Wainwrights Climbed: Helvellyn
Distance: 4.6 miles
Elevation: 2444ft
This was a short out and back from Swirls carpark to the summit of Helvellyn.
This route climbs the bracken clad slope above the car park by a series of zigzags and then follows the edge of the crags to Helvellyn Lower Man and the summit ridge.
I’ve done several races that take in Helvellyn and it’s one of my favourite mountains in The Lakes so I was kean to show Victoria why I love it so much. Not sure she enjoyed the climb but I think the views from the top more than made up for it.

The path leading from Swirls car park to the climb up to Helvellyn

Taking a break to admire the view over Thirlmere and over to Skiddaw

Beautiful blue skies on our way to the summit

Swirral Edge, Catstycam, Red Tarn and Ullswater in the background.

Red Tarn, Striding Edge and the formidable St Sunday Crag in the background

Helvellyn summit plateau with views for miles

Helvellyn summit. You can see why I love it up here

Cairn at the top of Swirral Edge

Perfect conditions for it

Looking towards Striding Edge. St Sunday Crag in the background

Swirral Edge

The path leading back down to the car park

One last shot together before heading down

Action shot descending Helvellyn

Nearly back to the car. Thirlmere getting ever closer