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Plan Around Helvellyn
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Helvellyn Details
Helvellyn, at 3118 feet, is the highest point of the Helvellyn range, a north-south line of mountains to the north of Ambleside, between Thirlmere and Ullswater. Access to Helvellyn is easier than to the two higher peaks of Scafell Pike and Scafell, though not without risk depending on your route. This is a serious route and shouldn't be attempted by inexperienced walkers. Five ridges diverge from the summit ridge of Helvellyn at different points, all with clearly defined paths to the valleys below: The north-west ridge continues from Lower Man over Browncove Crags to the shore of Thirlmere at Swirls. The north ridge, the main ridge of the range, also descends from Lower Man, passing over White Side and Raise to Sticks Pass, dropping down to Stanah. The north-east ridge is known as Swirral Edge, a sharp arete which joins the summit ridge at a point half-way along, terminating in the shapely pyramid of Catstye Cam, though a cut-off will bring you down to Red Tarn and the path to Glenridding. The east ridge is another sharp arete known as Striding Edge. This joins the summit ridge at its southern end, not far from Helvellyn's summit. It passes over the subsidiary top of High Spying How and leads to Birkhouse Moor before descending to the south end of Ullswater between Patterdale and Glenridding. The south ridge continues the main ridge of the Helvellyn range over Nethermost Pike, High Crag and Dollywagon Pike to terminate at Grisedale Tarn or Wythburn near Thirlmere. The volcanic rocks of which the mountain is made were formed in the caldera of an ancient volcano about 450 million years ago. During the last ice age these rocks were carved by glaciers to create the landforms seen today. Since the end of the last ice age, small populations of arctic-alpine plants have survived in favourable spots on rock ledges high in the eastern coves. Rare to Britain, the Mountain Ringlet species of alpine butterfly also lives on and around Helvellyn. Grid Reference: NY 34262 15091
Difficulty
Low
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Nearby Parks Around Helvellyn
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Nearby Points of Interest Around Helvellyn
Use nearby POIs to quickly expand your options beyond Helvellyn while the map context is still fresh.
1.4 mi away
Helvellyn
England's third-highest peak can be summited via the perilous Striding Edge, which has sheer drops of hundreds of feet.
1.8 mi away
Brothers Parting Stone
Just below the outflow into Grisedale Beck is the Brothers Parting Stone.
2.0 mi away
Greenside Mine
Greenside Mine lies on the northeast side of Helvellyn, overlooking Ullswater and the village of Glenridding. The site is now owned by the Lake District National Park Authority and is a scheduled ancient monument.
2.4 mi away
Fairfield
A fine vista, with all the major fell groups well seen, and views down into the abyss of Deepdale only yards away.
2.6 mi away
Fisher-Gill Camping Barn
Affordable hostel-style overnight accommodation.
