dollywagon or the incomparable Stick's Pass. It can get pretty windy (to say the least) but there is a little shelter/wall thing to huddle behind and eat sandwiches. These will unfortunately have to be brought with you!

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Best routes to Helvellyn Summit

4.8

(386)

3,665

hikers

1. Striding Edge, Helvellyn & Swirral Edge loop from Glenridding — Lake District National Park

13.1km

05:10

810m

Hard hike. Very good fitness required. Sure-footedness, sturdy shoes and alpine experience required.

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Hard

4.5

(47)

286

hikers

2. Helvellyn loop via Striding Edge from Glenridding

15.4km

05:48

900m

This difficult 9.6-mile hike to Helvellyn's summit via Striding Edge offers dramatic Lake District views and a thrilling scramble.

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Hard

4.8

(110)

1,352

hikers

3. Helvellyn Summit – Helvellyn Summit Shelter loop from St. John's Castlerigg and Wythburn

7.99km

03:31

720m

Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

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Moderate

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Elevation 930 m

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yes

Wheelchair access

Dog Friendly

yes

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Take Me There

Location: St John'S Castlerigg And Wythburn, Allerdale, Cumbria, North West England, England, United Kingdom

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Helvellyn Summit

1. Striding Edge, Helvellyn & Swirral Edge loop from Glenridding — Lake District National Park

2. Helvellyn loop via Striding Edge from Glenridding

3. Helvellyn Summit – Helvellyn Summit Shelter loop from St. John's Castlerigg and Wythburn

Other Popular Places to Check Out

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