Walking and Rambling on Helvellyn

Helvellyn mountain near Glenridding with walkers on path

Overview

If you're planning on staying at YHA Helvellyn, why not download a free map and get out exploring?

All our self-guided walks start and end at a YHA hostel and are graded so that you can explore the area at your own pace. 

Lanty’s Tarn
Mountain valley and riverside walk
Moderate route (PDF, 1MB)
3.4 miles, takes 1h 45m - 2h 45m

Glenridding and Grisedale
A low level walk taking in the beautiful valleys of Glenridding and Grisedale
Moderate route (PDF, 1.4MB)
8.3 miles, takes 4h 15m - 6h 30m

Glenridding, Helvellyn and Grisedale
A high level walk through Glenridding up to Whiteside and Lower Man to Helvellyn, then down via Nethermost Pike, Dollywaggon Pike and through Grisedale
Challenging route (PDF, 1.5MB)
11 miles, takes 6h 30m - 10h

All our walking routes are tried and tested to help you explore this beautiful part of England. To assist with route selection and planning, you’ll also find a description of the hazards and facilities, accessibility information and points of interest on the maps

What makes it special

  • Explore the local area at your own pace
  • Tried and tested walking routes with detailed instructions
  • Points of interest highlighted along the way

Useful guides 

Want to understand more about our maps or develop your walking skills? Here are some useful guides we have created to help you to prepare for your chosen walk

Hostels nearby

YHA Helvellyn and river

YHA Helvellyn

Free parking on premises
Mountain view
Cycle store

Walking and Rambling on Helvellyn

Unknown location

Map references

OS Map:
90, and Explorer OL5
OS Grid Ref:
NY342151
Lat/Lng:
54.526943, -3.017292

Other things to do nearby

  • Mountain biking on Helvellyn

    Bike up Helvellyn, the second highest mountain in the Lake District, to get your heart pumping! Or if you fancy a lakeside route try Ullswater Singletrack near High Street and Place Fell.

  • climbing

    Climbing in Patterdale

    For the full mountain experience, serious climbers can try the exposed technical routes of Dove Crag, Raven Crag and Eagle Crag - three star routes within walking distance of the hostel.

  • Ullswater Steamers

    Ullswater Steamers

    1.5 miles A ferry service with great views of “England’s most beautiful lake”. Sails from Glenridding to Pooley Bridge, stopping in the summer at Howtown.

  • Ullswater Steamer and sailboat

    Watersports near Helvellyn

    Ullswater is great for a wide variety of water sports from sailing to windsurfing - you can even travel light and hire all the equipment you need from the sailing centre. A trip on the Ullswater St

  • Glenridding Sailing Centre from on Ullswater

    Glenridding Sailing Centre

    Hire out a sailboat, canoe or kayak for use on Ullswater.  A range of courses are offered. Visit the Centre's website for more details.

  • Sailing dinghies on edge of Ullswater

    Watersports in Patterdale

    Ullswater, the second largest lake in England is great for a wide variety of watersports from sailing to windsurfing.

  • climbing

    Climbing in Grasmere

    Climb and scramble to your hearts content and enjoy the spectacular views from this beautiful part of the country.

  • cycling

    Cycling in Grasmere

    Jump on your bike and enjoy the rolling landscape. Seasoned pro or just fancy a ride, there is something for everyone to enjoy.

  • Mountain biking in Grasmere Butharlyp Howe

    Mountain biking in Grasmere Butharlyp Howe

     The hostel is in a central location, halfway between Grizedale Forest and Whinlatter so there's plenty of scope for a good ride with a fully equipped bike shed with work stands, pump and bi

  • Aira Force waterfalls

    Aira Force Waterfalls

    Indulge in impressive mountain scenery and a 65ft waterfall that inspired many of Wordsworth's great works. See the National Trust website See the Visit Cumbria website

  • Grasmere Gingerbread Shop

    Grasmere Gingerbread Shop

    Enjoy the wonderful aroma of freshly baked gingerbread and sample the delights inside the tiny shop.

  • St Oswalds Church

    St Oswalds Church

    1.8 miles William Wordsworth has a simple tombstone in the churchyard - one of the most visited literary shrines in the world. Visit the website  

  • Dove Cottage

    Dove Cottage

    Visit the barely-changed home of famous Romantic poet William Wordsworth and his sister Dorothy. You'll find plenty to inspire you in the museum too.