Helvellyn

Brilliant trek up from Glenridding, smashing views all around. Heading over Striding edge and scramble up to the summit is a must. Then head down swirrial edge and on up to Catstye. Brilliant

(Written by: Solace)

This was an amazing day out, and my scariest mountain to date. Did this in pretty poor conditions, just wet and windy, although not snow! (yet....attempting in February). It is an unbelievable scramble, and Red Tarn is set so perfectly in the middle, it must be one of the best places un the UK.

(Written by: Chris Ellyatt)

If you are going to climb Helvellyn solo like I did, I would suggest trying the route from Thirlmere. It's a relatively safe route (if there is a safe way up Helvellyn), with a well defined path for at least two thirds of the way, and great views to boot! It's a steeper ascent than some people will lead you to believe, and if you climb it on a hot day like I did - 2nd May 2007 - on the summit in shorts and t-shirt - you'll appreciate the ever expanding views when you stop to catch you're breath and take a drink, but believe me, it's worth it, well worth it! On a good clear day you can see Fleetwood to the south, Hartside top and the Penines to the east, and the Solway Firth with the hills of Dumfries to the northwest. About four and a half hours is good guide to get up and down at a steady pace and with time for a seat with something to eat and drink at the summit while you take in that magnificent 360 degree view! A "must climb" for anyone who visits the lakes. This is what it's all about!

(Written by: misterB)

An amazing walk, highly recomended to anyone. Wind on the summit was crazy, striding edge is just an amazing ridge walk. It was too windy to descend vai Swirral so headed off to Whiteside. For a full reportwith pics and video visit my blog. http://ukmase.wordpress.com/2008/04/21/helvellyn-190408-with-darksky/

(Written by: ukmase)

Went up Helvellyn for the 4th time over Easter. Have always gone up Striding and down Swirral, as is the norm. But we decided on something different and due to full winter conditions an easier route. So went up from Thirlmere, nice steady assent. Spent an hour watching sunset, very spectacular, then a 45 min dash down to the car, on a very easy path in near darkness. Great afternoon out, and some of the most spectacular views I've seen! Snow, sunset, clear skies!

(Written by: andyoz)

Helvellyn itself is quite boring, very flat, everyman and his dog will be there, but what makes it worthwhile is the way up and the way down... I will be in the minority when I say that i prefer going up swirall and down striding edge...whichever way you do it-you have to do it.

(Written by: twnewcastle)

Loads of different ways up, but best approached from the east. Snow often lingers here for longer if you fancy a bit of wintry adventure. For a longer day with more daylight, try going up via swirral edge, then south along the plateau (look out for the plaque that marks the spot where the plane -yes, the plane - landed) and then down via dollywaggon pike and return via grisedale.

(Written by: simonlo)