The shortest route and the steepest but cuts off the edges which a lot of people do not like. Super crisp footage and what a perfect day for a Lakeland hike. I have been to Helvellyn summit 5 times and took various routes but for quickness this is the one to take, especially in that gorgeous weather. Loved the clouds rolling over the smaller fell tops and the view over to the furthest fell tops was stunning but such a shame your efforts' were not rewarded with a clear summit. I did the same walk as you just after the first lock down ended, Helvellyn from Swirls, on to Nethermost Pike then Dollywagon Pike and then back down to Wythburn car park, such a nice walk. It is only supposed to be 2 miles between the 2 car parks back through the forest but each time I have done it it seems to last forever😳. Me and Mrs Metalman were overnighting in Grasmere a couple of weeks ago and you are spoilt for so many lovely places to eat there, always enjoy dropping into one the of cafes. A great route and bubbly personality made this a very good watch, cheers Alan
Thanks Alan, lovely to hear you enjoyed the video & thanks for sharing your experiences hiking Helvellyn, definitely one I am going to return to via the various edges 😊 Yes definitely agree that the walk back to the car park can feel like a lifetime after a few hours up on the fells, but really beautiful in Autumn! & good to hear you've enjoyed Grasmere cafe hopping, always a good option on the wetter weather days in the Lakes 👍🏻
Wow stunning video Christine. Love the low cloud and the atmospheric feel it gives to the walk. Its a shame you didnt get any views from the summit because its quite a pull ascending from Swirls. I was puffing away when I did that route last here haha. The scenery over to Thirlmere looks amazing and I liked to look of your descent back. A new path to me. My first thoughts on seeing your brownie was that i thought it was a brick too 😂Love a chocolate brownie 😋 All the Best
Thank you Tony 😊 the clouds that day were spectacular, more than made up for the lack of summit views! & I felt it in the lungs by the time it plateaued! 😮💨 the descent was really nice & quiet, with the walk back through the woodland so lovely during Autumn, definitely recommend that circular route! I do too, I can confirm it was most definitely not a brick and very much edible & delicious!! 🫶🏻
Hi Christine. Ive just had the map out looking at your route. Yes it looks a lovely route and maybe one which is good to ascend also looking how steep in may be. We came down via Sticks Pass so did an anti clockwise walk which also had excellent views. Thankyou 😊
A wonderful video that captures the fun of walking in the Lakes. It was a shame that there was no summit views. Think of it as a reason to go back soon on another route soon .
Thank you Russell, pleased you enjoyed this one & most definitely, good excuse to get back on a clearer day to have the chance to see what the summit has to offer! 😊
Hi Christine. I did this route last year (early Sept). I had very similar weather. The cloud coverage only appeared shortly after I had sumitted so I got a spectacular view from the top. Your footage of the clouds in this video is exceptional. Thank you for continuing to share your adventures, I love them :)
Hi Nicola, that sounds like incredible conditions for your hike, hope I can get back one day for views at the summit! Although can’t complain as the clouds were so beautiful to watch 😍 Thank you so much for the continued support, so lovely to hear you enjoy the videos 🫶🏻
Just wow, what stunning views, much inspiration and excitement you are creating for this year's hiking, my van is almost done then I will be off to experience some of these wonderful locations, thank you for the video, hope you are doing well 😊
Very excited for you, the van sounds like an adventure - perfect for exploring the Lakes, did you convert it yourself? Interested in buying one & converting myself at some point in the future 🤞🏻 glad you enjoyed the video & hope you’re well too 😊
@@shefreelyroams ahh thanks, yes i did, I have had the van for many years was previously built as a day van for trips out with my 2 daughters but now they are both older and doing their own thing, I reconfigured it through covid just for myself, it has everything I need, I have done many trips in last 3 years in it, just changed a couple of things, I don't have many videos but if you check them out you can see how I built it, have a great week
Lovely video Christine, did that walk last summer, parked at the church then up to the peak then back to the van via swirls. You always look so happy doing your walks! 😃😃
Thanks Rob 🫶🏻 hope you enjoyed and managed to have views at the summit last summer, it's a great route! Hopefully I can enjoy some summit views in the future! & that's because I am, definitely in my element outdoors! 😁
Thank you Lee - really lovely to hear you are enjoying the videos & music too! 😊 Will hopefully be back in the Lakes very soon so watch this space.. 🫶🏻
An enforced lay-off looms on my horizon, so I am supposed to be saving up RUclips videos to carry me through... I'm not doing a very good job at that because I was tempted to watch this one! Nice to see less trodden routes and views. Keep them coming.
