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Helvellyn round from Thirlmere

A gentle warm up through the woods above Thirlmere Reservoir before climbing into the mountains means we avoid much of the bustle and scrambling on Striding and Swirrel Edges. Still a serious mountain walk, it is not especially difficult or arduous.

Although there are many options, we will start from the pay and display car park at Swirls near the north end of the Helvellyn ridge. You may decide to park at Wythburn Church car park, or at the top of the pass at Dunmail Raise. They are all good start points.

In case you wonder why some photos on this walk are obviously in bright sunshine, and others very misty, they were taken on two different trips.