Conquer Four Alfred Wainwright Summits on Your Helvellyn Walk from Glenridding

Initiate your Helvellyn walk from Glenridding, an excellent trail steering clear of Swirral Edge and Striding Edge. This lengthier 12-mile route is quite demanding yet ideal for avoiding precarious edges in unreliable weather. The journey promises breathtaking views and encompasses four of Wainwright’s notable summits: White Side, Helvellyn, Nethermost Pike, and Dollywaggon Pike. This recommended route offers a quieter alternative to the more popular paths leading to Helvellyn.

Commence in the village of Glenridding, which provides plenty of parking. Head west from here, tracing Glenridding Beck’s path through the scenic Glenridding valley. As you progress through the valley, ensure you’re on the north side of Glenridding Beck. This is crucial for starting your climb to White Side’s summit. Venturing onto the south side could inadvertently redirect you towards Red Tarn and up the ascent via Swirral Edge.

The panorama from Dollywaggon Pike, a spectacular point overlooking Grisedale towards Patterdale and Ullswater.

Upon conquering White Side, navigate south along the ridge towards Lower Man. Then make your way south-east to reach the Helvellyn summit. Continue your adventure south, crossing the expansive ridge to Nethermost Pike and onwards to Dollywaggon Pike. Your descent will bring you to Grisedale Tarn, followed by a lengthy walk north-east through Grisedale Valley, shadowing Grisedale Beck all the way to Patterdale.

Conclude your Helvellyn walk from Glenridding by trekking north back to the village. This is done via a footpath running beside the A592. This route, while extensive, promises an invigorating Lake District walking experience, replete with stunning views and a rich sense of achievement.

Helvellyn Walk from Glenridding: 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 Glenridding: Distance, Duration, Statistics

Distance: 11¾ miles

Distance: 19 kilometres

Duration: 6½ hours

Ascent: 3177 feet

Ascent: 968 metres

Type: Circular walk

Area: Lake District

Map: OS Explorer OL5

Parking: Google Maps

About Glenridding

Glenridding is a village situated at the southern tip of Ullswater in the English Lake District. It serves as a base for mountain walkers aiming to tackle Helvellyn, England’s third tallest peak, along with other substantial mountains. The village falls within the Patterdale civil parish, the Eden District, and the Cumbria shire county, located in England’s North West region.

The village’s name, Glenridding, is believed to have Cumbric roots: ‘glinn’ meaning ‘valley’ and ‘redïn’ denoting ‘ferns’ or ‘bracken’, akin to the Welsh ‘glyn rhedyn’. This suggests the original meaning was ‘valley overgrown with bracken’. It was first recorded as Glenredyn around 1290, with the current form likely influenced by the Middle English ‘ridding’, indicating a ‘clearing’.

On the 6th of December 2015, Storm Desmond brought severe flooding to Glenridding, with rivers overflowing after intense rain. A subsequent deluge on the 10th of December exacerbated the damage, affecting homes and businesses. In response, the community established a Flood Action Group to enhance recovery efforts and implement strategies to mitigate future flood risks.

Overlooking the village is the historic Greenside Mine, once the Lake District’s most prolific lead mine. Lead ore was first found in the 18th century, and mining activities continued until the mine’s closure in 1962. The mine played a crucial role in the development of Glenridding and the nearby areas.

Today, Glenridding is known for the Ullswater ‘Steamers’. This leisure boating service, operating from Glenridding pier with a fleet of five vessels, was initially set up to transport goods to Pooley Bridge and further to Penrith.

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.

Helvellyn Walk from Glenridding: My Photos

Strolling alongside Glenridding Beck on our Helvellyn walk from Glenridding.

Strolling alongside Glenridding Beck on our Helvellyn walk from Glenridding.

The sweeping view towards Catstye Cam, captured during our Helvellyn walk from Glenridding.

The sweeping view towards Catstye Cam, captured during our Helvellyn walk from Glenridding.

The serene Roten Beck waterfall, a highlight on the Glenridding Common stretch.

The serene Roten Beck waterfall, a highlight on the Glenridding Common stretch.

The valley path towards Red Tarn, not to be taken on this particular Helvellyn walk from Glenridding.

The valley path towards Red Tarn, not to be taken on this particular Helvellyn walk from Glenridding.

Looking east, Glenridding Common offers a tranquil scene on the Helvellyn walk from Glenridding.

Looking east, Glenridding Common offers a tranquil scene on the Helvellyn walk from Glenridding.

Brown Cove’s allure, with Helvellyn looming in the distance.

Brown Cove's allure, with Helvellyn looming in the distance.

Battling the wind en route to Lower Man, a challenging segment of the Helvellyn walk from Glenridding.

Battling the wind en route to Lower Man, a challenging segment of the Helvellyn walk from Glenridding.

Thirlmere’s beauty unfolds to the west as we continue our ascent.

Thirlmere's beauty unfolds to the west as we continue our ascent. Approximately one-third of the way round this Helvellyn walk from Glenridding.

Gazing up at Lower Man’s peak, anticipation builds on the Helvellyn walk from Glenridding.

Gazing up at Lower Man's peak, anticipation builds on the Helvellyn walk from Glenridding.

Eastern vistas over Brown Cove, Glenridding and Ullswater frame our journey.

Eastern vistas over Brown Cove, Glenridding and Ullswater frame our journey.

A climber’s determination near Helvellyn’s peak, a poignant moment on the Helvellyn walk from Glenridding.

