Walking and Rambling on Helvellyn
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 are
YHA Helvellyn
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20% off
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Valid at selected YHA hostels between 28th March - 2nd May 2024 using the promo code at the checkout. Promotional terms and conditions apply. YHA members can get 25% off with our exclusive members only code. View all hostels on this offer.
Overview
Situated in a unique spot, 963ft up one the UK’s largest mountains, YHA Helvellyn is quite the base for those looking to enjoy an all action holiday, or equally to relax in the peace and quiet that such an area can offer.
Mountain bikers will love the downhill ride from the summit of the mountain. In the winter months, there is a ski slope with drag lift 40 minutes' walk (or ski) away from the hostel. There are also plenty of less strenuous walking routes starting from the front door!
Why guests love YHA Helvellyn
Accommodation at YHA Helvellyn
Food and drink at YHA Helvellyn
Things to do around YHA Helvellyn
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St Patrick's Boat Landing and Bike Hire
To fully experience Lake Ullswater, hire a self-drive motor, fishing or rowing boat or cycle the shoreline on a Mountain bike. Visit the website
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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
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Rookin House Farm
An activity centre offering horse riding for all abilities, archery and quad biking to name but a few. Visit the website for full details
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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.
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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
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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.
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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.
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Ullswater
The second largest lake in the Lake District is nine miles long, snaking through a stunning valley between high mountains, none more impressive than Helvellyn to its southwest.
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The Dalemain Estate
Behind its Georgian facade, this fantastic house has a wealth of Tudor and Mediaeval rooms and buildings to explore.
Hostel facilities
- Contactless payments
- Cycle store
- Evening meals
- Free parking on premises
- Games
- Group meals
- Intermittent mobile coverage
- Licensed bar
- Minibus parking on premises
- Mountain view
- Restaurant
- Shared drying room
- Unlimited breakfast
- Water refill station
- WiFi
Hostel need to know
Road closures: Due to essential roadworks, the A592 alongside Ullswater will be closed in stages from March 2023 to April 2024. The closure periods will be intermittent but may impact travel to and from this hostel on specific dates. Diversion routes will be in place and local bus services may also be affected.
Reception opening hours: From 07:30 - 10:00 and 17:00 - 22:00.
Food and drink: Breakfast is served to guests daily from 07:30 – 09:00. Meals are also available from 17:00 - 20:00
Licensed bar: This hostel has a licensed bar offering a range of alcohol and soft drinks. It is not possible for guests to bring their own alcohol, except when hiring the whole hostel through YHA Exclusive Hire.
Self-catering: Guests have access to a self-catering kitchen.
Parking: The property has a free car park on-site for guests and patrons. This car park is controlled by an ANPR parking system. Upon arrival, motorists are required to validate their presence by entering their car's registration number at reception.
WiFi: Free WiFi is available in shared social spaces.
Dogs: Pets are not permitted at YHA Helvellyn, except in our Camping & Cabins accommodation or when hiring the whole hostel through YHA Exclusive Hire. Assistance dogs are welcome - please notify us at the time of booking.
YHA Helvellyn - Access Statement
(PDF download - 109.87 KB)
Volunteering
Volunteering with YHA is a fantastic way to have fun, learn new skills, boost your CV and travel to different places. We have a variety of different opportunities to choose from and volunteering roles to suit everyone.
The tasks are varied and in return you will meet some great people, who both work and stay in our hostels, as well as enjoying your time off discovering the local area and attractions.
Find out more and apply to volunteer at this hostel through YHA volunteering.
History
The mountain-side hostel known at first as Glenridding was often described as a former lead miner’s hostel. Debris from the old mines lay all around the hostel still to this day. The hostel used to be for men only in 1947 but expanded to accommodate both sexes the following year. In 2011, YHA Helvellyn received a sparkling renovation, making the hostel a lot more modern and refreshing.
