Tour de Helvellyn Route
The Tour de Helvellyn Route is a 61 km circuit of the Helvellyn range — visiting the outlying fells on all sides of the massif before crossing the summit ridge, combining valley running with the finest ridge terrain in the eastern Lake District.
This route has no official waymarking. Serious navigation experience is required — do not rely on GPS alone. Carry OS 1:25,000 maps and study the line before you go.
About Tour de Helvellyn Route
The Tour de Helvellyn is a longer, more comprehensive circuit than the standard Helvellyn horseshoe — it circuits the full base of the Helvellyn range before climbing to the summit ridge, taking in the approaches from Thirlmere, Patterdale and the Ullswater shore as well as the high ridge itself.
At 61 km with around 3,000 m of ascent, it is a full-day challenge for experienced fell runners. The variety is excellent — lakeside running, wooded approaches, steep ridge climbing and the satisfying traverse of Striding Edge.
The route
From Thirlmere or Wythburn: circuit of the Helvellyn base — north along Thirlmere, east to Patterdale via Grisedale Tarn, south along the Ullswater shore, west back to Thirlmere. Summit traverse of Helvellyn (950 m) including Striding Edge or Swirral Edge.
Getting there & logistics
Base: Thirlmere (parking at Swirls car park) or Patterdale. Bus from Keswick to Thirlmere. Bus from Penrith to Patterdale.
Best time: May to October.
Safety
Striding Edge and Swirral Edge are narrow exposed ridges. In an emergency: call 999 or 112, ask for Police then Mountain Rescue. Patterdale MRT and Keswick MRT cover the area. Pre-register SMS 999.
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