Nethermost Pike, Helvellyn, Lower Man and Browncove Crags
A different approach to climbing Helvellyn. From the start at Wythburn Car Park, just off the A591 the walk climbs steeply through woodland and does ease when open ground is reached. The climb up Comb Gill and Birk Side is relentless until you reach the top of Nethermost Pike. Seven hundred metresw has been climbed, non-stop. Enjoy the day after that, you have deserved it, by strolling across Helvellyn, Lower Man and Browncove Crags before you descent the Helvellyn massif via Helvellyn Gill, Highpark Wood and The Swirls. Then it is a relaxing woodland walk on the level back to the start.
Google Maps Open Source Maps| Statistics and Files | ||
|---|---|---|
| Start: Wythburn | Distance: 6.6 miles (10.7 km) | Climbing: 890 metres |
| Grid Ref: NY324136 | Time: 3-4 hours | Rating: Hard |
| GPX Route File | Google Earth File | About Helvellyn |
| Statistics | |
|---|---|
| Start: Wythburn | Distance: 6.6 miles (10.7 km) |
| Grid Ref: NY324136 | Time: 3-4 hours |
| Climbing: 890 metres | Rating: Hard |
| GPX Route File | Google Earth File |
Ordnance Survey Explorer Map (1:25,000)
Summary: This lovely walk has been submitted by Denis, a walks contributor to the Walking Englishman. I am envious of the conditions he enjoyed to do this spectacular Lake District walk which starts from the car park in the hamlet of Wythburn and begins with a vigorous climb up to the Helvellyn summit before descending north and west to the Swirls and then through woodland and forest back to the start.
The Walk:
The start at Wythburn car park
Striding EdgeThis route is probably the easiest and most direct route to ascent Helvellyn. It is also one of the shortest and by its very nature a steep climb. While it does not feature the drama and dangers presented by Swirrel Edge and Striding Edge it does afford some magnificent views in clear weather. Having said that it is important to remember it is a mountain with a summit at 3118ft and needs to be treated with respect particularly during inclement weather. The walk starts at Wythburn car park found at NY324136 just off the Grasmere to Keswick road. Remember to bring money, including change, with you. There is a charge for parking up here.
Striding Edge and Red Tarn
Swirral EdgeFrom the car park take the gate at the top end of the car park and turning right start the steep climb up through the forest. Continue straight up past a cross path following the sign to Helvellyn. On clearing the conifers continue up the open fell on the clearly marked footpath with Comb Gill over on your left. The path zig zags as it negotiates Comb Crags to pass Birk Side. As you climb take the opportunity to look back at the views over Thirlmere and across the Western fells. The path to the summit is now clearly visible as it progresses to the col between Nethermost Pike and Helvellyn and it is at this point you gain a magnificent view of Striding Edge. Just a short walk now to the stone cross shelter which is about 150 yards before the trig point at NY 342151.
Swirral Edge and Catsty Cam
The summit of HelvellynLeave the summit in a west north west direction to grid reference NY331156 at Lower Man. It is at this point the very steep descent commences down Browncove Crags to arrive at Swirls car park NY316168. You now have a 2 mile walk back to meet the outgoing cross path and then drop down to Wythburn.
Thirlmere and Derwent Water from Helvellyn
Browncove CragsThe low level track back to the start is a mixture of forest roads and a narrow undulating path through the trees. After heavy rain the track can look like a river in places with quite dramatic waterfalls. And thats it, the finish of a quite short but satisfying walk in the north east of Lakeland.
