Experience the Ultimate Outdoor Thrill on this Helvellyn Circular Walk
Begin your Helvellyn circular walk at Legburthwaite, located in St Johns-in-the-Vale, near the northern tip of Thirlmere. Park in the Legburthwaite Car Park, nestled in a small wooded area beside the B5322 road, just north of its junction with the A591. From here, walk south along the B5322, passing The Lodge in the Vale, then turn left onto Stanah Lane.
Follow Stanah Lane through the hamlet of Stanah, where your ascent commences. The steep climb stretches for about 1¼ miles up to Sticks Pass. At the Sticks Pass crossroads, turn right and head south, beginning your climb to the summit of Raise. Then, descend slightly before embarking on a gradual ascent to White Side.
Continue south, descending then climbing to Helvellyn’s Lower Man. Subsequently, veer south-east towards Helvellyn’s summit. Despite its popularity and potential crowds, especially on clear days, Helvellyn offers some of the Lake District’s most stunning panoramas, including the breathtaking view down to Red Tarn, nestled between Swirral Edge and Striding Edge.
Proceed south along the ridge until reaching a fork; here, take the right fork, heading south-west over High Crags, then descend to Birk Side. The descent above Comb Craggs offers spectacular views towards Thirlmere. Continue descending, now steeply, into woodland. Here, you’ll encounter a stone track leading north through the trees for about two miles to Swirls Car Park.
From Swirls Car Park, follow the path to Thirlmere’s shores, then walk north along the reservoir banks towards Greathow Wood. Circumvent the wood’s eastern side, adjacent to How Beck, until you meet a minor road. This road leads you back to the starting car park.
This Helvellyn circular walk, spanning roughly 11¼ miles, is straightforward yet demanding. The journey, while long and strenuous, is immensely rewarding, offering unparalleled views and experiences in the Lake District.
Helvellyn Circular Walk: Maps and Tools
Visit either the OS Maps website or the Outdooractive website to view this walking route in greater detail. Both platforms offer a range of features, including the ability to print the route, download it to your device, and export the route as a GPX file. You can also watch a 3D fly-over and share the route on social media.
Helvellyn Circular Walk: Distance, Duration, Statistics
Distance: 11¼ miles
Distance: 18 kilometres
Duration: 6½ hours
Ascent: 3781 feet
Ascent: 1152 metres
Type: Circular walk
About Legburthwaite
Legburthwaite serves as an excellent starting point for the Helvellyn circular walk. It boasts a suitable car park equipped with public toilets. Positioned in the Allerdale district of Cumbria, this village lies on the B5322, close to its junction with the A591. This main thoroughfare connects Threlkeld to Grasmere, stretching from north to south. Legburthwaite, located slightly east of Thirlmere Reservoir’s far northern tip, marks the southern entrance to St Johns-in-the-Vale valley.
Nestled below Watson’s Dodd’s steep western slopes, the village also lies at High Rigg’s southern end. St John’s Beck meanders northward through the valley, defining the landscape of St Johns-in-the-Vale. This glacial valley is framed by the ridge that includes Clough Head, Great Dodd, and Watson’s Dodd to the east, and by the modest range featuring Low Rigg and High Rigg to the west.
Recommended Ordnance Survey Map
The best map to use on this walk is the Ordnance Survey map of the Lake District North-Eastern Area, reference OS Explorer OL5, scale 1:25,000. It clearly displays footpaths, rights of way, open access land and vegetation on the ground, making it ideal for walking, running and hiking. The map can be purchased from Amazon in either a standard, paper version or a weatherproof, laminated version, as shown below.
Standard Version
Helvellyn Circular Walk: My Photos
The start of the climb to Sticks Pass near Stanah.
Waterfall created by Stanah Gill.
Walking in the Yorkshire Dales with 43 Circular Routes
AD This Cicerone guidebook includes 43 circular walks exploring valleys, hills, and moors between Kirkby Stephen and Pateley Bridge. With OS maps, local highlights, and routes ranging from 3–11 miles, it is a year-round companion for walkers of all abilities.
The view north-west towards High Rigg, with the cloud-topped Skiddaw range of mountains in the far distance.
