Bag 5 Wainwrights in One Day: The Grisedale Round (Patterdale Circuit)

Why the Grisedale Round Is a Ridge Hiking Icon

Looking for a route that combines Helvellyn’s drama with quieter Eastern Fells? The Grisedale Round offers a sensational loop from Patterdale that includes five Wainwrights on a high ridgeline circuit above Grisedale Tarn, with ridge views and classic fells all the way around. With approximately 17 km of hiking, some scrambling or airy sections, and broad ridges, this route delivers a full Lakeland experience with varied terrain and unforgettable views.

Route Snapshot

• Wainwrights Ticked Off:
  
  • Dollywaggon Pike (858 m)
  
  • Nethermost Pike (891 m)
  
  • Helvellyn (950 m; via Striding or Swirral Edge)
  
  • St Sunday Crag (~841 m)
  
  • Birks (~622 m)
  
  
• Distance: ~17 km (10.7 miles)
  
  
• Ascent: ~1,250 m (4,100 ft)
  
  
• Time Required: 6 hours (route is rated “Technical” by some sources)
  
  
• Start/End Point: Patterdale village
  
  
• Difficulty: Hard — sustained elevation, exposed ridges, scrambling on Striding/Swirral Edge
  
  
• Map Needed: OS Explorer OL5 – North‑Eastern Fells
  
  

Summit-by-Summit Breakdown

Dollywaggon Pike (858 m)

The southernmost fell of the Helvellyn Range, rising sharply above Grisedale Tarn with rocky crags to the east and grassy slopes to the west. A dramatic first summit with full views across the ridge edge.

Nethermost Pike (891 m)

The second-highest Wainwright in the Eastern Fells, with grassy western slopes contrasting its eastern cliffs. A gem when approached from the east  .

Helvellyn (950 m)

The iconic high point of the Lakes and the backdrop to many ridge walks via Striding Edge or Swirral Edge, both popular and dramatic ascent options  .

St Sunday Crag (841 m)

A fine fell rising above the Grisedale flank, its broad summit offers sweeping views toward Ullswater and the Eastern Fells.

Birks (622 m)

A gentler finish to the loop, this lower summit offers views into the valleys and backs onto Patterdale — a soothing descent after a big day.

Full Route Description: Grisedale Round from Patterdale

1. Begin in Patterdale, ascend toward Grisedale Tarn, then climb to Dollywaggon Pike along a well-trodden path.
   
   
2. Continue along the ridge to Nethermost Pike, navigating the rocky crest and enjoying wild eastern views.
   
   
3. Proceed north to Helvellyn, ascending via Striding Edge or Swirral Edge, both technical but iconic routes.
   
   
4. Drop eastward and ascend St Sunday Crag, taking in dramatic views above Grisedale.
   
   
5. Finish with a descent via Birks, returning you to Patterdale via the valley below.
   
   

Navigation & Safety Notes

• The saddle between summits can feel exposed—check wind and weather forecasts before heading out.
  
  
• Striding Edge requires scrambling skills and should only be attempted in good conditions.
  
  
• Sections around Nethermost Pike and Helvellyn can be confusing in mist—bring map, compass, or GPS.
  
  

What to Bring

• OS Explorer OL5
  
  
• Waterproof and windproof layers
  
  
• Energy-rich food and >2 L of water
  
  
• Headtorch (shorter days in autumn/winter)
  
  
• GPS or downloaded GPX track via the Peaky Baggers app
  
  

Post-Hike Refuel

• The White Lion Inn, Patterdale — excellent food and well-deserved rest
  
  
• Old Water View Café — café bar with riverside seating
  
  
• Helvellyn Country Kitchen in Glenridding — ideal for a lakeside meal
  
  

Final Thoughts

The Grisedale Round is a classic route, rich in drama, challenge and summit scenery. With five iconic peaks in one electrifying loop, it’s a day walker’s dream — equal parts challenge, reward, and visual payoff.

Log your journey and summit ticks in the Peaky Baggers app—complete the loop and capture each fell’s magic.

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Photo by Jill Gear on Unsplash