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Helm Crag & Steel Fell: Thursday 17th September 2015

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Above the village of Grasmere the small fell of Helm Crag dominates the skyline, one of the most famous views in the Lake District is of Helm Crag seen across Grasmere. This guided walk climbs the wonderful summit of Steel Fell before traversing the ridges over Calf Crag to Helm Crag. A wonderful horseshoe walk without going to high.

Availability: Fully Booked

£22.00
Difficulty: Easy / Moderate
  Lower level ridge walking with no exposure
Distance: 13km / 8 miles approx.
Ascent: 720m / 2400ft approx.
Time: 6 hours
Start Time: 10am
Maximum Group Size: 10
Minimum Group Size: 1

 

"The virtues of Helm Crag have not been lauded enough. It gives an exhilarating little climb, a brief essay in real mountaineering, and, in a region where all is beautiful, it makes a notable contribution to the natural charms and attractions of Grasmere."
A. Wainwright

 

A circuit of the fells above Greenburn gives a spectacular days walking, there is no need to go too high when views like these can be found on the lower fells.

The highest point of the circuit, Steel Fell, gives a unique view over Thirlmere, looking along the whole length of the lake.

Calf Crag and Gibson Knott both have their own charms and some wonderful views of the Greenburn and Far Easdale valleys, but it is when the walker reaches Helm Crag that they are really rewarded with some of the best views in the Lake District.

 

Summits included on this route:
   
Steel Fell
553 metres/1814 feet
Calf Crag
537 metres/1762 feet
Gibson Knott
420 metres/1378 feet
Helm Crag
405 metres/1329 feet

 

"This is a splendid little climb; if it has a fault it is that it is too short."
A. Wainwright

 

From Grasmere we will follow the lane to Helmside and climb the gentle southern shoulder of Steel Fell, with wonderful views unfolding to the south over Grasmere as we climb towards the summit of Steel Fell. Upon reaching the summit of Steel Fell we will be rewarded with a stunning view to the north, looking down along the full length of Thirlmere.

The route from Steel Fell brings us west, following the ridge past several tarns to climb to the rocky summit of Calf Crag, a good viewpoint over the Far Easdale Valley.

The fine ridge from Calf Crag descends to the south east, crossing the summit of Gibson Knott before a short climb to the summit of Helm Crag, and a short scramble to the summit of the Howitzer for those that would like to climb to the true summit of Helm Crag.

The rocky summit of Helm Crag is well worth taking a little time to explore, once we are ready we will descend south, zig-zagging down on good paths by some old quarries to meet the track in the Easdale Valley and then the Easdale Road back to Grasmere.

Each participant will be required to bring suitable equipment for their chosen event, please see Kit List tab above.

 

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