Grisport Unisex Adult Peaklander Hiking Boots
AD The Grisport Unisex Adult Peaklander Hiking Boots are crafted in Italy with a durable waxed leather upper, Spotex breathable lining, and a reliable Track-on rubber sole. Waterproof and weighing just 1120g, they offer comfort, resilience, and dependable performance on demanding trails.
Looking down upon Stybeck Farm and Stanah. The tree-covered hill is Great How, backed by Raven Crag and The Benn.
The view over to Thirlmere (Reservoir).
Grisport Unisex Adult Peaklander Hiking Boots
AD The Grisport Unisex Adult Peaklander Hiking Boots are crafted in Italy with a durable waxed leather upper, Spotex breathable lining, and a reliable Track-on rubber sole. Waterproof and weighing just 1120g, they offer comfort, resilience, and dependable performance on demanding trails.
The grassy western flanks of Raise and Stybarrow Dodd.
Looking up to Raise on the approach to Sticks Pass.
Fifty Walks Across the Beautiful North York Moors National Park
AD Discover 50 routes across the North York Moors, from short easy strolls to challenging high-level hikes. With OS maps, route descriptions, and local highlights, it also includes the legendary 40-mile Lyke Wake Walk, described in four accessible stages.
The crossroads at Sticks Pass. Straight on for Sheffield Pike, left for Stybarrow Dodd and right for Raise.
The path from the Sticks Pass crossroads to the summit of Raise.
Fifty Walks Across the Beautiful North York Moors National Park
AD Discover 50 routes across the North York Moors, from short easy strolls to challenging high-level hikes. With OS maps, route descriptions, and local highlights, it also includes the legendary 40-mile Lyke Wake Walk, described in four accessible stages.
The view north-east towards Ullswater from the rocky slopes of Raise.
The summit of Raise, height 883 metres (2897 feet). Just short of a quarter of the way round this Helvellyn circular walk.
Osprey Hikelite Unisex Backpack for Comfortable and Lightweight Hiking
AD The Osprey Hikelite backpack combines lightweight design with practical features, including a breathable mesh back panel, soft webbing straps, and stretch mesh water bottle pockets. With zipped storage and an organiser compartment, it is ideal for day hikes and outdoor use.
The path from the summit of White Side to Lower Man and Helvellyn.
The Browncove Crags ridge stretching north-west from Lower Man.
Osprey Hikelite Unisex Backpack for Comfortable and Lightweight Hiking
AD The Osprey Hikelite backpack combines lightweight design with practical features, including a breathable mesh back panel, soft webbing straps, and stretch mesh water bottle pockets. With zipped storage and an organiser compartment, it is ideal for day hikes and outdoor use.
Catstye Cam north-east of the Helvellyn summit, with Birkhouse Moor and Sheffield Pike in the background.
The view north-east from Lower Man towards Sheffield Pike and Ullswater.
Peak Bagging Wainwrights with Routes to Complete All Fells
AD This comprehensive guide offers 45 circular routes linking all 214 Wainwright fells. With maps, GPX downloads, elevation profiles, and practical advice, it provides efficient yet inspiring ways to complete this classic Lake District challenge at your own pace.
Browncove Crags.
The Lower Man summit, height 925 metres (3035 feet).
Peak Bagging Wainwrights with Routes to Complete All Fells
AD This comprehensive guide offers 45 circular routes linking all 214 Wainwright fells. With maps, GPX downloads, elevation profiles, and practical advice, it provides efficient yet inspiring ways to complete this classic Lake District challenge at your own pace.
Triangulation pillar on Helvellyn, height 949 metres (3114 feet). Helvellyn is the third highest mountain in the Lake District, the two higher ones being Scafell Pike and Scafell.
Red Tarn as seen from Helvellyn.
Berghaus Hillmaster II GTX Men's High Rise Hiking Boots
AD The Berghaus Hillmaster II GTX men’s hiking boots feature a waterproof, breathable GORE-TEX membrane, a memory foam tongue and collar for a personalised fit, and a Vibram sole delivering exceptional grip, stability, and shock protection for confident performance on any terrain.
The popular Swirral Edge.
It’s busy as usual on Helvellyn, but it’s one of the many highlights of any Helvellyn circular walk.
Berghaus Hillmaster II GTX Men's High Rise Hiking Boots
AD The Berghaus Hillmaster II GTX men’s hiking boots feature a waterproof, breathable GORE-TEX membrane, a memory foam tongue and collar for a personalised fit, and a Vibram sole delivering exceptional grip, stability, and shock protection for confident performance on any terrain.
