Mountain campsites in Helvellyn

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97% (283 reviews)
97% (283 reviews)

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12 top mountainous campsites in Helvellyn

100%
(3)

Primrose Cottage Camping

13 units · Motorhomes, Tents8 acres · Chorley, England
A quiet adult-only site (this site does not cater for children), with tents and campervans only, nestled below Healey Nab in the Lancashire Countryside. Rustic and back to basics is what this site is all about. Set amid spectacular countryside, grassy fields, woodland and streams to boot! Well behaved four legged friends are more than welcome. Campfires and good times allowed. *Please note loud music is not allowed.* Flat walks are a plenty along the Leeds and Liverpool canal or maybe a circular walk to white White Coppice might float your boat? For the hill walkers amongst us there is Great Hill and Rivington Pike to climb. Within walking distance or a few minutes drive there is pub at the end of the lane and local shops within the vicinity for those last minute snacks. Chorley town centre is 10 minutes drive away and we are close to the M61 which can take you to the Lake district in less than an hour, Manchester or Blackpool are roughly 30 Minutes away.
Pets
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Trash
from 
£25
 / night
100%
(21)

The Black Swan

3 units · Glamping1 acre · Kirkby Stephen, England
Our three, brand new wood and canvas yurts are nestled in our private, woodland hotel garden beside the beautiful conservation (SSSI) river of Scandal Beck. Just a short drive from The Lake District, The Yorkshire and Durham Dales as well as The Scottish Border, we are perfectly located for you to explore. The yurts themselves are individually decorated with full size furniture, electricity and double beds. The yurts are all located in the garden of The Black Swan Hotel, Ravenstonedale, a multi award-winning hotel, restaurant and bar; recipient of 2 AA Rosettes as well as AA pub of the year for England 2018/19. As part of your stay in our yurts you will receive a full cooked breakfast and buffet option included in the price for 2 people in our hotel restaurant. We like to think of ourselves as a cosy home from home with a relaxed dining atmosphere throughout. We are very dog friendly in the hotel, restaurant, bar and yurts so please bring your furry family members. Our beautiful woodland is also home to red squirrels (which are seen daily), protected, freshwater crayfish in the river, an otter (seen very infrequently but the nemesis of our ducks), 6 Indian runner ducks, free range chickens and our two cockerels! (Dogs are very welcome but are to be kept on a lead whilst in the woodland itself). We are very dog friendly and charge an additional fee of £15 for 1 dog/ £20 for 2 dogs for an additional cleaning fee and for some dog friendly goodies such as poop bags and treats. The price of this yurt is based on an occupancy of 2 people. Any other people who will be staying on the sofa bed will add a charge of £40 per person per night for breakfast and their stay. All yurts come with electrical battery pack, chargeable lanterns, tea/coffee, homemade biscuits, log burning stoves, towels, full breakfast included from the hotel, an outdoor seating area and access to our outdoor toasty warm woodland shower as well as our very cute, wooden toilet cabin. Hairdryers are available in the hotel for your use.
Pets
Potable water
Campfires
Showers
Trash
from 
£136
 / night

Dog-friendly getaways

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Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field
Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field

Mountain campsites in Helvellyn guide

Overview

Scaling the 950-metre summit of Helvellyn—the third-highest peak in the Lake District National Park—has long been a popular challenge for hikers and mountaineers. There are several routes to the top, but the most scenic is via Striding Edge. Hike along dramatic mountain ridges, scramble up steep passages, then walk the summit plateau for magnificent views across the lakes and the distant Pennines. Summiting Helvellyn takes about six or seven hours return, depending on the chosen route, and there are five mountain ridges to explore. Campers will find plenty of options in nearby Ullswater and Thirlmere.

When to go

The most popular time to climb Helvellyn is from June through September, when the weather is most favourable for hiking, and the terrain is typically dry and easily accessible. Choose a clear, dry day for the best views. The summit is still accessible throughout winter, although it’s a much more technical climb, and shorter daylight hours mean you might find yourself descending in the dark.

Know before you go

  • Helvellyn is located just north of Ambleside in the Lake District National Park. There are several routes up the mountain, but the most popular are via Striding Edge (for the most impressive views) or Swirral Edge (for the shortest and easiest way to the top). Paid parking is available in Glenridding, the starting point for both routes. 
  • Hiking Helvellyn is a moderately challenging route and best suited to intermediate hikers. Depending on the route, there are some steep sections and scrambles. Hiking outside of the main season is best left to experienced hikers. 
  • The weather on Helvellyn is notoriously changeable, and it’s essential to check conditions before setting out. Follow the Lake District Weatherline for daily updates and prepare for all seasons, even in summer.
  • Proper hiking gear and boots are essential for summiting Helvellyn. Bring an OS map and compass, plenty of food and water, sunscreen, a raincoat, and warm clothes for the summit. 
  • Wild camping is not permitted anywhere in the Lake District. However, some hikers do wild camp around Red Tarn lake on the mountain’s eastern slopes.

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