Helvellyn

One of the most adored mountains in the UK, hikes to Helvellyn are incredibly popular. The range dominates the skyline to the east of central Lakeland. More accessible than the slightly higher Scafells in the west, walking routes to Helvellyn have something for every kind of hiker: from airy scrambles that get the adrenaline pumping to pleasant, grassy ascents or even epic traverses of the whole ridge system.

The summit is broad and long, so much so that an Avro 585 Gosport two-seater biplane successfully landed and took off here in 1926. The views from the top are magnificent, with the mountainous western Lake District draped across the horizon, whilst to the east beautiful Ullswater stretches towards Penrith and the distant Pennines.

Striding out onto Helvellyn’s flanks

Approaches to Helvellyn vary; it is a mountain system of two distinct sides. The western aspect is steep and green; it rises in fairly regular fashion for 2,500 feet (750 m) from the shores of Thirlmere. In total contrast, ancient glaciers have carved out rocky amphitheatres into the eastern side of the mountain. Here is where Helvellyn’s most spectacular sights are found.

Red Tarn, a glorious body of water, nestles below the summit, bounded on either side by two sensational ridges. Swirral Edge is the shorter and less narrow, connecting Helvellyn to the shapely summit of Catstycam. The southern ridge, Striding Edge, is the stuff of hillwalking legend. Technically straightforward, its long, narrow arête is the perfect introduction to scrambling, as long as favourable weather is forecast. In windy or icy conditions, the Edges are best avoided altogether.

Patterdale and Glenridding are excellent bases for adventures from the east, with all the amenities you could ask for. There is camping on the Thirlmere side, whilst Ambleside and Threlkeld occupy either end of a full Helvellyn ridge traverse. Helvellyn greedily hoards snow and should be left to experienced mountaineers in full winter conditions.