Helvellyn
The view across Red Tarn and beyond from the summit of Helvellyn.
Helvellyn is the highest peak legally accessible by mountain bike in England. It stands majestically at 949m above sea level and forms part of the impressive Helvellyn ridge which runs for approximately 12km (7.5 miles) north to south, dividing the valleys of Thirlmere and Ullswater. Indeed some routes cover the full length of this ridge.
Routes on Helvellyn are however not limited to the ridge. There are a massive variety of bridleway options available including Matterdale Common, Sticks Pass, Glenridding Common, Birk Side, and Grisedale to name but a few.
The bridleway to the north leads down Lower Man – a cracking descent – and then back up onto White Side. The bridleway to the south takes you to Nethermost Pike and then on to Dollywagon Pike. All of these peaks offer a choice of some serious descents into the surrounding valleys, so just get on your bike and explore!
The following routes include Helvellyn:
Added on 28th August 2010
Statistics
- Distance: 30km (19mi)
- Ascent: 1,366m (4,482ft)
- Effort: 4/5
- Technical: 4/5
- Scenery: 5/5
- Off-road: 76%
Summary
Our second Helvellyn route (the first is here) takes a slightly different approach. We tried to consider which of the many bridleways on the ridge are actually the most ridable, and this is what we came up with.
This route starts one the Thirlmere side of the Helvellyn range, from the carpark at Thirlspot. We climb from here on an old pony track onto the ridge, a lot of which is surprisingly rideable. After a quick there-and-back of the summit (ok then, maybe not quick!), the route follows the whole ridge from south to north before descending from Great Dodd on grassy singletrack. Finally, a blast along the Old Coach Road and a short road section gets you back to the car.
Read the rest of this route »
Route Tags:
Big Mountain Routes,
Great Dodd,
Helvellyn,
Lower Man,
Matterdale Common,
Old Coach Road,
Raise,
Ridge Route,
Singletrack,
Stybarrow Dodd,
Thirlmere,
Thirlspot,
Watson's Dodd,
White Side
Added on 11th October 2009
Statistics
- Distance: 20km (12mi)
- Ascent: 1,077m (3,534ft)
- Effort: 3/5
- Technical: 4/5
- Scenery: 4/5
- Off-road: 91%
Summary
This is a technical and strenuous route taking you to the summit and back of England’s highest peak legally accessible by mountain bike, Helvellyn.
Although this shouldn't be attempted by the faint-hearted, the promise of 1,077m of descending offers enough motivation to make all the climbing worth it. This combined with the breathtaking views across the Lake District and as far as Scotland on a clear day should be enough to put Helvellyn firmly on any serious mountain biker's to-do list. So what are you waiting for?
Read the rest of this route »
Route Tags:
Big Mountain Routes,
Dollywaggon Pike,
Glenridding,
Grisedale,
Grisedale Tarn,
Helvellyn,
High Crag,
Lower Man,
Nethermost Pike,
Raise,
Ridge Route,
Ruthwaite Lodge,
Sticks Pass,
White Side
