Grasmere and Helm Crag

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 Greenburn Valley is entered and a footbridge leads to the open fellside.

A steep but short ascent over grass takes us to the ridge below Helm Crag, with views down Far Easedale. A short, rocky section leads to the summit ridge of Helm Crag.

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 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

4/16/2017 - Michael Ryall

Not having printed out this walk due to lack of printer I had to rely on the GPS way points and have to say that points 8 and 9 overshot the bridge which led to confusion as we were looking for another bridge further upstream. Having allowed for this we headed for point 10 but there was no ladder style over the wall at the end of the enclosure so we climbed over the wall. We wouldn't have had some of the problems if we had printed the instructions and anyway was a brilliant walk and thoroughly enjoyed by all participants. Well done!

2/2/2010 - tracey taylor

Walked on 23 Jan 2010. On point 9 "and higher up crosses a third wall by a ladder-stile." The 3rd wall the ladder-stile is not there. We walked along the wall for sometime looking for a way over, but in the end had to turn back and follow our tracks back.

8/18/2008 - Walkingworld Administrator

Thanks to Steve Harris for the updates on this walk. August 2008

8/16/2008 - Stephen Harris

Walked 11.08.08. Fab walk. The 2nd bridge referred to was closed but is due to re-open in late August 2008. Point 6 and 7 were confusing but amendments sent to WW to update. Excellent views and a great day out, scoring 9/10 only because of the slight confusion! Well done Jim!

4/4/2008 - Ruth goodall

I did this walk yesterday, 3rd April, in beautiful sunny weather. It was most enjoyable. One thing I would mention is that I printed the walk without the images and the text referred to the pictures, so there can be a little confusion.