Hard
Cumbria, England
9.5 mi 3,278 ft Circular
This demanding circular from Swirls car park climbs steeply beside Helvellyn Gill past Lower Man and onto the broad summit of Helvellyn, the third-highest peak in England, where sweeping views open across Striding Edge and Swirral Edge. From here the route continues south over Nethermost Pike and Dollywaggon Pike before making the steep, rocky descent to Grisedale Tarn. The return follows Raise Beck down past streams and waterfalls before winding through forest tracks back to Thirlmere. Expect sustained climbs, loose ground, and exposed ridges with little shelter. This is not a beginner’s walk — it should only be attempted in calm, dry weather with good visibility, as snow, ice, or high winds make both ascent and descent hazardous.
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Helvellyn, Nethermost Pike, and Dollywaggon Pike from Thirlmere Circular
