Helvellyn #1, EMTB

The weather forecast was warm, sunny and little wind, perfect for a first time MTB ride up Helvellyn. The original planned route was through Dockray, over Great Dodd, south along the ridges to the summit of Helvellyn then down via Keppel Cove. I was late in starting and decided to take a shorter route going up via Keppel Cove and down via Sticks Pass. The climb was OK to begin with but then became too steep and I had to walk the bike up the hardest section. Some of the gradients were over 30% and could be challenging on a descent. Nearing the ridge I could ride again and made it most of the way up Whiteside. After a brief descent the next climb was Lower Man and some more walking with the bike. The ride to the summit of Helvellyn and the rest point was easy. I could see the route back to Sticks Pass would involve several descents and ascents so I reconsidered over lunch. The views were fantastic with cloud pouring over the Old Man of Coniston in the distance. With a good view south along the ridge I decided to change the route plan again and descend via Dollywagon then along Grisedale. From research I knew this would be a very difficult descent and walking with the bike all the way down. What came as a surprise was that the track was unrideable a considerable way into Grisedale.
In hindsight I should have stuck to the original plan but it was a great experience on the ridge and summit of Helvellyn with incredible views in all directions.

[@MBrady1970]

Massive respect for showing the difficult climbing too! 👍

[@juleskayak]

Just watched your vid, yes its tough. Did you see my second go up Helvellyn? Two of us approached from the north and went down keppel cove. Next time I'm going up keppel and down sticks pass and maybe even seldom seen. Lower man phew. Like the real time data showing - how did you do that?

[@tonysmyth1767]

Jules you make a really good point on this vid! Which is when on your own don't take chances! , I've walked helvelyn and going to ride it next week, after loads of research and watching vids I'll be going via great dodd and probably back down keppel cove thanks to your vid of the ascent. Thank you for keeping it real and showing the true challenges that most TH-camrs seem to edit out to show how great they are!

[@juleskayak]

@@tonysmyth1767 hoping to have another ride up there soon; and Skiddaw!

[@brianbathgate4944]

Crackin video! Do you know the best route for Hellvellyn? Hoping to hit it this summer but struggling to find a gpx

[@kryten1021]

Good effort especially on your own

[@juleskayak]

Thanks, will look at some of your routes for ideas

[@daveholden1733]

Nice one Jules. But not a good way down to Grizedale tarn. Not done Helvellyn since I last did the Lakland trial way back when I was a lot fitter 👍

[@juleskayak]

Will do the planned route next time!