The Helvellyn Walk from Thirlmere Avoiding Swirral Edge and Striding Edge
Embark on this Helvellyn walk from Thirlmere, an amazing trail that avoids Swirral Edge and Striding Edge. Kick off your 7-mile journey at Swirls Car Park, located on the A591 adjacent to Thirlmere’s western banks. Alternatively, consider the sizeable roadside lay-by on the A591 just north of Swirls, a short stroll away.
The walk commences with a brisk south-east climb from Swirls. Though steep, this straightforward trail first guides you to Browncove Crags. From here, continue upwards to Lower Man. Your steady ascent culminates at the Helvellyn summit, rewarding you with sweeping views of the Lake District.
From the Helvellyn summit, follow the trail south towards Nethermost Pike. Just before reaching the Nethermost Pike summit, veer south-west, treading above High Crags, then prepare for your descent. Birk Side and Comb Crags mark the halfway point of your descent, which will lead you into a lush woodland.
Finally, head north along a forestry track nestled beneath Helvellyn’s imposing slopes. This path ushers you back to your starting point, wrapping up your Helvellyn walk from Thirlmere. This is an appealing alternative to the often-crowded eastern ascent, usually from Glenridding on the Ullswater side, which includes Swirral Edge and Striding Edge.
Helvellyn Walk from Thirlmere: 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 Walk from Thirlmere: Distance, Duration, Statistics
Distance: 7 miles
Distance: 11½ kilometres
Duration: 4¼ hours
Ascent: 2956 feet
Ascent: 901 metres
Type: Circular walk
About Helvellyn
Helvellyn, possibly meaning ‘pale yellow moorland’, is a renowned mountain in the English Lake District. It proudly stands as the highest point of the Helvellyn mountain range, a north to south sequence of mountains situated just north of Ambleside. This range acts as a barrier between the waters of Thirlmere and Ullswater.
As the third-highest point in both England and the Lake District, Helvellyn attracts many explorers due to its comparatively easier accessibility than the two taller peaks, Scafell Pike and Scafell. Indeed, the Helvellyn walk from Thirlmere is a popular route for many avid walkers.
Helvellyn is not merely a walk, but a journey through time. Its distinct landforms were carved from volcanic rocks during violent eruptions approximately 450 million years ago, in the Ordovician period. These rocks, formed in the caldera of an ancient volcano, were further shaped by glaciers during the last ice age.
The mountain’s topography is truly remarkable. The peak of Helvellyn unfolds into a broad plateau, extending from north-west to south-east for about a kilometre. From Lower Man to the commencement of the renowned Striding Edge, the plateau maintains a height of over 900 metres (3000 feet).
To the west, the ground slopes gently, before plunging steeply down towards Thirlmere. The eastern side, on the other hand, showcases deep glacial coves, their looming cliffs sheltering the gem of Red Tarn. Separating these coves are two sharp ridges, Striding Edge and Swirral Edge, adding an edge of drama to the scene.
Helvellyn has long been a favourite of walkers and explorers, including this Helvellyn walk from Thirlmere, with its popularity dating back to the late 18th century. Among its famous early visitors were poets Samuel Taylor Coleridge and William Wordsworth, who both resided in the vicinity.
With its height of 950 metres (3116 feet), Helvellyn ranks third on the list of Wainwrights by height. Its grid reference is NY 342 151, appearing on Explorer map OL5 and Landranger map 90, and it’s featured in the Eastern Fells Wainwright Book.
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 Walk from Thirlmere: My Photos
The view of Thirlmere (Reservoir) from the Browncove Crags area. Bassenthwaite Lake is visible in the distance from this point in our Helvellyn walk from Thirlmere.
The grassy slopes of Middle Tongue and Whelp Side on the western flanks of Nethermost Pike and Helvellyn.
As we descend, Harrop Tarn can be seen on the far side of Thirlmere. The tarn is situated within a corrie (a bowl-shaped valley) above the south-west side of the reservoir. It is a classic example of a glacial tarn formed as a result of glacial erosion during the last ice age.
