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Trail Running Planet · Lake District · Ullswater

Tour de Helvellyn

A genuine ultra-distance day that shows you the Helvellyn range from every angle without ever queuing for Striding Edge - based on the established Tour de Helvellyn race route.

Distance

58.6 km

Ascent

2,129 m

Descent

2,131 m

Max elevation

748 m

Route type

Loop

Est. time

13h – 17h 35m

Grade

Expert

Navigation

map_skills

Parking

CA10 2PG

Dogs

Welcome

Best seasons

spring, summer, autumn

About this route

A huge 58.6km circuit of the Helvellyn massif starting near Askham, following valleys and lower ridges the whole way round with 1193m of climbing rather than a direct summit route.

Hazards & notes

A genuinely long day on remote fellside with multiple valley crossings - weather can change fast at this scale and there's no quick way out partway round. Winter brings ice on the higher sections; carry appropriate kit outside summer months.

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/ullswater/tour-de-helvellyn

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