Helvellyn from Swirls Car Park Walk

Difficulty
This reflects the 10Adventures difficulty rating for each route. We aim to keep ratings consistent across regions.
Hard
Duration
This reflects the estimated time the majority of users will take on this trail. If you are slower, add time to the top-end figure. If you are fast, then you may complete this route faster than this time range.
4-6h
Distance
This reflects the return distance of this route as measured by the GPS file.
10.1 km
Elevation
This reflects the total elevation gained throughout this route as measured by the GPS file. This includes all ascents and descents, and is higher than what is quoted in most route guides, which simply measure the distance between the starting-point and high-point of the route.
868 m
User Ratings
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Directions to Trailhead
Helvellyn from Swirls Car Park Walk

Reaching the summit of Helvellyn from Swirls Car Park is a challenging activity in the Lake District that will take you up one of the most iconic peaks in the region. While out on this walk, you will experience steep and rugged terrain as you work up to the summit viewpoint for views of Thirlmere before descending the fell along the summits of Lower Man and White Side. This is a popular walking route in Lakeland, so be sure to arrive early to beat the crowds.

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Route Description for Helvellyn from Swirls Car Park Walk

Helvellyn is an iconic peak in the Lake District and the route leading to the summit from the Swirls car park is a popular one due to its easy access from the road. Unfortunately, prices to park here are a bit on the steep side, but that is what you pay to get out on the trails with little fuss. Setting out from the car park, the trail heads southeast and climbs uphill along the steep slopes of the mountain until you reach the summit, where you will have amazing views of the surrounding landscape and the vast waters of Thirlmere below. From here, you will make your descent along the summits of Lower Man and White Side, following the trail down the steep and rugged slopes until you arrive back at the trailhead.

Getting to the Helvellyn from Swirls Car Park Walk Trailhead

To reach the Swirls Car Park from Ambleside, head north on Rydal Road/A591 for 5.6 km and take the second exit at the roundabout to stay on the same road. Follow it for another 10.5 km and you will find the car park on the left.

Route Information

  • When to do

    March-October

  • Backcountry Campsites

    No

  • Pets allowed

    Yes - On Leash

  • Family friendly

    No

  • Route Signage

    Average

  • Crowd Levels

    High

  • Route Type

    Circuit

Helvellyn from Swirls Car Park Walk Elevation Graph

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Helvellyn from Swirls Car Park Walk Reviews

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