Helvellyn is the principal height on a long ridge which extends from the Keswick to Penrith road in the north to the Kirkstone Pass in the south; although the Fairfield fells are usually regarded as a separate group. The basin of Grisedale Tarn together with Raise Beck and Grisedale itself does form a natural boundary between the two. In this section I am concerned with that part of the range between Sticks Pass and Grisedale Tarn from Raise to Dollywaggon Pike, and the ridges falling eastwards towards Ullswater. These fells offer their finest scenery on this eastern side above Glenridding and Patterdale overlooking the lake, and the main ridge sharply defines this point breaking away in a line of crags which form a series of fine mountain coves. Below Helvellyn itself, and occupying the floor of one such cove is Red Tarn which is enclosed by the famous Striding and Swirral Edges. These are very popular routes to Helvellyn; the former noted for a sharp rocky crest, and Swirral Edge for some fine scrambling terminating in the graceful peak of Catstycam. To the west broad buttresses descend to Thirlmere, not entirely devoid of interest because here too are coves and crags, but by no means as dramatic. The usual route from this side starting at Wythburn church passes through one such cove rimmed by Comb Crags. Here the lower slopes are cloaked in the plantations of the Water Authority, although walkers amenities are being improved. The views to the west as height is gained are excellent. The eastern slopes narrow between the valleys of Grisedale and Glenridding as they decline towards Ullswater, but the mass of Birkhouse Moor beyond Striding Edge interupts this proceedure before the ridge finally falls to Lanty's Tarn and Keldas. This is a place of great charm with a birds eye view of the head of Ullswater. Sadly it's very popularity has led to severe erosion of the footpaths, so the conditions underfoot as in many places are not ideal. But all around Helvellyn and it's satellites offer grand scenery which is ample reward.

ROUTE ONE. HELVELLYN FROM GLENRIDDING VIA RAISE, WHITE SIDE AND HELVELLYN LOWER MAN.
5.25 miles 3125ft of ascent.

 Use the Greenside road to the Youth Hostel and the various buildings that were part of the old lead mine. Continue upstream on the right bank for a further mile until a prominent path turns up the fellside. This was the former pony route to the ridge, and improvements to it have made the ascent pleasant enough if it is followed all the way. Once the ridge is reached turn right and ascend the path up to the rocky summit of Raise. Then return to the point of arrival on the ridge and climb the bank onto White Side. There is little chance of going astray now as the broad track descends to the depression below Helvellyn Lower Man, which is gained after a rough stony climb on a narrowing crest. There is only a slight descent now before the final short ascent to Helvellyn; the journey being joined by the path from Wythburn. For the return either Swirral Edge visiting Catstycam and down Red Tarn Beck, or Striding Edge and Birkhouse Moor descending to Lantys Tarn can be considered.

ROUTE TWO. HELVELLYN FROM GLENRIDDING VIA CATSTYCAM.
4 miles 2900ft of ascent. To Catstycam it is 3.25 2450ft of ascent 

   For this walk use the lane on the south or left side of Glenridding Beck, and at the fork in the track keep to the bank of the stream past a camp site to Rattlebeck Bridge. Ascend the track left up to the top of the intake wall alongside which a good path heads up the valley to Greenside. Continue ahead without crossing the footbridge, and soon the now rebuilt path starts it's climb by Red Tarn Beck. In clear weather a prominent shoulder will be seen coming down from Catstycam just before Red Tarn is reached and a path going up it. It is a bit eroded in places but finishes well with fine views down the valley. If the clouds are down it might be better to proceed past Red Tarn to the foot of Swirral Edge, when the track to Catstycam should be seen doubling back along the ridge. There is a stony descent from Catstycam to the base of Swirral Edge followed by a steep rough climb. In good conditions it is preferable to enjoy the scrambling on the crest.

ROUTE THREE. HELVELLYN FROM PATTERDALE OR GLENRIDDING VIA KELDAS AND                BIRKHOUSE MOOR.
5.25miles from Patterdale. 3.75 miles from Glenridding 3000ft of ascent.

 From either start the first objective is Lantys Tarn below Keldas using the good path linking Glenridding and Grisedale. Take the lane left of Glenridding Beck and at the fork in the track turn left to gain the path up to the tarn. There is a choice from Patterdale of either going up the lane from Grisedale Bridge, or using the path behind the Patterdale Hotel which is also accessible from the public conveniences near the village store. The path contours the slopes of Arnison Crag and Birks to emerge on the lane just before the gradient eases. Either way when the valley of Grisedale opens up go over the bridge, and at the cross wall go through the gate on the right and so up to the tarn. Before heading to the main targets it is worth the simple detour to Keldas from which lovely scenes unfold of the softer side of Lakeland and Ullswater in contrast to the wilder country that lies ahead. At the south end of the tarn go up the path by the wall where stiles allow a crossing by a sheepfold to the Glenridding side. The path is clear but not well worn until the main track comes in above Mires Beck, and now on a realigned course the ascent to the flat top of Birkhouse Moor is plain to follow. Continue along the ridge to the Hole in the Wall where the usual direct route from Patterdale comes in, and then the ridge narrows and forms the rocky crest of Striding Edge. In decent weather there should be no problems if you have a head for heights, and there is a track just below the crest if preferred. The final scramble to Helvellyn's summit is steep and badly eroded. Patterdale may be returned to by way of Grisedale Tarn and Grisedale; while for Glenridding there is the option of descending Swirral Edge to complete the circuit of Red Tarn. Alternatively the old pony route beyond White Side down to Glenridding Beck can be adapted.

