Helvellyn from Thirlmere walking and hiking route
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Walk Instructions
Helvellyn, the 3rd highest mountain in England and one of the most
sought after. This journey avoids the steep crags and ridges but will
certainly get your legs working hard.
Start Point: Swirls Car Park, Thirlmere, CA12 4TW. If heading southwards on the A591
Shortly after passing the ‘Kings Head’ there is a short rise in the road. At the top of the
rise there is a car park located on the left. Alternatively the layby located ‘on the rise’
is also a useful place to park.
1. Follow the footpath out the back of the car park signed for Helvellyn. As you head
through the next gate take the upward trending stepped path which zig zags its
way up the hill. The top of Browncove Crags will eventually appear on the skyline.
The aim is to get to the top of this via the path on the right hand side. Take your
time, as when you get to the top of Browncove the going gets much easier.
2. As the ground flattens continue on the obvious path in the same direction (south
east). It’s almost a mile along the easier trails to the summit of Helvellyn, but the
amazing views will keep you going. The summit of Helvellyn is the pile of stones
(cairn) just past the trig point. The cross shelter just off the summit offers excellent
protection from the wind.
3. You can either retrace your steps back to the car, or continue the walk down to
Wythburn to complete a circuit.
4. If heading toward Wythburn then continue over the summit in the same direction,
again on the wide and obvious path, keeping the steep ground to your left. You will
reach the col between Helvellyn and Nethermost Pike and ahead are three path
options, take the right-most option which traverses around the fellside. Follow this
path, easily at first and then a bit steeper as it breaks through Comb Crags. It’s a
good path all the way.
5. The path meets a fence which bounds the forest and then cuts back rightwards to
enter the forest through a large deer gate. Head through the gate and then down
the wooded track to the logging road.
6. Head right (northward) along this logging road and enjoy a couple of miles of easy
undulations back to the car park.
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Disclaimer: This route was correct at time of writing. However, alterations can happen if development or boundary changes occur, and there is no guarantee of permanent access. These walks have been published for use by site visitors on the understanding that neither HPB Management Limited nor any other person connected with Holiday Property Bond is responsible for the safety or wellbeing of those following the routes as described. It is walkers' own responsibility to be adequately prepared and equipped for the level of walk and the weather conditions and to assess the safety and accessibility of the walk.
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