The path between Helvellyn and Nethermost Pike. Our route to Birk Side is on the right.
Kendal Mint Co Energy Gel with Citrus and Mint Flavour
AD Kendal Mint Co energy gels deliver 27g of fast-absorbing carbohydrates plus electrolytes and B vitamins for improved performance. Vegan, gluten free, and Informed Sport certified, these caffeine-free gels are refreshing, easy to digest, and ideal for running, cycling, and endurance.
Sheep grazing above the slopes of Whelp Side and Middle Tongue.
The descent of Birk Side near Comb Crags and magnificent views of Thirlmere. This is roughly the halfway point of this Helvellyn circular walk.
Kendal Mint Co Energy Gel with Citrus and Mint Flavour
AD Kendal Mint Co energy gels deliver 27g of fast-absorbing carbohydrates plus electrolytes and B vitamins for improved performance. Vegan, gluten free, and Informed Sport certified, these caffeine-free gels are refreshing, easy to digest, and ideal for running, cycling, and endurance.
Thermos Stainless King Flask for Travel and Daily Adventures
AD The Thermos Stainless King 470ml flask keeps drinks hot for 18 hours or cold for 24. With durable stainless steel, vacuum insulation, a serving cup, and a leakproof design, it is perfect for commutes, journeys, and outdoor adventures.
Thermos Stainless King Flask for Travel and Daily Adventures
AD The Thermos Stainless King 470ml flask keeps drinks hot for 18 hours or cold for 24. With durable stainless steel, vacuum insulation, a serving cup, and a leakproof design, it is perfect for commutes, journeys, and outdoor adventures.
Comb Crags.
Lake District High Level and Fell Walks with Thirty Routes
AD This pocket-sized guide presents 30 routes on the Lake District’s highest fells, including Scafell Pike, Helvellyn, and Blencathra. With OS maps, colour photographs, and practical notes, it offers circular walks from 4–15 miles graded by difficulty.
Woodland path below Birk Side and Middle Tongue near the south-east tip of Thirlmere.
Comb Gill.
Lake District High Level and Fell Walks with Thirty Routes
AD This pocket-sized guide presents 30 routes on the Lake District’s highest fells, including Scafell Pike, Helvellyn, and Blencathra. With OS maps, colour photographs, and practical notes, it offers circular walks from 4–15 miles graded by difficulty.
Whelpside Gill.
Woodland track below Helvellyn on the east side of Thirlmere.
Super Sparrow Stainless Steel Insulated Water Bottle with Two Lids
AD The Super Sparrow stainless steel water bottle keeps drinks cold for 12 hours or hot for several. With a straw lid, bamboo cap, BPA-free construction, and durable 18/8 steel, it is ideal for sport, travel, work, and outdoor use.
The view south-west towards Wythburn Fells at the southern extent of Thirlmere.
Permissive path through The Swirls, about three-quarters of the way round of this Helvellyn circular walk.
Super Sparrow Stainless Steel Insulated Water Bottle with Two Lids
AD The Super Sparrow stainless steel water bottle keeps drinks cold for 12 hours or hot for several. With a straw lid, bamboo cap, BPA-free construction, and durable 18/8 steel, it is ideal for sport, travel, work, and outdoor use.
A wonderful carpet of bluebells in Highpark Wood.
The view over to Raise and Lower Man from Greathow Wood.
Mountain Warehouse Merino Womens Long Sleeve V Neck Top
AD This Mountain Warehouse Merino top combines warmth, comfort, and practicality. Made with high-quality wool, it is naturally antibacterial, lightweight, and easy to pack. Designed for outdoor activities, it keeps you fresh and warm, and comes with a two-year warranty.
The track along the eastern edge of Greathow Wood near Dale Head.
A final look back at Raise and Lower Man from Little How near Legburthwaite.
Mountain Warehouse Merino Womens Long Sleeve V Neck Top
AD This Mountain Warehouse Merino top combines warmth, comfort, and practicality. Made with high-quality wool, it is naturally antibacterial, lightweight, and easy to pack. Designed for outdoor activities, it keeps you fresh and warm, and comes with a two-year warranty.