Grasmere - Calf Crag - Gibson's Knott

Jim Grindle

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The walk begins by the Gingerbread Shop, which is close to the north entrance of the church. A riverside path is followed to a quiet lane leading round the back of Helm Crag. The route follows a path up the Greenburn Valley by the side of a number of waterfalls before a gradual track leads up the fellside to the ridge above Far Easedale.

A right turn takes you to Calf Crag before the return leg back along the ridge. Keeping to the high ground brings you to the top of Gibson's Knott and then Helm Crag by a short rocky section.

At the north end of the ridge is The Howitzer, an outcrop which is the highest point of the fell and one which Wainwright failed to conquer. Younger men than me go straight up, but the easier way is to start on the rocks at the left and to go up and move right - several times. It is still not easy for most people and there is a drop on the far side.

At the south end of the ridge are the two rocks forming the Lion and the Lamb, looking quite realistic even close up. The Lion is not too difficult to climb but it is not the highest point on Helm Crag.

The descent is along the ridge until a grassy area is reached. Here there is a sharp turn right onto a cairned path and then a path of pitched stones. This leads down to an old quarry and the path from Easedale at the point where it is surfaced. This takes you directly back to the village.

England - North England - Cumbria - Lake District - South East

Features

Church, Flowers, Great Views, Lake/Loch, National Trust, Pub, River, Toilets, Wildlife

8/28/2013 - MIKE DUDLEY

Good walk but was a bit of a slog at times. I made sure I printed off the pictures this time with the notes. Just beware that the pictures can look a bit different depending on the season. Hot day in August and a plague of flying ants on the ridge! Keep high and to the left to locate Calf Crag. The ridge is hard and uneven underfoot so you need to watch your feet most of the time. So stop from time to time to take in the great views! Good for dogs but keep your eyes out for nomadic Herdwicks.

4/2/2012 - Jonathan Clements

Excellent walk - the low level start is a delight, with few people. The high level part is very popular and can get crowded during peak times.