“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 Fell553 metres / 1814 feet
Calf Crag537 metres / 1762 feet
Gibson Knott420 metres / 1378 feet
Gibson Knott420 metres / 1378 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.

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.

Each participant is expected to bring suitable personal equipment for the event.
This should include the following:

Summer Events:
(November - March)

Walking shoes / Boots
Waterproof clothing (Jacket and trousers)
Suitable clothing for walking (no jeans)
Warm tops
Packed lunch
Spare clothing
Water
Hat
Gloves

Winter Events:
(April - October)

Walking Boots
Waterproof clothing (Jacket and trousers)
Suitable clothing for walking (no jeans)
Warm tops
Packed lunch
Spare clothing
Water
Hat
Gloves
Torch (preferably a headtorch)
Spare batteries for the above
Spare Gloves
Flask & Hot Drink

The Following equipment may also be useful if owned:

Snow Goggles
Gaiters

The following equipment will be provided by The Lake District Walker should winter conditions require:

Ice Axe
Crampons

Helm Crag and Steel Fell Review by Tracey Hayes

Overall Experience

Really enjoyed our first walk up Helm Crag and Steel Fell on Saturday 30th June. Thanks to our guide TJ who was very knowledgeable and good company. Will definitely be trying another one. (Posted on 04/07/2024)

Fantastic! Review by Fiona

Overall Experience

Had an absolutely perfect day walking on the Helm Crag and Steel Fell Route. My guide was friendly and knowledgeable. He made sure the pace was just right, pointed out interesting things as we went along and made sure that we had time to appreciate the stunning scenery of my first fell. I already have another two walks booked. Fantastic! (Posted on 26/06/2016)

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Questions:

1 Answer

Is there a minimum number of participants for this event to go ahead?

Posted by , Thursday, 9 November 2017 on product Helm Crag & Steel Fell

Question:

Is there a minimum number of participants for this event to go ahead?

Answers:

Posted by John Scadding on Thursday, 9 November 2017

No, there is no minimum number for this event, if 1 person books then it will go ahead

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1 Answer

What is the minimum age for children on this event?

Posted by , Thursday, 12 October 2017 on product Helm Crag & Steel Fell

Question:

What is the minimum age for children on this event?

Answers:

Posted by John Scadding on Thursday, 12 October 2017

We do not have a set minimum age for this event, however, you know your child best, therefore please bear in mind this is an open event of varying ages, if you are not confident your child can complete this event then hiring a private guide could be a more suitable option.

As this is an open event all under 18's must be accompanied by an adult.

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1 Answer

What happens if the weather is bad?

Posted by , Thursday, 12 October 2017 on product Helm Crag & Steel Fell

Question:

What happens if the weather is bad?

Answers:

Posted by John Scadding on Thursday, 12 October 2017
We plan to walk whatever the weather, unless it is dangerous to do so.

Mountain weather can be a little unpredictable, but we do keep an eye on the forecasts leading up to walks, should the forecast mean that the walk is not possible then we will contact you as soon as we have the forecast and offer you the following options:
- A more suitable walk on the same date taking into consideration the weather conditions
- A transfer to the same walk on another date
- A full refund

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1 Answer

Are dogs allowed on this walk?

Posted by , Monday, 18 September 2017 on product Helm Crag & Steel Fell

Question:

Are dogs allowed on this walk?

Answers:

Posted by John Scadding on Monday, 18 September 2017

Yes, dogs are allowed on all our walks.

However we do cross farmland and common land where animals will be grazing, there will be large sections of the walk, if not all, where dogs will be required to be on a lead.

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Helm Crag & Steel Fell

Only £25 PER PERSON

Private Guiding also available daily

Quantity / Group Size:

Directions

Each participant is expected to bring suitable personal equipment for the event.
This should include the following:

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Helm Crag & Steel Fell

Only £25 PER PERSON

Private Guiding also available daily

Quantity / Group Size:

Directions

Each participant is expected to bring suitable personal equipment for the event. This should include the following:

Questions:

Question:

Answers:

Question:

Answers:

Question:

Answers:

Question:

Answers:

High Raise from Grasmere

The Caldbeck Fells

Each participant is expected to bring suitable personal equipment for the event.
This should include the following: