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Regions - Trip reports, destination advice, recommended routes, etc. => Lake District => Topic started by: Liz t on 09:46:40, 23/08/19

Title: Hellvellyn with kids
Post by: Liz t on 09:46:40, 23/08/19
 Hi everyone. Just posted this on main page then realised I should have put it here!  I'm hoping to climb hellvellyn on Monday with 3 kids, aged 6, 6 and 4. They are seasoned walkers and used to big hills (did pen-y-ghent circular last month). I'm looking at going from either swirls past browncove crags, or up birk side. The walk needs to be 7miles max,  and to do it as a circular up swirls down birkside looks further than that,  so we probably need to do straight up and back down same route. Can anyone suggest which route might be better/more fun? They love scrambling, even if it's just some rocks to climb on enroute.   As an aside, does anyone know of other walks near ullswater with good scrambling?

 
Thanks

 
Liz
Title: Re: Hellvellyn with kids
Post by: Slowcoach on 13:00:18, 23/08/19
There is a route from the top of Dunmail Raise Raise that follows Raise Beck up to Grisedale Tarn, then follow a track which is on the ground but not on maps to connect with the path up onto Dollywaggon  Pike. Follow the path past  Nethermost Pike and then to the top of Helvellyn. Distance up and back about 7 miles.
It is an interesting path up beside the Beck. It is important to get on the right hand side of the beck at the bottom as it is very difficult to cross further up.
Title: Re: Hellvellyn with kids
Post by: Ridge on 13:16:49, 23/08/19
From the Ullswater side I would take Sticks Pass with kids that young. It does make it a long way though.
Start in the car park north of Glenridding rather than going up through the mine workings.
Title: Re: Hellvellyn with kids
Post by: Slowcoach on 13:39:18, 23/08/19
An interesting route from the Patterdale side is to park at Cow Bridge at the end of Brothers Water and follow the path up along Hartsop above How ( a lumpy bumpy track) scramble up onto Hart Crag. At the top a path goes left and follow this  to a path just before Dove Crag. The path descends through Dovedale back to the car park. Distance about 7 miles. Great views.
Title: Re: Hellvellyn with kids
Post by: Liz t on 15:52:11, 23/08/19
Thanks everyone. I will look at those options in the map,  sound good.


I don't mind driving round to thirlmere to get up hellvellyn if anyone thinks starting from that side is a better option?
Title: Re: Hellvellyn with kids
Post by: Slowcoach on 15:54:17, 23/08/19
I hope you and the children enjoy whichever you choose.
Title: Re: Hellvellyn with kids
Post by: Dazza on 18:20:27, 24/08/19
There is a route from the top of Dunmail Raise Raise that follows Raise Beck up to Grisedale Tarn, then follow a track which is on the ground but not on maps to connect with the path up onto Dollywaggon  Pike. Follow the path past  Nethermost Pike and then to the top of Helvellyn. Distance up and back about 7 miles.
It is an interesting path up beside the Beck. It is important to get on the right hand side of the beck at the bottom as it is very difficult to cross further up.
I like this route but rather than backtrack, we park at Thirlmere and get a Bus to the foot of Dunmail Raise and the beck. You can make it a linear walk that way.
Title: Re: Hellvellyn with kids
Post by: richardh1905 on 10:46:00, 25/08/19
I have to say that I would be a bit hesitant about taking children as young as 4 up Helvellyn - it is a big step up from Pen y Ghent. You know your children best, of course.