A climber's determination near Helvellyn’s peak, a poignant moment on the Helvellyn walk from Glenridding.
A climber's determination near Helvellyn’s peak, a poignant moment on the Helvellyn walk from Glenridding.

The dramatic descent view to Red Tarn from Helvellyn’s summit.

The dramatic descent view to Red Tarn from Helvellyn's summit.

Red Tarn and Ullswater seen from above, postcard-worthy from Helvellyn.

Red Tarn and Ullswater seen from above, postcard-worthy from Helvellyn.

A well-deserved lunch break at Helvellyn’s summit, basking in the success of our climb.

A well-deserved lunch break at Helvellyn's summit, basking in the success of our climb.

As the fog lifts, a breathtaking view towards Wythburn is revealed, located at the southern end of Thirlmere.

As the fog lifts, a breathtaking view towards Wythburn is revealed, located at the southern end of Thirlmere.

Navigating High Crag on the way to Dollywaggon Pike.

Navigating High Crag on the way to Dollywaggon Pike. Approximately halfway around this Helvellyn walk from Glenridding.

The ascent to Dollywaggon Pike: steep yet invigorating.

The ascent to Dollywaggon Pike: steep yet invigorating.

The panorama from Dollywaggon Pike, a spectacular point overlooking Grisedale towards Patterdale and Ullswater.

The panorama from Dollywaggon Pike, a spectacular point overlooking Grisedale towards Patterdale and Ullswater.
The panorama from Dollywaggon Pike, a spectacular point overlooking Grisedale towards Patterdale and Ullswater.

Grisedale Tarn’s serene waters mark a tranquil spot on our walk.

Grisedale Tarn's serene waters mark a tranquil spot on our walk.
Grisedale Tarn's serene waters mark a tranquil spot on our walk.

Pausing for a photo with the serene backdrop of Grisedale Tarn.

Pausing for a photo with the serene backdrop of Grisedale Tarn. Approximately twoe-thirds of the way round this Helvellyn walk from Glenridding.
Pausing for a photo with the serene backdrop of Grisedale Tarn. Approximately twoe-thirds of the way round this Helvellyn walk from Glenridding.

The cascading waterfalls on Patterdale Common, a refreshing sight.

The cascading waterfalls on Patterdale Common, a refreshing sight.

Overlooking Grisedale, with the imposing Place Fell in the backdrop.

Overlooking Grisedale, with the imposing Place Fell in the backdrop.

The gentle flow of Grisedale Beck, a constant companion on the Grisedale section of our route.

The gentle flow of Grisedale Beck, a constant companion on the Grisedale section of our route.

Patterdale and Glenridding War Memorial Project

Towards the end of the First World War the inhabitants of Patterdale collected money to establish a permanent monument as a memorial to the officers and men who died in the war. William Hibbert Marshall, owner of Patterdale Hall, donated a piece of land to allow for the building of the monument in February 1921, on the shores of Ullswater between Glenridding and Patterdale. The memorial slab was hewn from a twenty-ton piece of local slate and the finished product still weighs around five tons. It was unveiled in October 1921.

Patterdale and Glenridding War Memorial Project.

Ending the day near The Inn On The Lake, with the pub next door offering a perfect conclusion to our Helvellyn walk from Glenridding.

Ending the day near The Inn On The Lake, with the pub next door offering a perfect conclusion to our Helvellyn walk from Glenridding.

Amazon’s Top Walking Boots: Four Standout Choices for Men and Women

For walking and hiking, the right boots are essential for both comfort and safety. While Amazon boasts a wide range, certain boots emerge as top-sellers. From those, here are four I personally favour. 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!

Berghaus Men's Hillmaster II Gore-Tex Walking Boots.

These fully waterproof leather walking boots feature a Gore-Tex lining, ensuring no water enters whilst allowing feet to breathe and stay cool. Made from full-grain leather, they promise unmatched durability and comfort. The boots come with memory foam tongues and cuffs that mould to your feet for a tailored fit, and the Vibram Hillmaster outsoles offer confidence on challenging terrains.

Salewa Men's Mountain Trainer Mid Gore-Tex Walking Boots.

Made from durable suede and abrasion-resistant textile, these men’s hiking boots are both lightweight and sturdy. The upper material is enhanced by a 360° full rubber sheath. Their dual-layer midsole with Bilight technology ensures ergonomic cushioning and grip, especially on extended hikes. The Vibram Wrapping Thread Combi outsoles allow a natural walking feel, and the Gore-Tex lining provides waterproofing, breathability, and optimal weather protection. Furthermore, the patented Salewa 3F system ensures flexibility, a secure heel grip, and a blister-free fit.

Berghaus Women's Supalite II Gore-Tex Walking Boots.

Specially designed for women, these hiking boots offer waterproofing and breathability, thanks to their Gore-Tex lining. Crafted from full-grain abrasion-resistant leather, they’re durable enough for the toughest hikes. The Supalite soles ensure stability and traction, and the EVA midsoles add comfort for extended walks.

Merrell Women's Moab 3 Mid Gore-Tex Walking Boots.

These hiking boots incorporate a Gore-Tex waterproof membrane, blending breathability with superior waterproof performance. The combination of pigskin leather and mesh on the uppers, along with the suede outer material, ensure durability and style. Enhancements include 100% recycled laces, webbing, and mesh lining. Additionally, bellows tongues, protective toe caps, and Vibram TC5+ rubber soles ensure protection and ease on any terrain.