For 2023 we will be returning to climb Helvellyn, the 3rd tallest mountain in England, supported once again by the team at Lakeland Mountain Guides. As with the events in recent years, we will be doing this at night! As usual there are two difficulty options for you to pitch yourself against:
Helvellyn via Keppel Cove (Moderate)
From the village of Glenridding, the walk initially starts on gradual trail trails and ventures into the Helvellyn Range. After an hour or so you reach Keppel Cove, a steep natural bowl which is ascended by Zig-Zagging up the side of the mountain. The slopes soon abate and with it comes the summit of White Side. From here a short descent is enjoyed before one final major climb onto Helvellyn Lower Man. Once on the top of this second peak, you then cruise across to the summit of Helvellyn itself, from which the skies will hopefully turn golden as the sun rises from the East.
This walk is a total of 9 miles and is suitable for those with a basic level of fitness.
Helvellyn via Swirral Edge (Hard)
Swirral Edge is a short, but airy grade 1 scramble that sits on the eastern flanks of Helvellyn. It is a brilliant scramble in ascent, and when tackled at night it offers a small slice of awesome mountaineering fun. As with the above route, the trails out of Glenridding start easily, and then the steepness of the walk kicks in as you climb into Red Tarn Cove. Here, the scramble is gained, and under the watchful eyes of Lakeland Mountain Guides you will be led up to the summit of Helvellyn via a fun, yet safe route through the rocks.
Once the sunrise has been enjoyed from the top the return route will be via Keppel Cove, as described in the moderate option. This walk is a total of 8 miles and is suited to those with basic fitness, but a head for heights is mandatory, and previous scrambling experience preferred.
