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www.walkscene.co.uk
Helvellyn
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DirectionsLeave Patterdale in the direction of Glenridding and walk past St Patrick's church to Grizedale Bridge. Immediately before the bridge take the left turn and follow the minor road past Patterdale Hall and on up until the road begins to descend. Notice a bridge on the right crossing Grizedale Beck; turn right on the footpath to cross the bridge and go straight ahead to a gate. Cross the field up to another gate. In fact, there are two gates, so take the left one and turn half left to follow the footpath up the hill, following the sign to Hole in the Wall and Helvellyn. |
Go through a kissing gate and climb steadily to another gate, then continue the long, slow climb (much of it on rough cut steps) to the Hole in the Wall (actually just a stile through) over a stone wall. [Walkers wishing to use Swirrel Edge in both directions should turn right at this point, using the alternative route, and go over the ladder stile.] Cross the Hole in the Wall stile and continue ahead, following the path along the right of the ridge (accompanied by cairns). Red Tarn soon comes into view on the right. Continue up to the large rocky mound known as High Spying How. Clamber a few paces up the How then follow the path down to the right and round the How to the start of Striding Edge. The path mostly runs along the right of Striding Edge but loops to the left in places, where the walk becomes more of a clamber. The trickiest part is a rocky section at the end, which sets you on the final walk to the summit (passing the Gough Memorial Stone). From the summit, continue along the edge and turn right by a cairn to traverse Swirrel Edge along the opposite side of the corrie. Bear right at the end of the arrête and veer down on the path towards Red Tarn. As you come level with the outflow end of Red Tarn take the path on your right leading straight towards the Tarn. Cross the outflow stream and continue to follow the path across the valley until the ladder stile comes into view. Cross the ladder stile and find yourself back at Hole in the Wall, from where you retrace your steps back down to Patterdale. |
PUBLISHED MAPSOrdnance Survey - 1:50 000 - Penrith & Keswick - No. 90Ordnance Survey - 1: 25 000 - The English Lakes, North-eastern - OL5 Harvey's - 1: 25000 - Superwalker - Eastern Lakeland |
Alternative
Route from Hole in the Wall As you approach the Hole in the Wall stile, notice the alternative ladder stile to the right. Go over the ladder stile and follow the path half left, heading towards the centre of a large corrie. You are heading directly for Red Tarn and, as you come to the stream that flows out from the Tarn, follow the path round to a T-junction. Turn left and head up the right face of the corrie. The path leads direct to Swirrel Edge. Follow the path along Swirrel Edge and turn left at the end to walk up to the summit.
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