It may be the third highest peak in England but there’s an appeal about Helvellyn that draws thousands of people to climb it each year.
Its popularity is partly down to the fact that it is accessible from several directions and naturally offers a broad range of routes to the summit – from airy ridges to gentler, more gradual walks – including Patterdale/Glenridding and Thirlmere – but approached from Striding Edge, it is a difficult challenge and many underestimate it.
Mountain Walks Helvellyn by Kendal-based freelance mountain leader Tina Codling brings together 15 of the most inspiring routes on and around the mountain.
Alongside the summit routes, it includes lower-level alternatives for mixed weather or shorter days or those new to mountain walking.
Among the routes are classics like Striding Edge and a navigation of the whole ridge from Clough Head, as well as introductory routes such as Lanty’s Tarn with views of the mountain and easier walks including the summit from Wythburn and Swirls.
Packed with essential information to appeal to both novice and experienced walkers, the book will include access information, tips for making it to the summit safely, navigation information, local amenities, OS maps, points of interest, downloadable GPX files for the routes and inspirational photography, showing off the incredible landscape.
Released on March 6, Mountain Walks Helvellyn is the fourth book in Vertebrate Publishing’s Mountain Walks series – a range of useful, responsible guides designed to help walkers of all abilities to enjoy varied mountain walks.
From low level, easy walks to big days out on ridges/tops, these guides allow people to find their level and select appropriate routes for the day ahead of them.
“There are many grand days out to be had on the big fells surrounding Helvellyn, but with low-level walks and outings to some of the smaller summits, this book caters for everyone from thrill seekers to historians and naturalists, as well as those looking for easier walks with people not yet ready, or no longer able, to take on a big summit,” Tina said. “It also leaves plenty of routes to be discovered once you have fallen in love with the area.”
As well as leading walks, Tina volunteers for the Lake District Search and Rescue Dogs Association and arranges walking holidays and corporate team days for various companies.
