Thirlspot via the White Side path up White Side: route map, distance and time
863 m · Cumbria
White Side is a grassy summit on the Helvellyn ridge between Raise and Helvellyn Lower Man, reached by old pony paths from Glenridding or Thirlspot.
Climb the steady path east from the Thirlmere side onto the ridge and up to the summit.
Thirlspot via the White Side path at a glance
| Distance | 3.2 km one way, to the top |
|---|---|
| Ascent | 676 m |
| Time up | 1h 45m by Naismith's rule |
| There and back | 2h 25m, down the same way |
| Grade | Moderate |
| Start | Thirlspot (King's Head) |
| Start grid reference | NY 317 177 |
| Summit grid reference | NY 337 166 |
Thirlspot via the White Side path map
The start (green) and the summit (blue). Peakify has no GPX track for this route yet, so follow the description and your map.
Height profile and getting to the start
Near the start
- King's Head Inn0.1 km
- Public toilets1.0 km
- Public toilets1.3 km
- Public toilets1.7 km
- Thirlspot Farm Camping0.1 km
From OpenStreetMap, within 2 km. Check opening times before you rely on them.
How long the Thirlspot via the White Side path takes
| Pace | To the top | There and back |
|---|---|---|
| Brisk 6 km/h, 8 min per 100 m up | 1h 25m | 2h 0m |
| Steady (Naismith) 5 km/h, 10 min per 100 m up | 1h 45m | 2h 25m |
| Relaxed 4 km/h, 12 min per 100 m up | 2h 10m | 2h 55m |
Times leave out stops. Coming down the same way, the table counts the ascent once; steep descents on rough ground can be as slow as the climb.
- Today: sunrise 07:48, sunset 18:05. Start by 14:40 to be down before dark, allowing 2h 25m for the walk and an hour for stops.
- Tomorrow: sunrise 07:50, sunset 18:03. Start by 14:38 to be down before dark, allowing 2h 25m for the walk and an hour for stops.
White Side summit weather for this route
-
Marginal Today Monday 19 October
Slight rain, up to 8°C at the summit, feeling as cold as -2°C, summit wind 38 mph gusting 47 mph, 59% chance of rain. Rated Marginal. Sunrise 07:48, sunset 18:05.
-
Marginal Tomorrow Tuesday 20 October
Slight rain, up to 6°C at the summit, feeling as cold as 2°C, summit wind 25 mph gusting 31 mph, 86% chance of rain. Rated Marginal. Sunrise 07:50, sunset 18:03.
Best day of the next seven for the Thirlspot via the White Side path: Tuesday 20 October, with summit gusts around 31 mph and a 86% chance of rain.
Hour-by-hour White Side forecast
Before you go, also check: MWIS Lake District forecast · Met Office mountain forecast · Weatherline fell top conditions.
What to take today
- An insulated jacket, hat and warm gloves: it feels like -2°C on top.
- Waterproof jacket and overtrousers: 59% chance of rain.
- A windproof layer, and poles for balance in gusts to 47 mph.
- Map and compass, and the skills to use them. A phone is a backup, not a plan.
- A head torch, food, water, a charged phone and a small first aid kit.
About White Side
White Side is a grassy summit on the Helvellyn ridge between Raise and Helvellyn Lower Man, reached by old pony paths from Glenridding or Thirlspot. More about White Side, with the live forecast.
On the lists: Wainwright, Hewitt, Nuttall, Birkett.
Extend the walk: tops near the summit
- Raise (883 m), 0.9 km north-east
- Helvellyn Lower Man (925 m), 1.1 km south
- Catstye Cam (890 m), 1.3 km south-east
- Helvellyn (950 m), 1.6 km south
- Striding Edge (863 m), 2.2 km south-east
- Stybarrow Dodd (844 m), 2.3 km north
Challenges that include White Side
- Lake District 24 Peaks Challenge · 24
- Bob Graham Round · 42
- Hewitts · 523
- Nuttalls · 442
- Wainwrights · 214
Other routes up White Side
| Route | Distance | Ascent | Time up | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Glenridding via Keppel Cove | 8.0 km one way | 790 m | 2h 55m | Moderate |
| Swirls via Lower Man and White Side | 4.4 km one way | 750 m | 2h 10m | Hard |
| Glenridding via Sticks Pass | 7.2 km one way | 860 m | 2h 50m | Hard |
In an emergency
Call 999, ask for the police and then mountain rescue. Give your location (the start is at NY 317 177, the summit at NY 337 166), what happened and how many are in your group. If you have no signal for a call, a text to 999 works once you have registered your phone with emergencySMS: text "register" to 999 before you go.
Thirlspot via the White Side path: questions and answers
How far is the Thirlspot via the White Side path?
The Thirlspot via the White Side path is 3.2 km one way to the summit of White Side, with 676 m of ascent. There and back by the same way is about 6.4 km.
How long does the Thirlspot via the White Side path take?
About 1h 45m to the summit of White Side and 2h 25m there and back by Naismith's rule (5 km/h plus 10 minutes per 100 m of ascent), before stops. A relaxed group takes nearer 2h 55m for the round trip.
Where do you park for the Thirlspot via the White Side path?
The Thirlspot via the White Side path starts from Thirlspot (King's Head). The grid reference is NY 317 177.
Is the Thirlspot via the White Side path suitable for beginners?
Yes, for fit walkers on a clear day. Peakify grades it Moderate: a long climb on a made path, but the top is high, exposed and colder than the start. Turn back if the cloud comes down and you can't navigate.
What time should I start the Thirlspot via the White Side path today?
By 14:40 at the latest. Sunset on White Side today is 18:05, The Thirlspot via the White Side path takes about 2h 25m there and back, and that leaves an hour for stops. Start earlier in winter or if the forecast turns.
Is there a GPX for the Thirlspot via the White Side path?
Not yet. The Peakify iPhone app can plan the route and export a GPX (Peakify Pro).