Helvellyn from Swirls Car Park (2nd option)

Helvellyn is a fantastic mountain and very famous for it's eastern ridges that form the classic "Horseshoe" route from Glenridding. However, there are several other approaches from all sides that offer greater distance, adjacent summits to "bag" or just different viewpoints.

I have decided to offer a route up to Helvellyn from Swirls Car Park that I have done many times and consider to be a more accessible walk for participants with lesser mountain experience. It is still a steep, strenous walk and there will be proper mountain terrain encountered. But the path is very straight forward and no technical experience is required, just stamina and fitness.

Weather permitting, there will be an opportunity to take in beautiful views from the summit, including the rugged east side of the mountain. In clear conditions, I will also be able to point out surrounding peaks and talk a little about the range of different walks available in the area.

The staple descent route will be via the same Swirls path. Depending on weather, time, and the experience and physical ability of those in the group,  we will have an option to extend my initially proposed route to possibly take in neighbouring summit, Grisedale Pike, and make a descent via the Wythburn track. I will preapre for every eventuality and discuss options with any clients nearer the date of the walk. 

The minimum distance of this day out will be just over 6 kilometres, or 4 miles, with around 700m of ascent. This is expected to take around four to four and a half at a moderate pace and allowing time for refreshment stops. However, any one of my proposed extensions could take us up to 12km, or 8 miles, with greater ascent. Time will be advised accordingly. It is neccesary to have previous hill walking experience and a good level of fitness to take part in this walk.

The Swirls path is very steep and there is uneven terrain throughout the walk. If you are for any reason unsure of your ability, please email me via moorstomountains@gmail.com and we can discuss things further before making a booking.

This walk is limited to 6 PARTICIPANTS at £35.00 per person. Please select how many places you would like below and click "Checkout" to continue.

Our start point is Swirls Car Park (CA12 4TW or NY316168), where there is lots of parking available if you arrive early enough. We will be meeting at 10:00 to leave as soon as possible.

There are bus services to and from Keswick, Windermere and even further afield, and lots of various accommodation in the vicinity of Keswick or Grasmere, including camping, hostels and B&B's. It is advisable to book accommodation well in advance to avoid disappointment. Please ask me if you need any advice on where to stay, or if you need information about train and bus links to this area of the Lake District.

Please bear in mind that I have calculated the route duration based on average speeds of clients. The walk may actually be done in a quicker time, but also may take longer than expected based on individual fitness levels within the group.  As mentioned, it is neccesary to have previous hill walking experience and a good level of fitness to participate in this activity.

It should be mentioned that weather in the Lake District can be unpredictable at all times of the year and so it isn't possible to guarantee excellent views on every walk. Multiple weather forecast sources are always studied before any Moors to Mountains activity. Unless there is a potential safety risk posed by the weather, walks will go ahead regardless of conditions.

What to expect when booking a professionally guided activity with Moors to Mountains.

I have had a number of individual clients book on to a group activity who have been anxious about not knowing the others on the day. Most people who join for the first time are in the same situation, but I assure you that you'll be making new friends and feeling comfortable in your surroundings in no time. Not only am I here to keep you safe and lead the group, I like to engage all participants in interesting conversation and always make a point of providing a friendly and welcoming experience for all my clients.

While I have led groups all different sizes over the years, all Moors to Mountains groups are designed for smaller parties. The number of participants that I allow for will depend on the terrain. But, I find this allows me to give each individual client the maximum attention throughout an activity. Whether this is to answer questions or helping an individual accross a section of unever terrain. My promise is to deliver that level of care and individual attentiveness to each member of the group.

As your guide, I am a qualified and insured Mountain Leader registered with the British Mountaineering Council. I only operate in areas where I have experience of the terrain and local knowledge. Before I received the ML award, I was already active in organising groups walks and wild camping expeditions across the UK from 2011. In that time, I have been lucky enough to spend time out on the hills and mountains with many people of different backgrounds and abilities. This experience has enabled me to develop an extensive knowledge of particular outdoor areas, and a penchant for designing routes that are both scenic and interesting. There are often places of historical or geological interest along the way and I enjoy sharing my knowledge of the landscape, history, industry, wildlife and geology.

All Moors to Mountains outings include some rewarding physical challenge, whether it be distance or terrain.

I also hold current DBS and Outdoor First Aid certificates.

Upon booking a space, please don't overlook the Moors to Mountains Footwear, Clothing and Equipment Requirements.

It is imperative to wear clothing that is suitable for both the activity and the time of year. Weather conditions can change very quicky while out and about in the hills. All participants must wear sturdy footwear, approved for use for the booked activity. Advice can be found from any reputable outdoor clothing retailer, and I am personally happy to give guidance prior to the activity. If you have not used an item of footwear, clothing or equipment for a similar activity previously, you must seek advice from me on the durability and suitability before the activity takes place.

Unless advised otherwise, a list of items that participant must have on their person (other than approved footwear) should include:

• Rucksack suitable for the activity. Minimum 20 litres, unless otherwise stated.
• Waterproof coat is essential, and trousers if possible.
• Mid layer, such as a fleece or gillet (synthetic or hydrophobic down).
• Suitable base layers and walking socks. Synthetic materials and Merino wool work best by wicking away sweat.
• Hat and gloves, stowed away in your pack if it is not perceivably cold at the start of the walk.
• IN SUMMER – cap or other sun hat, sunglasses and sun cream!
• Lunch and adequate food provisions..
• At least one litre of water.
• Personal medication, accessible and labelled with dosage information where necessary
• Headtorch, fully charged or with spare batteries.
• Mobile telephone fully charged.

Once a place has been booked on any activity...

I will personally contact each client by email with any relevant information to the specific activity. There will also be a link to a Participation Consent Form that should be completed in good time before any activity takes place. This will ask for important medical information, important contact details and also request consent for me to give first aid where neccesary, take any photographs (or not) and anything else relevant.

Cheers, COLIN.