Helvellyn is one of the most frequented winter climbing areas in the Lakes. The Red Tarn face can be guaranteed to have several parties on routes at the first hint of snow and the Striding Edge/Swirral Edge circuit is a very popular winter scramble. Brown Cove Crag is included in this Section even though it is on the opposite side of the mountain from Red Tarn. This is because many people approach routes from the west as well as the east bagging a route at Brown Cove Crags on the way. The classic routes are Viking Buttress and V Groove. To approach from the west park at Swirls Car Park GR 315169. To approach from the east the parking is slightly awkward. It is usually possible to park at Glenridding YHA GR 365175 during the winter months, which is accessed via a private road running west from the village. However there may be future problems with this access and you should be prepared to park in the main Glenridding car park. The latter adds about 20mins to the approach.
Routes
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16 winter routes (I...V) Graded List of Routes List of First Ascents |      | ||
| Buttress (click for routes) | No. of Routes | Route Type | Sunshine or shade |
Approach walk | Other |
| V Corner Area NY 344152 825m. NE Facing The broken face left of Viking Buttress. Descent: Walk off to the... |
6 | Winter |
Early morning sun |
Uphill 80 mins |
Windy |
| Brown Cove Crags NY 342158 750m. N Facing. Approach from Swirls Car Park at GR 315169. A Large broken crag with... |
5 | Winter |
No sun |
Uphill 40 mins |
Windy |
| Viking Buttress NY 343152 840m. NE Facing. This is the elegant prow shaped buttress on the right side of the Red... |
5 | Winter |
Early morning sun |
Uphill 80 mins |
Windy |
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