Line © OpenStreetMap contributors (ODbL), checked by Global Adventurer.
The walk
The walk starts from the Swirls car park at Thirlmere and goes out and back on the walkers' way up from the west, by Helvellyn Gill and Browncove Crags. The path climbs hard almost from the start, then eases onto the broad summit plateau and the top of Helvellyn (950 m), the third highest mountain in England, where there is a cross-shaped shelter. It is on path virtually all the way.
It is 7.1 km with 729 m of ascent; allow about 5 hours. The grade is Moderate: the climb is steep and sustained, but the path is good and keeps away from the edges.
Striding Edge and Swirral Edge fall away to the east above Red Tarn, so in mist keep back from the eastern rim of the plateau and navigate off the top with care. Carry a map and compass, check the forecast and use your judgement. Winter snow and ice make it far more serious. There are no mapped water sources on the route.
The Swirls car park charges a fee.
Route drawn by Global Adventurer along OpenStreetMap paths (© OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL), with figures worked out from it. Check the forecast and the ground on the day: paths change.
Good to know
- The third highest mountain in England
- The walkers' way up from the west, by Helvellyn Gill and Browncove Crags, avoids the edges
- A broad summit plateau with a cross-shaped shelter
- Striding Edge and Swirral Edge fall away to the east above Red Tarn
Summits on the way
- Browncove Crags 859 m · passed close by
- Helvellyn 950 m
Getting there
Start: Swirls car park, Thirlmere · Pay and display. 54.54252, -3.05751
Places to stay nearby
Rooms in and around Swirls car park: Booking.com → Expedia →
Affiliate links: if you book, Global Adventurer earns a small commission at no cost to you.
Paths change, and the weather decides the day. The line and figures come from OpenStreetMap and our own checks; take a map, check the forecast, and turn back if it isn't right.
