HELVELLYN

This is one of the most arpentés behemoths in the Lake District, with Scafell Pike and The Old Man of Coniston. If you are afraid of a vacuum, you may need to turn your turn, because the last part of the itinerary follows a fairly narrow ridge line. The trail begins at YHA Helvellyn youth hostel on Greenside Road, on the edge of the mountain. First go to Glenridding: from Keswick, you will need to turn right, 250 metres after the service station and before the bridge. From Ambleside, follow the brown sign. Always stay on the main road crossing the village and climb continuously. Go to the hostel, go between the last buildings and cross the river on your left after a few hundred meters. Up to the lake of Red Tarn, the trail is quite simple to follow and winds with ever more altitude. Once on its banks, your destination is facing you. To get there, there are two passages that form a horseshoe, hence their horseshoe nickname. The simplest and fastest is on the north, on your right, via Swirral Edge. It will still be a nice exercise and you will need both hands… Fortunately, it doesn't last long and the reward is big. From the top of its 950 metres, Helvellyn dominates all its neighbours and the entire park. For the return, the best will be to return to your steps but you can make a small hook by Catstye Cam. There are alternative ascents on the banks of Thirlmere along the A 591. You will have no trouble locating them from your card.