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
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
Free parking on premises
Mountain view
Cycle store
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.
To fully experience Lake Ullswater, hire a self-drive motorboat, fishing boat, rowing boat or canoe. Whether you're seeking adventure or a piece of tranquility, you can go at your own pace. Visit St...
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. Show your YHA membership card and claim a...
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...
Hire out a sailboat, canoe or kayak for use on Ullswater. A range of courses are offered. Visit Glenridding Sailing Centre's website
Climb and scramble to your hearts content and enjoy the spectacular views from this beautiful part of the country.
Jump on your bike and enjoy the rolling landscape. Seasoned pro or just fancy a ride, there is something for everyone to enjoy.
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 bike washing...
A great taster of what the local area has to offer. The walk heads through pleasant woodland and open fields to the charming village of Grasmere, and returns with a stroll along the banks of the River...
A lovely walk providing spectacular views of the lakes and surrounding fells throughout. Includes historic Rydal Hall, fascinating Rydal Cave and a stroll alongside Grasmere lake.
A great Lake District circuit with stunning views and a fine ridge walk over Gibson Knott to Greenup Edge and High Raise, returning via Easedale Tarn.
Probably the most famous of the waterfalls in the Lake District, Aira Force provides a glimpse of impressive mountain scenery. There are lots of woodland trails to discover and this 65ft waterfall...
Visit the famous Grasmere Gingerbread shop, with its closely guarded recipe still being kept a secret to this day. Enjoy the wonderful aroma of freshly baked gingerbread and sample the delights inside...
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
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.
The Borrowdale Fell Race is an endurance challenge consisting of 17 miles across tough terrain including 6500 feet of ascent (27km, 2000m). The event will start and finish at the Scafell Hotel...