Highlight (Segment) • Summit
Dollywaggon Pike
Mountain biking
5.0
(22)
Hiking
5.0
(2)
This Highlight goes through a protected area
Please check local regulations for:
Tips
August 4, 2018
Mountain biking
In fact, the vast majority of people who attempt Helvellyn from this direction will be carrying up at least parts of Dollywagon.
It's not a bad idea to conserve as much energy as possible for the inevitable descents to come!
July 10, 2021
Mountain biking
Decending dollywaggon is quite technical but made harder if conditions are wet.
It's a section you'll either love or hate
June 16, 2025
Mountain biking
In the know? Log-in to add a tip for other adventurers!
Sign up for free
Nearby routes
Best routes near Dollywaggon Pike
4.0
(4)
24
riders
29.1km
03:49
1,470m
1,480m
The Helvellyn loop in the Lake District offers a challenging mountain biking experience, known for its dramatic scenery and technical demands. This difficult 18.1-mile (29.1 km) route features panoramic views from glaciated peaks, including high-level views of Red Tarn and impressive mining landscapes. You will gain 4836 feet (1474 metres) in elevation, with the ride typically taking around 3 hours and 49 minutes to complete. Be prepared for varied and often arduous terrain, including steep, rocky ascents and descents with boulders and tight corners. You can expect to push or carry your bike on sections like Dollywagon Pike, which has set stones and drainage ditches. The descent via Sticks Pass also features rough ground and sudden drops. The route combines unpaved, asphalt, gravel, natural, and alpine surfaces, and trails can be wet even in summer. From the summit on a clear day, you might see Windermere, Coniston Water, and the Langdale Pikes. This ride is not recommended for beginners. It demands very good fitness and advanced riding skills, with some sections rated S3-S6 on the Singletrack Trail Scale. The Comb Crags descent can become extremely icy in winter due to lack of sun exposure. The Helvellyn loop is notable as one of England's premier mountain biking rides, largely because Helvellyn has the highest legal bridleway to a summit in the country. It offers an exhilarating day of technical mountain travel. The descent down Sticks Pass is often highlighted as one of the best in the Lake District, known for its fun switchbacks. The Helvellyn massif is also famous for its dramatic horseshoe ridge, which includes the iconic Striding Edge and Swirral Edge, providing an epic backdrop to your ride.
4.3
(12)
165
riders
32.7km
03:27
1,040m
1,040m
Hard mountain bike ride. Very good fitness required. Advanced riding skills necessary.
4.3
(13)
160
riders
20.5km
02:38
940m
940m
Hard mountain bike ride. Very good fitness required. Advanced riding skills necessary.
Details
Informations
Distance 1 km
Uphill 250 m
Weather
Powered by Foreca
Most visited during
January
February
March
April
May
June
July
August
September
October
November
December