Thanks Jason, really lovely to hear you enjoyed the video! I’m sorry to hear about the lay-off, hope you can manage to find some time to get out walking too to get through it, all the best 🫶🏻
A fabulous vlog Christine- thank you! Gorgeous colours and I love the imagery showing you're above the clouds - so spectacular! HaHa -I first thought that chocolate brownie was a brick! Sasha Miché 😊
Thanks Sasha - lovely to hear you enjoyed the video! 😊 The clouds and autumn colours that day were spectacular & more than made up for the lack of views at the summit! Oh no, it was most definitely an edible & tasty brownie 😋
Such a great mountain. Did Swirral edge and Striding edge from that path last year, cracking day walk. Have you been up Blencathra yet? I recommend up Halls Fell ridge and down sharp edge.
It really is, looking forward to climbing it again via the other side on a clear day soon hopefully! Nice to hear you enjoyed those routes, on my bucket list! Yes done blencathra from Scales, down via Mungrisdale Common, not via sharp edge (yet) - need to build up confidence with the scrambling!
Another awesome route in the lakes! I would be curious to see your recommendations on what you do as a solo hiker when you come off the mountains i.e for dinnner, do you stay in your accommodation or go out in the town? It's one of the things I've not cracked with my solo travelling is eating by myself. Any suggestions or a video I would really appreciate it.
Really is, loved this one! Ahh that’s a good question Sarah, that I haven’t actually been asked before! So I usually cook for myself if on my own as stay in an air bnb/campsite, if a pub is close by, I’ll sometimes go there for dinner, it does depend on my location though :) but I do understand what you mean about eating out on your own, not always the easiest or most enjoyable!
@@shefreelyroams thank you for the response. Cooking at the place I'm staying is fine, it's sitting down in a pub/restaurant that is still tricky for me. I find reading helps a little but you can't do that when you have a knife and fork in your hand 😅
No worries at all, I definitely enjoy taking a book along for company too, but as you say, tricky to continue reading when eating! Maybe a kindle is the answer..! 🤷🏼♀️
Sounds incredible, any favourite route from those? Looking forward to doing Striding Edge once built up the confidence in scrambling solo! Thanks for watching Gary 😊
Always on the look out for a good spot to take in the view with a cuppa 👍🏻 and it sure does! Thanks for the continued support Andrew, appreciate it - glad you enjoyed the video 😊
Hi Christine, I'm a bit late to comment on this one, watched it when it came out. Great views of those clouds. I've often looked at that route but never done it, you did get better views on the way down. That Grasmere shop got another mention even I mentioned their brownies in a previous comment. Definitely got you down as a sweet tooth person 😋 do you like savoury as well? I was looking to see when you filmed this, did I miss you saying? Is there any chance of persuading you to put the dates in your opening sequence please 🙏. Cheers for now Graham
No problem at all Graham, just lovely to hear you are still enjoying the videos & thanks for the continued support, really appreciate it 🫶🏻 can definitely recommend this route if wanting a slightly quieter alternative to the other routes! Of course it did, think I mention the cafe in my next one too & well I've got to keep the sugar levels up when hiking all day 🤷🏼♀️ yes, probably prefer savoury generally - couldn't live without cheese! I am not sure I did mention when I filmed this, I usually try to include in the description for reference - this was back in November along with the other videos in this series 😊
Thanks Craig, lovely to hear you enjoyed the video 😊 It took me just under 6 hours but I was filming my self solo and stopped for a few breaks so I probably could do this route in 5 hours without feeling rushed, hope you enjoy!
What a fantastic video, I think 🤔 I’ve watched all yours now , love the ones you are in Snowdonia, I did send you a pm on your instagram about your camera equipment.
