“Hereabouts the surround of mountainous country is complete, the western arc being occupied by a tumultuous skyline and the eastern horizon formed of lofty smooth ranges”
A Wainwright
Two great days walking above the village of Grasmere, taking in the summits of Helm Crag, High Raise, Sergeant Man amongst many other tops, on Saturday we will climb five summits including High Raise before descending by the picturesque Easdale Tarn.
On Sunday our walk takes us on a slightly lower circuit of the summits to the north of Grasmere taking in the summits of Steel Fell with its wonderful views north over Thirlmere before following the ridge over Calf Crag and Gibson Knott to end on Helm Crag.
“The ridge is a fell-walkers' delight. A constantly changing scene, beautiful and dramatic views, fine situation and an interesting course throughout make this a walk to remember”
A Wainwright
High Raise
From Grasmere we will climb to the summit of Silver How, a wonderful viewpoint above Grasmere, we will continue to climb this ridge over Blea Rigg to the summit of Sergeant Man, a small rocky outcrop on the side of High Raise with views over to the Langdale Pikes and Stickle Tarn.
We will walk the short distance from Sergeant Man to the summit of High Raise, a great viewpoint in the centre of the Lake District with a stunning panorama of almost all the Lakeland Fells.
A short walk will bring us onto the path that descends over Tarn Crag, a rocky summit with views over Grasmere and down to Easdale Tarn. The descent from Tarn Crag will bring us down to Easdale Tarn and the path alongside Sour Milk Gill, a procession of waterfalls descending into the Easdale Valley where we will follow the track back to Grasmere.
Steel Fell to Helm Crag
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.
Where to meet: Grasmere Village
Postcode: LA22 9SS
Grid Reference: NY 337 076
Directions
Grasmere can easily be found off the A591 between Ambleside and Keswick. Follow the signs into the village and park in one of the many car parks, we will meet in the centre of the village on the corner of Easdale Road, opposite Sam Reid´s Bookshop.
Bus Services
Ambleside is well served by buses, the main bus stop is100m away from the meet point.
The 555 bus runs between Kendal and Keswick, passing through Windermere and Grasmere.
The 599 runs regularly through the summer months from Bowness, Windermere and Grasmere.
Stagecoach bus timetables can be viewed here
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Excellent 2 days walking from Grasmere Review by Karen
2 fantastic days 1 with Andy as guide and second with John. First day superb views. Second day less good views as misty but much better than was forecast (views better and less rain) and cloud cleared towards latter part of day. 2 superb walks. Thank you (Posted on 24/07/2016)
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