Trail Running Planet · Lake District · Ambleside
Helvellyn Double
It takes two of the Lake District's best-known summits and links them properly, so instead of picking Fairfield or Helvellyn for the day, you get both, with the climbing to prove it.
Distance
36.7 km
Ascent
2,856 m
Descent
2,857 m
Max elevation
945 m
Route type
Loop
Est. time
6h 30m – 8h 50m
Grade
Expert
Navigation
map_skills
Parking
LA22 9AY
Dogs
Not suitable
Best seasons
spring, summer, autumn
About this route
A 36.7km, 2,856m ultra from Ambleside that runs the Fairfield ridge to Nab Scar, Heron Pike, Great Rigg and Fairfield, then crosses Grisedale Hause to Helvellyn's summit and back for a second pass near the top before returning.
Hazards & notes
Grisedale Hause is loose scree in both directions and sits a long way from any easy escape route. Fairfield's flat summit plateau is disorientating in cloud, and this route crosses it twice - once on tired legs on the way back.
Emergency
Call 999 or 112 → ask for Police → request Mountain Rescue. Register Emergency SMS: text "register" to 999.
Full route, GPX download & live conditions:
https://trailrunningplanet.com/routes/england/lake-district/ambleside/helvellyn-double
trailrunningplanet.com