Thank you, really lovely to hear you are enjoying the videos & yes, Snowdonia is one of my fave places, so beautiful 😍 ahh let me get back to you then, must have missed it!
Thank you, pleased you enjoyed the video 😊 this is not technically difficult as not exposed sections or scrambling required, however this route does require around 860m in ascent so I wouldn't describe it as easy. Just give yourself plenty of time to complete and pack appropriately, should be absolutely fine!
I got lucky to have it to myself for 5 minutes or so, think the poor weather helped with that and also it being a weekday! Good excuse to come back for a summit view though 😊
Thank you for sharing this video, it is so nice
Thank you, pleased you enjoyed it 😊
The shortest route and the steepest but cuts off the edges which a lot of people do not like. Super crisp footage and what a perfect day for a Lakeland hike. I have been to Helvellyn summit 5 times and took various routes but for quickness this is the one to take, especially in that gorgeous weather. Loved the clouds rolling over the smaller fell tops and the view over to the furthest fell tops was stunning but such a shame your efforts' were not rewarded with a clear summit. I did the same walk as you just after the first lock down ended, Helvellyn from Swirls, on to Nethermost Pike then Dollywagon Pike and then back down to Wythburn car park, such a nice walk. It is only supposed to be 2 miles between the 2 car parks back through the forest but each time I have done it it seems to last forever😳. Me and Mrs Metalman were overnighting in Grasmere a couple of weeks ago and you are spoilt for so many lovely places to eat there, always enjoy dropping into one the of cafes. A great route and bubbly personality made this a very good watch, cheers Alan
Thanks Alan, lovely to hear you enjoyed the video & thanks for sharing your experiences hiking Helvellyn, definitely one I am going to return to via the various edges 😊 Yes definitely agree that the walk back to the car park can feel like a lifetime after a few hours up on the fells, but really beautiful in Autumn! & good to hear you've enjoyed Grasmere cafe hopping, always a good option on the wetter weather days in the Lakes 👍🏻
🌞 Perfect way to enjoy my Sunday morning coffee - the mountain at the top of my list! ❤
🦅 Thanks Christian, exactly how I’d recommend watching the videos 👌🏻& yes, hopefully can do it via Striding Edge at some point!
Awesome walk, beautiful area.. and gorgeous as ever 😍 x
Thank you Phil, it’s a stunning area for walking in the Lakes - pleased you enjoyed ♥️😊
Wow stunning video Christine. Love the low cloud and the atmospheric feel it gives to the walk. Its a shame you didnt get any views from the summit because its quite a pull ascending from Swirls. I was puffing away when I did that route last here haha. The scenery over to Thirlmere looks amazing and I liked to look of your descent back. A new path to me. My first thoughts on seeing your brownie was that i thought it was a brick too 😂Love a chocolate brownie 😋 All the Best
Thank you Tony 😊 the clouds that day were spectacular, more than made up for the lack of summit views! & I felt it in the lungs by the time it plateaued! 😮💨 the descent was really nice & quiet, with the walk back through the woodland so lovely during Autumn, definitely recommend that circular route! I do too, I can confirm it was most definitely not a brick and very much edible & delicious!! 🫶🏻
Hi Christine. Ive just had the map out looking at your route. Yes it looks a lovely route and maybe one which is good to ascend also looking how steep in may be. We came down via Sticks Pass so did an anti clockwise walk which also had excellent views. Thankyou 😊
Beautiful day for a hike.
Amazing views.
Thanks for sharing.
Enjoyed it. 👋
Thanks Jamie for watching again, appreciate the support & glad you enjoyed 🫶🏻 definitely got lucky with the clouds that day, so beautiful 😍
A wonderful video that captures the fun of walking in the Lakes. It was a shame that there was no summit views. Think of it as a reason to go back soon on another route soon .