ROUTE FOUR. HELVELLYN FROM PATTERDALE VIA DOLLYWAGGON PIKE AND NETHERMOST PIKE.
5.5miles 3000ft of ascent.

   Walk up the Grisedale valley from Grisedale Bridge keeping to the south side past Elmhow as far as a footbridge below Ruthwaite Lodge (a climbing hut) where cross and go up to the hut. Here begins the ascent of Dollywaggon Pike's east ridge and a path to the right of the building rises through the bracken. It is best to gain the ridge above Spout Crag and a sketchy trod can be followed across. Until the higher reaches of the ascent where the ridge narrows and the path becomes clearer there may be some difficulty following it, but always take the obvious line and signs of previous use will be detected. The scenery and situations as the summit nears are excellent. As yet the route has not been trodden to death, and I hope this inclusion of it will not lead to that state of affairs. Leaving Dollywaggon descend with the escarpment above Ruthwaite Cove on the right to the junction with the popular route to Helvellyn from Grisedale Tarn. This should be left almost immediately for a stony track climbing up to High Crag as this retains the scenery down into the cove. A simple walk over splendid turf connects with Nethermost Pike though a short detour east to peer down the ridge is recommended. Also look down to see Hard Tarn on it's rocky shelf as you leave High Crag. Lastly head north to rejoin the main path once more at Swallow Scarth , but forsake it again so that the rim of the escarpment above Striding Edge and Nethermost Cove can be enjoyed. The summit of Helvellyn high above Red Tarn is now at hand. Enthusiasts for a touch of drama can descend over Striding Edge, or indeed Swirral Edge to Red Tarn. In both cases the Hole in the wall on Birkhouse Moor is the objective for the descent to Patterdale. If a more staid route is needed then return along the ridge to drop down to Grisedale Tarn.

ROUTE FIVE. HELVELLYN FROM WYTHBURN VIA NETHERMOST PIKE.
2.5 miles 2600ft of ascent. To Nethermost Pike it is 1.75 miles 2300ft of ascent.

   Leaving the car park by Wythburn Church ascend the track in the forest ride and continue ahead up the path on the other side of the forest road. There is no chance of going astray now as this stony highway climbs into the recess below Comb Crags, and then curves round to the right emerging above the declivity onto the wide expanse of Birk Side. A long steady climb follows before the track swings left towards Helvellyn. When the gradient levels out leave it to go directly up the short slope to the flat summit of Nethermost Pike crossing the track from Grisedale Tarn on the way. Lastly head north to cross the depression at Swallow Scarth, and then as on Route Four keep to the edge of the escarpment for the best scenery that Helvellyn has to offer on the approach to the summit. To make a round of it back to Wythburn go down the track to Thirlmere at The Swirls, and then take the forest road through the woods above the road. Midway this becomes a rather rough path before reverting to the forest road crossed just above the church.

ROUTE SIX. HELVELLYN FROM THIRLSPOT VIA HELVELLYN LOWER MAN.
3 miles 2550ft of ascent. To Lower Man it is 2.5 miles 2400ft of ascent

    Behind the Kings Head stiles admit entry to the open fell where a track follows the wall on the left. When the wall bends to the left the old 'White Stones Route' curves up and round to the right across the hillside. Gradually rising for a full mile it crosses Helvellyn Gill and joins the nowadays more often used route starting at The Swirls. On the now renovated track a steep climb lies ahead to the top of Browncove Crags where more amenable ground leads to the bottom of the short rise that is Lower Man. The tiny detour should be made for it's views across Brown Cove to Catstycam before making the ultimate short ascent onto Helvellyn. A good way back is to go down the ridge from Lower Man to the depression below White Side where a good path contours the fell to eventually round Brown Crag and descend to Thirlspot. Adding a bit extra on the top of White Side may be visited before dropping down the north west shoulder to link with the afore mentioned path as it nears Brown Crag. As mentioned the popular starting place now is at The Swirls where there are car parks and toilets. There are some things  it lacks though at the end of a walk that the Kings Head does provide! It is however a good half a mile shorter to Helvellyn from The Swirls.