Helm Crag
View a slideshow of our walk around Helm Crag and Easedale Tarn.
Helm Crag lies in the central fells to the north of Grasmere village. It is one of the more distinctive lakeland fells, requiring a fairly steep hike up to its well known rocky outcrops lying either side of the highest ridge in the rocks. These outcrops take on a number of different appearances from the valleys below. One of the best know is the southern outcrop, viewed from Grasmere below and known fondly as the 'Lion and the Lamb,' Other names for the crags include 'The Howitzer' and 'the old lady playing the organ.'
The more adventurous can climb the rocks at the top taking them to the summit of 1299ft. Wainwright recommends the same route for ascent and descent from Grasmere, as this gives good views on the way down of the vale of Grasmere. Alternatively Helm Crag can be combined with other walks such as the Far Easedale Circuit, Easedale Tarn or Greenburn valley.
Alfred Wainwright describes Helm Crag as:
"A splendid little climb; if it has a fault it is that it is too short. But for the evening of the day of arrival in Grasmere on a walking holiday it is just the thing: an epitome of Lakeland concentrated in the space of two hours - and an excellent foretaste of days yet to come."
Getting there:
Grasmere lies just to the west of the A591 and there are several car parks.
Buses:
599 (open top) Kendal - Windermere - Ambleside - Grasmere. (every 20 minutes.)
555 Lancaster - Kendal - Windermere - Ambleside - Grasmere - Keswick - Carlisle.
X8 Preston - Windermere - Ambleside - Grasmere - Keswick.
