Hike around Helvellyn Mountain

Start : Greenside Road in Glenridding, Beckside Car Park. (CA11 0PA) Grid ref. NY 386 170

(S/E) From the car park, go West along Greenside Road. Shortly after Travellers Rest station, you reach a junction

(1) Leave Greenside Road taking a left onto a road heading South-West which quickly crosses Glenridding Beck and turns into a walking trail. Continue along the trail facing the road, you'll come across several paths, keep to the one along the western bank of the stream.

(2) After around 750 m, cross the stream to continue heading South-West on the Eastern bank.

(3) After around 1 Km, at the junction, take a left heading West to bypass Birkhouse Moor summit (718 m) from the southern side. Then, heading South-West, you'll reach the Coast to Coast junction.

(4) Now starts a long journey heading South-West. Maintaining this direction, start a long calm climb.

(5) Passing by Low Spying How, then High Spying How overlooking Red Tarn. Walk away from the lake before heading uphill through Stridind Edge Helvellyn (949 m).

(6).From Stridind Edge Helvellyn, change direction completely and head South, remaining on the Coast to Coast trail. Walk along Swallow Scarth, then Nethermost Pike before reaching High Crag.

(7). Keep heading South, passing nearby Dollywagon Pike (858 m).

(8). Then start your descent down stone slabs to reach Grisdale Tarn's north bank.

(9) New change of direction here. Now due North, still on the Coast to Coast trail. You'll reach a pasture at Ruthwaite Lodge after around 1.5 Km.

(10). Approximately 200 m after you reach a junction.

(11) Take a left on a path parallel to the Coast to Coast trail and, heading North-East, you'll come across several trails as you walk in the same direction for around 3.5 Km.

(12) After 3.5 Km, at the path junction, take the one that goes along Lanty's Tarn Lake heading North before going downhill towards Glenridding and reaching the car park. (S/E)

Start : Greenside Road in Glenridding, Beckside Car Park. (CA11 0PA)

Parking : Park your car in the car park by Greenside Road in Glenridding

Facilities : No water except for the torrents which would need to be purified. At the top of Helvellyn a stone hut provides shelter from the wind and gives you a well deserved break.

Accommodation : The Ruthwaite Lodge is closed.

Terrain : Hiking gear for experienced hikers as the climb by Striding Edge ridge is tricky, you'll need your hands for extra support. Beware of the wind, always present and often violent.

The Lake District National Park lakes.
Tourist towns in the area: Ambleside, Glenridding, Windermere, Coniston etc...