Helm Crag

I've been to Grasmere a few times and always admired this huge hulk of a hill called Helm Crag, just plonker on the outskirts. So on our next holiday in the Lake District, I thought I would have a quick hike up to the top.

Parking in Grasmere itself was a bit of a nightmare, as it's such a popular place, but I found this huge layby just to the side of Helm Crag only a short walk away from the foot of the hill.

Standing at 405m, Helm Crag is just a baby compared to other hills in the Lake District, but the 326m ascent to the top is a nice little leg burner. For this hike I'm going to skirt the hill and tackle it from the north.

From the parking follow the road until you get to the Travellers Rest pub and there you will see a finger post pointing towards Helm Crag. Follow this to the foot of the hill and across the little footbridge.

Now looking the map there is a permissive path that seems to double back and then follow a straight path to the top. I don't think that path actually exists. Instead from the bridge you will see a nice clear path zig-zagging its way through the bracken.

You can't go wrong now and so just follow this clear path all the way up to the top. As we approach the top we get a glorious view of the neighbouring hill called Seat Sandal.

As I level out we catch some amazing views over the nearby hills. I think about a quick detour over, but maybe for another day.

Looking north west this little path runs down to Gibson Knott, but we turn in the opposite direction to head to the summit of Helm Crag.

One last little push and I'm at the top with glorious views!

It's absolutely crag-tastic up here, so I get the camera out and start snapping.

This beauty has a name and is called the Howitzer.

Another crag with a name and this one is called the Lion and Lamb.

At the southern most part of the peak I get our first view of Grasmere Reservoir and it's such a stunning view that I sit here for a bit with my drink and Fruity Malt.

Looking west I spy Easdale Tarn.

From here you can head over on to the nearby hills, head down the way you came, or wander down the southern side of the hill into Grasmere. Clear paths all the way down.

Wainwright himself liked Helm Crag for its distinctive summit rocks, especially the so-called Lion and the Lamb and the Howitzer. His most famous line about it was that nobody has ever stood on the very top of Helm Crag and nobody ever will, because the true highest point is the tip of the Howitzer rock, which he considered unclimbable for ordinary walkers. I bet a few people have scrambled up that since then though.

This was a smashing little hill and at a leisurely pace you can probably tackle it in an hour. And the views are definitely worth it for the effort. Also a really good one to begin with if you're just starting out your Wainright Bagging.

To bag Helm Crag it's just over 3km and 326m of ascent. Follow the route below.