Looking north-west across Thirlmere from Comb Crags. The Helvellyn walk from Thirlmere provides one of the best views in the Lake District. The two islands in the reservoir are Hawes How Island and Deergarth How Island.
The steep, rocky path near Comb Crags.
The last part of the descent from Comb Crags into the woodland near Wythburn, about two-thirds of the way round the Helvellyn walk from Thirlmere.
Comb Gill. The stream originates from above Comb Crags on the western side of Nethermost Pike and cascades down the mountainside before flowing into Thirlmere.
Whelpside Gill, just a few metres north of Comb Gill. This stream descends through the valley between Whelp Side and Middle Tongue and continues its flow into Thirlmere.
Heading north on the forestry track beneath the western slopes of Helvellyn, with great views of Thirlmere from a lower level.
Another waterfall seen from the forestry track. This stream originates from Brownrigg Well about 80 metres below the Helvellyn summit. It cuts a channel between Helvellyn Screes and Whelp Side and empties into Thirlmere. This is about three-quarters of the way round our Helvellyn walk from Thirlmere.
Top Lake District Walking Guides for Exploring the Fells
The Lake District offers some of the most breathtaking walks in the UK. These four guidebooks stand out for their detailed routes and practical advice, covering everything from high-level fell walks to peak bagging the Wainwrights. Whether you’re exploring lesser-known summits or conquering famous peaks, these guides are essential companions for your adventures in the Lake District. As an Amazon affiliate, I may earn a small commission from any purchases made through the links provided. This helps support the upkeep of this website. Rest assured, you won’t pay a penny extra, but your purchase will contribute to keeping my site running smoothly. Happy walking!
Lake District High Level Mountain and Fell Walks
Discover the Lake District’s highest peaks with Vivienne Crow’s pocket-sized guide. It features 30 of the best walks on the higher fells, covering both lesser-known summits and favourites like Scafell Pike, Helvellyn, and Skiddaw. Each route is circular and ranges from 4 to 15 miles, with walks graded by difficulty. The guide is illustrated with Ordinance Survey mapping and vibrant colour photography, making it both informative and visually appealing. Crow also includes practical notes on parking, public transport links, and nearby refreshment spots. With easy access from popular centres like Keswick, Ambleside, and Windermere, this guide is an essential companion for your Lake District adventures.
Lake District Classic Lakeland Mountain Routes
Mark Richards’ large-format guidebook showcases 50 classic walks in the Lake District’s mountains. These routes are designed for experienced hillwalkers, with distances ranging from 4 to 13 miles. Richards provides clear route descriptions, accompanied by Harvey mapping and his own hand-drawn illustrations. You’ll find walks covering popular fells such as Scafell Pike and Helvellyn, as well as lesser-known routes that offer a unique challenge. Optional low-grade scrambling adds an adventurous twist to some walks. Practical details, including parking and post-walk refreshment options, are also included to ensure a well-rounded day out in the fells.
Peak Bagging the Wainwright Fells in 45 Walks
Karen and Dan Parker present 45 carefully crafted routes to help you complete all 214 of Alfred Wainwright’s iconic fells in the Lake District. The routes are divided into sections that mirror Wainwright’s original guides. They are designed to be both efficient and enjoyable. Key highlights include the Scafell round and the Glenridding Horseshoe. The Parkers provide detailed maps, elevation profiles, and essential logistics such as parking and transport options. Whether you’re completing the Wainwrights over years or in record time, this guide will be your perfect companion throughout the journey. It’s an indispensable resource for anyone looking to conquer these famous fells.
Climbing the Lakeland Wainwrights in 64 Walks
Graham Uney’s guide offers 64 walks that cover all 214 Wainwright summits in the Lake District. Uney’s approach ensures flexibility, with some summits featured more than once, allowing you to revisit favourite peaks. While Wainwright’s original guides are invaluable, Uney provides a modern perspective. He helps walkers plan full-day routes that cover multiple fells efficiently. This guidebook is filled with detailed, updated routes and practical advice, making it an excellent companion to the classic Pictorial Guides. Whether you’re aiming to complete the Wainwrights or simply explore the fells, this guide will be invaluable.