A mammoth outing from Grasmere climbing up and over the entire Helvellyn ridge, before returning on the Old Coach Road and back on the Thirlmere Valley road to Grasmere. This is a big mountain day out so pack a backpack accordingly!

Statistics

4 - 5

hrs

1,633

m

1,632

m

16

max°

Difficulty

FATMAP difficulty grade

Severe

Description

Starting from Grasmere, a good bridleway climbs up the steep grassy slopes of Little Tongue, before joining the obvious footpath ascending from Tongue Gill.

Rocky climbing and technical descending lead through Hause Gap to Grisedale Tarn, from where a big carry up the rocky steps of Dollywaggon Pike begins.

This eventually becomes a pleasant rideable trail skirting High Crag and Nethermost Pike before summitting Helvellyn.

Take in the incredible 360 degree views before tackling the steep descent off Lower Man, and undulating riding along the entire Helvellyn ridge with impressive views on either side.

Once Great Dodd has been summitted, small cairns lead the way down a steep grassy descent, which soon becomes less steep delightful singletrack all the way to the Old Coach Road.

This rocky track is predominantly downhill all the way around to St John's in the Vale, before the road leads down to the main A591 and a blast back to Grasmere.