OverviewThe peak of Helvellyn is the highest on the north-south ridge situated between the Thirlmere valley to the west, and Patterdale to the east. This ridge continues north over Helvellyn Lower Man, White Side, Raise, Stybarrow Dodd, Great Dodd and Clough Head, and south leads to Nethermost Pike and Dollywaggon Pike.
East face |
The eastern side of the fell is geographically the most dramatic. Two sharp arêtes lead off the summit, Striding Edge and Swirral Edge, either side of Red Tarn. The knife-edged Striding Edge provides one of the best-known scrambles in Lakeland, while the Swirral Edge ridge leads to the conical summit of Catstye Cam.
Nestling between the encircling arms of Helvellyn's two edges, is Red Tarn. This pool is named for the colour of the surrounding screes rather than its water, and contains brown trout and schelly, a fresh-water herring. The depth of Red Tarn is now about 80 ft, although in the mid 1800s it was dammed with boulders to increase capacity. [1] This was carried out to provide additional water to the Greenside lead mine in Glenridding, the water race still visible as it crosses the slope of Birkhouse Moor.
The western slopes are relatively shallow, and partially forested, with many gills leading down to the Thirlmere valley.Getting ThereThere are two sides to approach the mountain from normally.
Depending on the route you want to take. Either make your way to the West or East side of the mountain
The East side
You need to get to thirlmere. On the A591 South from Keswick, North from Ambleside. There is a carpark about half way along the lake.
The West Side
At the southern end of Ulswater on the A592. You can pick a route from either Glenridding (normally) or Patterdale. There is parking at Either although it can get very busy, so you may have to be flexable in your choice.
Red TapeNone CampingCamping is often done up by Red Tarn, remember to take away any sign of your being there.External LinksLeanys lakes Some great pictures
Helvellyn website Pictures and text
Striding Edge website Area info, Helvellyn page
YHA Youth Hostel
Weather BBC
Mountain conditions, daily picture in winter. Helvellyn weather
Images
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