Of all the routes to the summit of Helvellyn, this one has to be one of the most straightforward. In exchange for some hard and steep hiking, you get a faff-free path, almost nothing in terms of navigational difficulty, and then a superb view of Thirlmere (even in bad weather!)

Not a bad deal. Scroll down or read below for the video 😉

Section one starts as it means to go on – direct and steep, through the woodland. Wythburn Forest is peaceful and atmospheric, nestled on the western valley floor of the Helvellyn Massif. You’ll pass a well-made track, and continue up on a snaking, rocky trail.

You emerge into a cwm of sorts, and at first you’ll struggle to understand how the path makes it way over a seemingly impassable mountainside. It’s a sneaky route through Combe Crag, but one with amazing views.

Afterwards, you’ll be at about 600 meters, entering mountain terrain. Continue along a much flatter path (generally) to arrive at a col called Swallow Scarth. This is a key decision point. If it’s so windy here you are struggling to stand up, then it’s best to head back down and save the high fells for another day. Or you could decide turn right and summit Nethermost Pike which is 60 meters lower to still snatch a summit. If you decide to press on, continue left, following the very well-worn trail up to a stone shelter (looks like a cross of dry-stone walls with benches). You are now just below the true summit of Helvellyn.

The obvious trig point that everybody walks to is not the highest point on Helvellyn. It’s one meter lower than the small cairn just above the shelter area. But what’s one meter when you’ve just hiked from Thirlmere? Right? No! Try get pictures at both – the trig point is much more photogenic for sure, especially for groups.

Descend the same route if you wish, but a word of warning if you do: When you start to head down from the broad summit plateau, you’ll notice two distinct paths. One heading to the right of the shelter, one heading left. You might easily get confused at this point and head left, forgetting how you approached the shelter. Stick to the right-hand path if you want to get down safely.