Lakeland Trails Helvellyn Trails

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What you’re in for

Start and finish on the shore of Ullswater at Glenridding, on circuits climbing into the foothills of Helvellyn with the lake below and the fells all round. A 5k, a 10k and a 15k as challenge or race. Mostly scenic trail with short stretches of tarmac — good going for anyone used to off-road, tricky in places. Well marked and marshalled by the Lakeland Trails volunteers.

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Train for it: routes near the start

Routes starting within 20 km of Glenridding, Cumbria, nearest first. Each one has a free GPX file and a TRP grade, so you can rehearse the ground before race day.

VERY HARD

Helvellyn Range and St Sunday Crag from Glenridding

20.6km · 1,300m climb · Loop · 0.3km away

Seven summits of the Eastern Fells in one continuous high-level horseshoe, finishing over St Sunday Crag with Ullswater filling the view ahead.

Checked Jul 2026

VERY HARD

Helvellyn via Striding Edge and Swirral Edge from Patterdale

12.7km · 824m climb · Loop · 0.3km away

This is the postcard round of Helvellyn: up the knife-edge of Striding Edge, across the 950m summit, and down Swirral with Red Tarn below the whole way.

Checked Jul 2026

VERY HARD

Helvellyn via Swirral Edge and Striding Edge from Thirlmere

11.3km · 998m climb · Loop · 7.1km away

You get the two most famous ridges on the fell, Swirral and Striding Edge, on a route that still starts and finishes on the quiet Thirlmere side.

Checked Jul 2026

VERY HARD

Helvellyn from Thirlmere

10.7km · 812m climb · Loop · 7.1km away

You gain the summit of a 950m Wainwright in well under an hour of climbing, then drop back to the car on grass you can really open up on.

Checked Jul 2026

EXPERT

Bob Graham Round Leg 3: Dunmail Raise to Wasdale Head

25.5km · 1,906m climb · Point to point · 7.9km away

This is the heart and the crux of the Bob Graham: the Langdale Pikes, the highest ground in England over the Scafells, and the notorious Broad Stand step onto Scafell.

Checked Jul 2026

HARD

Helm Crag, Calf Crag and Steel fell from Grasmere

13.4km · 639m climb · Loop · 11km away

Helm Crag gives you the Lion and the Lamb, the most recognisable summit rocks in the Lakes, and the ridge beyond turns a short outing into a proper little horseshoe above Grasmere.

Checked Jul 2026

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How to enter

Common questions

How far is the Helvellyn Trails?

The Helvellyn Trails offers 4 distances: 5K Sport Trail (3.1 miles), 10K Trail Run (6.2 miles), 15K Trail Challenge (9.3 miles), 15K Trail Race (9.3 miles).

How much climbing is in the Helvellyn Trails?

The 5K Sport Trail has 133 m of ascent. The 10K Trail Run has 243 m of ascent. The 15K Trail Challenge has 302 m of ascent. The 15K Trail Race has 302 m of ascent.

How hard is the Helvellyn Trails?

5K Sport Trail: Hard. 10K Trail Run: Hard. 15K Trail Challenge: Hard. 15K Trail Race: Hard. TRP grades come from distance and climb measured off the course file, not from the organiser.

Is the Helvellyn Trails course marked?

Yes, the course is marked. Navigation skills are not required.

What kit do I need for the Helvellyn Trails?

We don't hold a compulsory kit list for the Helvellyn Trails. Lakeland Trails confirm mandatory kit in their race information, usually in the final instructions.

What are the cut-offs for the Helvellyn Trails?

Overall time limits — 5K Sport Trail: 1h 45m, 10K Trail Run: 2h, 15K Trail Challenge: 3h 15m, 15K Trail Race: 2h.

What is at the checkpoints on the Helvellyn Trails?

We don't hold a checkpoint list for the Helvellyn Trails. What's on the table varies a lot between races, so check the Lakeland Trails race information rather than turning up expecting food.

Can I download the Helvellyn Trails route?

Yes. The GPX for each distance is free to download here, with no sign-up, the same as every route on Trail Running Planet.

When is the next Helvellyn Trails?

Sat, 31 Oct 2026, 11:00. Entries open.