How to get to Helvellyn Mountain
Planning a walking trip in the Lake District? The simplest ways to get to Helvellyn Mountain are by train, bus or car.
Travelling by train is a great option, as it’s more environmentally friendly than driving and avoids hitting traffic in the area.
The nearest train station to Helvellyn Mountain is Penrith Station. Frequent trains run to Penrith, from destinations like Carlisle, London and Glasgow.
From Penrith station, where you go next will depend on which walking route you plan to take up Helvellyn Mountain. The 3 main routes are Striding Edge, Swirral Edge and Thirlmere.
For Striding Edge and Swirral Edge, you will need to get the 508 bus to Glenridding. This scenic ride takes around 45 minutes from the train station.
For the Thirlmere route, you will need to get to Swirls Car Park, where the trail begins. To do this, you will need to take the X5 bus from Penrith train station to Keswick. From Keswick, take the 555 bus to Thirlspot.
If you’re planning on driving in, there are a few different car parks to choose from. Swirls Car Park and Glenridding Car Park are most convenient for Helvellyn. Be sure to take change with you, as many car parks in the Lake District are pay and display.
What to do at Helvellyn Mountain
Helvellyn Mountain is one of the most popular mountains in the Lake District for walkers. There are 3 main exhilarating Helvellyn routes for visitors to enjoy walking.
Walking Helvellyn via Striding Edge is a very popular route with the benefit of breathtaking views. The 13.8km circular trail starts at Glenridding. It’s rated a Grade 1 scramble, so it will test your skills. Considered quite a challenging walk, the climb is steep and rocky but boasts beautiful views.
Swirral Edge, also starting a Glenridding, is another Grade 1 scramble. This route is also considered challenging, so ensuring you have experience first is a good idea. On a clear day visitors can observe great views of the surrounding areas, so take your camera.
Thirlmere is the easiest of the Helvellyn routes, so it is a favourite amongst many. With a distance of 15km, this route should take around 5 hours to complete. Whilst still a serious walk, this option is somewhat gentler than others.
The Lake District in general is home to beautiful views, and Helvellyn is no exception. Make the most of being amongst nature and its beauty by taking a picnic along with you. It’s also a good idea to remember your camera, to capture great shots at Helvellyn Peak and to document your achievement.
The mountain is also known for housing an array of rare species of flora and fauna. This includes creatures like Herdwick sheep and various birds. It’s even home to the rare Mountain Ringlet butterfly. Have fun making note of everything you spot along the way.
About Helvellyn Mountain
Helvellyn is a very popular walk, voted number 1 in ‘ITV’s Britain’s Favourite Walks’ in 2023. Almost 300,000 people hike up to the summit every year.
The mountain is 950m tall and measures up as the third tallest mountain in England. Although some routes are simpler than others, Helvellyn is a challenging climb. It is suitable for more experienced hill walkers.
Beginners wanting to give the mountain a try should consider the Thirlmere route, regarded as the easiest. This route is around 4.5 miles there and back.
Part of the ‘Borrowdale Volcanic Group’ of rocks, the mountain formed as a result of a volcanic caldera. A volcanic caldera is a large depression created after a volcano has erupted and collapsed.
Today, the mountain is a popular site for outdoor recreational activity. This began in the early 19th century when tourists began visiting for leisure. Romantic poets like Samuel Taylor Coleridge and William Wordsworth are amongst some of the most famous visitors.
Ways to save on your train ticket to Helvellyn Mountain
There are lots of ways to save on your train ticket to Helvellyn Mountain with Avanti. For example, travelling Off-Peak will help you to find great value prices.
Railcards are a straightforward way to lower the cost of your train travel. Save 1/3 on train tickets with your personalised pass. There are multiple types of railcards, so you’re sure to find one suited to you.
If you’re planning a family hike, spend less with Family Train Tickets. With this ticket type, family groups from 1 adult and 1 child to a maximum of 2 adults and 3 children can make a saving.Get the app
Create more time to prepare for your mountain climb by planning your journey with the Avanti app.
The app has everything you need, all in one place, and booking direct guarantees you’ll pay the lowest price for tickets.
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