FRIDAY FELLS - Helvellyn
12 people attending
0 places left
3 people waitlisted
Start your weekend with the most popular of all the Lakeland fells!
It may be the fourth highest mountain in the Lake district, but it is without doubt the most climbed summit, by virtue of its location and the variety of routes up and down; exciting when approached from the East - via it’s infamous edges, but it's less challenging routes from the West make it more accessible and undoubtedly add to it's popularity!! Today we'll be tackling it from the West!
Leaving the car park we'll follow Helvellyn Gill, ascending, steeply at times, to Nethermost Pike (891m) - the first of three Wainwrights today. From there the going is a little easier as we continue along and up the ridge to Helvellyn’s summit (925m), and then continue, descending a little at first to White Side (863m) ticking off the final Wainwright of the day, before the descent, down the old-pony route, over Brown Crag and back to our starting point.
Although this is a 'ridge walk', it's not technical, however the ascent and descent are steep and sustained, and the distance (c.16Km/10miles) and ascent (c.1,050m) will make this a long "mountain day". This is the intended route. For those wanting the more technical option - I plan to lead a "Saturday-Scramble over Helvellyn's edges" towards the end of the summer!
Event full? Please join the waiting list. Places usually open up as the event gets nearer and, where necessary, we try to add additional leaders to increase the numbers, so you are highly likely to get a place.
Is it dog friendly? Dogs are welcome but please note and abide by the Countryside Code. Please also remember not everyone loves dogs as much as you do so please be mindful of other members.
New Members: Please feel free to join this as your first OutdoorLads event. If you have any questions then feel free to message me, or go to the "My First Event" section under "About Us".
Image / photo credits: All images (c) Sieh with permission for OutdoorLads to use and reuse.
IMPORTANT! - Participation Statement
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What to bring
This is a full mountain day - in the Lake District; so the weather should hold no surprises! Sections of the walk will be on rocky as well as boggy terrain, so You will need sturdy, waterproof walking boots (not trainers!), with good walking socks to help prevent blisters. Gaiters may be welcome for the boggy section or if it's wet weather. You will also need waterproofs (Jacket and trousers),
Warm, layered clothing (to suit changing body temperature as we climb steeply and rest) and some spare layers too, along with hat or Cap (to stay warm, or shaded in sun) and it might even be worth throwing a pair of gloves in your bag too! But let's be optimistic and remember the sun-cream too!
Rucksack, with waterproof bags/drybags to keep everything dry - including a waterproof bag for your phone.
Don't forget walking Poles - if you have them and prefer to use them; there are some steep sections of ascent and descent.
As well food and water, don't forget any personal medication you may need during the day.
If you're interested in map-reading & navigating: OS Explorer OL6 & 07 (1:25,000) or Landranger 90 (1:50,000) cover the full walk.
The walk leader will bring any emergency equipment required for the group, but you are welcome to bring any that you have, such as additional high energy food, a survival bag, a whistle, a medical kit, and a torch.
Food & drink
Please bring enough food; lunch and snacks, as well as water (ideally 2Litres) for a full day on the hill, as we won't be passing any shops on the way.
There'll be an optional stop at The Kings Head Inn a few minutes up the road from the car park to round off the day.