Thank you Russell, pleased you enjoyed this one & most definitely, good excuse to get back on a clearer day to have the chance to see what the summit has to offer! 😊
Hi Christine. I did this route last year (early Sept). I had very similar weather. The cloud coverage only appeared shortly after I had sumitted so I got a spectacular view from the top. Your footage of the clouds in this video is exceptional. Thank you for continuing to share your adventures, I love them :)
Hi Nicola, that sounds like incredible conditions for your hike, hope I can get back one day for views at the summit! Although can’t complain as the clouds were so beautiful to watch 😍
Thank you so much for the continued support, so lovely to hear you enjoy the videos 🫶🏻
Just wow, what stunning views, much inspiration and excitement you are creating for this year's hiking, my van is almost done then I will be off to experience some of these wonderful locations, thank you for the video, hope you are doing well 😊
Very excited for you, the van sounds like an adventure - perfect for exploring the Lakes, did you convert it yourself? Interested in buying one & converting myself at some point in the future 🤞🏻 glad you enjoyed the video & hope you’re well too 😊
@@shefreelyroams ahh thanks, yes i did, I have had the van for many years was previously built as a day van for trips out with my 2 daughters but now they are both older and doing their own thing, I reconfigured it through covid just for myself, it has everything I need, I have done many trips in last 3 years in it, just changed a couple of things, I don't have many videos but if you check them out you can see how I built it, have a great week
Sounds perfect! Nice project to undertake during Covid and to enjoy for many years! And cool will take a look, you too 😊
Lovely video Christine, did that walk last summer, parked at the church then up to the peak then back to the van via swirls. You always look so happy doing your walks! 😃😃
Thanks Rob 🫶🏻 hope you enjoyed and managed to have views at the summit last summer, it's a great route! Hopefully I can enjoy some summit views in the future! & that's because I am, definitely in my element outdoors! 😁
@@shefreelyroams we had great views Christine, but then I only go when its nice weather! 😂😂
Oh no well that’s just cheating! 😂
@@shefreelyroams correct! 😂😂
You got a stunning day for it 😊
The clouds that day were spectacular! More than made up for the lack of summit views 😊
Just found your channel and love your videos and the music . More Lake District please ❤
Thank you Lee - really lovely to hear you are enjoying the videos & music too! 😊 Will hopefully be back in the Lakes very soon so watch this space.. 🫶🏻
For my money the lakes are among the most beautiful places on earth and your camera captures their beauty perfectly, well done. 👍
Couldn’t agree more, such a special place, very lucky to have it here in the UK 🙌🏻 & thanks David, nice to hear you enjoyed the video 😊
An enforced lay-off looms on my horizon, so I am supposed to be saving up RUclips videos to carry me through... I'm not doing a very good job at that because I was tempted to watch this one! Nice to see less trodden routes and views. Keep them coming.
Thanks Jason, really lovely to hear you enjoyed the video! I’m sorry to hear about the lay-off, hope you can manage to find some time to get out walking too to get through it, all the best 🫶🏻
Stunning views, loved that.
Thanks Ant, pleased you enjoyed the video 😊
A fabulous vlog Christine- thank you! Gorgeous colours and I love the imagery showing you're above the clouds - so spectacular! HaHa -I first thought that chocolate brownie was a brick! Sasha Miché 😊
Thanks Sasha - lovely to hear you enjoyed the video! 😊 The clouds and autumn colours that day were spectacular & more than made up for the lack of views at the summit! Oh no, it was most definitely an edible & tasty brownie 😋
Beautiful scenes as always Christine :)
Thanks Dan, appreciate the continued support 😊🫶🏻
Such a great mountain. Did Swirral edge and Striding edge from that path last year, cracking day walk.
Have you been up Blencathra yet? I recommend up Halls Fell ridge and down sharp edge.
It really is, looking forward to climbing it again via the other side on a clear day soon hopefully! Nice to hear you enjoyed those routes, on my bucket list!
Yes done blencathra from Scales, down via Mungrisdale Common, not via sharp edge (yet) - need to build up confidence with the scrambling!
Another awesome route in the lakes! I would be curious to see your recommendations on what you do as a solo hiker when you come off the mountains i.e for dinnner, do you stay in your accommodation or go out in the town? It's one of the things I've not cracked with my solo travelling is eating by myself. Any suggestions or a video I would really appreciate it.
