Helvellyn Circular from Swirls Car Park
One of the most popular peaks in the area, Helvellyn measures 950 m (3,117 ft) tall, making it the 3rd highest peak in the Lake District.
Start the route from Swirls Car Park, a 15 minute drive from The White Horse. Head to the back of the carpark and cross the footbridge to start your steep ascent. The path is clearly marked, just keep following the wide, rocky path to the summit.
Once at the top, on a clear day you will have fantastic views of Striding Edge, Red Tarn and Swirral Edge. As you descend from the summit keep right and head for Nethermost Pike, High Crag and Dollywaggon Pike. After Dollywaggon Pike you will head down to Grisedale Tarn where you will make a right and head down into Thirlmere valley, following the stream all the way to the bottom.
Once you reach the bottom, make another right to complete the loop. You then have a lovely walk back to the car park through the woods.
