Helvellyn and Fairfield - two of the finest in one walk
A moderate walk (mountain (above 600m)) in national park Lake District starting and finishing in Cumbria, England, about 16.90km (10.50 mi) long with an estimated walking time of about 8:00h (1 overnight stay). It is unsuitable for families with children, prams & pushchairs, wheelchairs.
Elevation Profile
Ascent
1023m (3356ft)
Descent
1100m (3608ft)
Max. Elevation
940m (3083ft)
Altitude Gain & Loss
2123m (6964ft)
Start
Glenridding village (bus)
End
Ambleside (bus)
Distance
16.90km
(10.5mi)
(10.5mi)
Duration
~8:00h
Difficulty
Moderate
Helvellyn is one of England's most finest peaks, and deserves to be treated as such. This two-day walk enables you to properly appreciate this mighty mountain, with an ascent of the imposing Striding Edge and a wild camp near Grisedale Tarn. The start, Glennridding village, is reached via the Patterdale bus from Penrith. The finish point, Ambleside, has regular bus services to Windermere, where you can get the train or bus back to Penrith if necessary.
Walk Functions
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Nearby Walks
Helvellyn via Striding Edge and Swirral Edge
A leisurely, circular walk (mountain (above 600m)) starting in Cumbria, England, about 9.70km (6.03 mi) long, duration: ~4:45h.Grisedale low-level walk
A leisurely, circular walk (low hills and fells (below 600m)) starting in Cumbria, England, about 7.20km (4.47 mi) long, duration: ~2:15h.High Street from Patterdale
A moderate, circular walk (mountain (above 600m)) starting in Cumbria, England, about 15.50km (9.63 mi) long, duration: ~6:30h.Walk Map
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Waypoints
OS Grid NY386170
Head through Glenridding village and cross the beck via the bridge just past the pub. This will take past Miresbeck - keep following the path as it goes steeply uphill.
OS Grid NY358155
The path brings you out at Hole in the Wall, at the start of the famous Striding Edge ridge. This is a fantastic scramble, one of the best in the Lakes, but take care, especially in bad weather.
About 3.08 km (~1.91 miles) from 
OS Grid NY342152
Carry on from Striding Edge to the summit of Helvellyn. Sit back, have a cup of tea and enjoy the view from the top!
About 1.71 km (~1.06 miles) from 
OS Grid NY352123
From Helvellyn, head along the tops - Nethermost Pike and Dollywaggon Pike - before dropping down to Grisedale Tarn. This is the place to wild camp and there's no finer place. If its windy, though, you may want to drop down into the Grisedale valley for a more sheltered night.
About 3.16 km (~1.96 miles) from 
OS Grid NY359117
From Grisedale Tarn, enjoy being the first one on the tops with an early morning ascent of Fairfield. Carry on along the tops to Hart Crag and Dove Crag.
About 0.89 km (~0.55 miles) from 
OS Grid NY383088
Avoid the temptation to follow the tops all the way round and enjoy a walk along the Scandale Beck. This gives you a great appreciation of the mountains around you as you head towards Ambleside.
About 3.80 km (~2.36 miles) from 
AmblesideOS Grid NY377047
Continue along the path through the Rough Sides wood, and into Ambleside, where you can get buses heading to the north or south Lakeland towns. Not before a well-earned beer in one of Ambleside's pubs - there's plenty to choose from.
About 4.04 km (~2.51 miles) from 