Really is, loved this one! Ahh that’s a good question Sarah, that I haven’t actually been asked before! So I usually cook for myself if on my own as stay in an air bnb/campsite, if a pub is close by, I’ll sometimes go there for dinner, it does depend on my location though :) but I do understand what you mean about eating out on your own, not always the easiest or most enjoyable!
@@shefreelyroams thank you for the response. Cooking at the place I'm staying is fine, it's sitting down in a pub/restaurant that is still tricky for me. I find reading helps a little but you can't do that when you have a knife and fork in your hand 😅
No worries at all, I definitely enjoy taking a book along for company too, but as you say, tricky to continue reading when eating! Maybe a kindle is the answer..! 🤷🏼♀️
done this route once, several ascents via striding edge and twice by swirrel edge plus summiting after ice climbing brown cove crags.
Sounds incredible, any favourite route from those? Looking forward to doing Striding Edge once built up the confidence in scrambling solo! Thanks for watching Gary 😊
Brilliant 👏
Thank you, pleased you enjoyed 🫶🏻
Kirkstone pass to helvellyn...it was a long route on a good day with the best views and is quiet as not an easy route. 4.5 hrs up to summit....
Thanks for the recommendation- will give that one a go in the future, sounds like a nice alternative to avoid the crowds! 😊
Another rock with a view for a cuppa 👌, shame about the summit views but a brownie does wonders for the soul...another lovely video Christine 👏🫶
Always on the look out for a good spot to take in the view with a cuppa 👍🏻 and it sure does! Thanks for the continued support Andrew, appreciate it - glad you enjoyed the video 😊
Hi Christine,
I'm a bit late to comment on this one, watched it when it came out. Great views of those clouds. I've often looked at that route but never done it, you did get better views on the way down. That Grasmere shop got another mention even I mentioned their brownies in a previous comment. Definitely got you down as a sweet tooth person 😋 do you like savoury as well? I was looking to see when you filmed this, did I miss you saying? Is there any chance of persuading you to put the dates in your opening sequence please 🙏.
Cheers for now
Graham
No problem at all Graham, just lovely to hear you are still enjoying the videos & thanks for the continued support, really appreciate it 🫶🏻 can definitely recommend this route if wanting a slightly quieter alternative to the other routes! Of course it did, think I mention the cafe in my next one too & well I've got to keep the sugar levels up when hiking all day 🤷🏼♀️ yes, probably prefer savoury generally - couldn't live without cheese! I am not sure I did mention when I filmed this, I usually try to include in the description for reference - this was back in November along with the other videos in this series 😊
Great video. Planning on doing this route myself how long did it take you?
Thanks Craig, lovely to hear you enjoyed the video 😊 It took me just under 6 hours but I was filming my self solo and stopped for a few breaks so I probably could do this route in 5 hours without feeling rushed, hope you enjoy!
What a fantastic video, I think 🤔 I’ve watched all yours now , love the ones you are in Snowdonia, I did send you a pm on your instagram about your camera equipment.
Thank you, really lovely to hear you are enjoying the videos & yes, Snowdonia is one of my fave places, so beautiful 😍 ahh let me get back to you then, must have missed it!
great video! can I please know how difficult this is for first timers?
Thank you, pleased you enjoyed the video 😊 this is not technically difficult as not exposed sections or scrambling required, however this route does require around 860m in ascent so I wouldn't describe it as easy. Just give yourself plenty of time to complete and pack appropriately, should be absolutely fine!
Beautiful conditions for it, even if that meant no views from the summit.
Thanks Kev 🫶🏻 exactly, the clouds that day were spectacular!
I don't suppose you recorded the route on all trails or something similar did you?
Hi Noel, yes I did, here it is - enjoy 😊
explore.osmaps.com/route/15884120/helvellyn-walk-from-thirlmere-a-guide-to-a-less-crowded-ascent
Unusual to get Helvellyn summit to yourself (unless it was clever camera angles). Pity about the lack of view.
I got lucky to have it to myself for 5 minutes or so, think the poor weather helped with that and also it being a weekday! Good excuse to come back for a summit view though 😊