Helvellyn Glenridding in Glenridding, Cumbria, United Kingdom | Summit

Helvellyn Glenridding, United Kingdom ("Yellow Upland" in Cambric) is the third highest mountain in the Lake District. It is the most famous and most climbed and walked of all the Lakeland fells and is the ideal place to experience the majesty of the area.

The eastern aspect is by far the most picturesque and dramatic, with the Summit encircled by Striding Edge and Swirral Edge. Striding Edge is one of the most popular ridge walks in the Lakes, although there is a lower path for those who prefer (recommended in high wind and the wet!). Swirral Edge also provides a dramatic ascent or descent, and leads to Catstyecam.

The Summit of Helvellyn Glenridding is remarkably flat (helped by some Victorian workmen), so flat indeed that in 1926 John Leeming and Bert Hinkler landed a plane on it (and took off again!). This is marked by one of three memorials in the area. The other on the Summit commemorates Charles Gough, immortalised by William Wordsworth. Gough died attempting to cross Striding Edge to reach the Summit in 1805, and his faithful dog stayed by his body for 3 months until both were discovered.

In the natural hollow bordered on three sides by Helvellyn Glenridding, Striding and Swirral edges lies Red Tarn, which contrary to its name is a splendidly clear glacial pool which looks like an inviting plunge pool from the top in the summer but regularly freezes over in the winter months. Water from the tarn was used to power Greenside mines above Glenridding.