Helm Crag

Helm Crag

Helm Crag rises to 405 m above Grasmere in the Lake District's Central Fells. It is a Wainwright with 72 m of prominence. Its compact rocky ridge gives a rewarding half-day outing, but the highest rock demands more than ordinary hillwalking.

The summit rocks

The traditional Lion and the Lamb stand at the south-east end of the ridge. The highest point is the separate Howitzer tor to the north-west, at NY326093. Walking to its base does not put you on the true summit. Climbing the Howitzer is an exposed hands-on scramble with serious drops and a difficult descent for anyone lacking experience. Enjoying the ridge does not require climbing either outcrop.

Walking from Grasmere

The out-and-back from the centre of Grasmere is 6.4 km in the Lakelovers route guide. Follow Easedale Road past Goody Bridge to the signed Helm Crag approach, then climb the steep, partly stone-pitched path above Easedale. Rocky steps lead onto the ridge. Return by the route of ascent. The distance covers the complete walk back to Grasmere.

Gibson Knott (420.1 m) and Calf Crag (537 m) lie farther along the ridge. Continuing over them and returning through Far Easedale makes a substantially longer walk. The descent from Bracken Hause towards Stythwaite Steps is included in Fix the Fells' 2026 repair programme: follow any site instructions and check Lake District National Park path notices before using that alternative.

Terrain and safety

Expect steep paths, uneven rock and gaps among the summit outcrops. Damp rock can be slippery. Snow, ice or strong winds make the ridge and rock climbs more serious; leave the Howitzer alone in icy conditions. Carry navigation equipment you can use, warm and waterproof layers, food, water and a torch. Check the mountain forecast and allow daylight for the descent. For a mountain emergency, call 999 or 112 and ask for Police, then Mountain Rescue.

Views and geology

In clear weather the outlook includes Grasmere, Easedale, Seat Sandal, Fairfield, Helvellyn, the Langdale Pikes and the Coniston fells. Helm Crag belongs to the Borrowdale Volcanic Group; volcanic beds and weathering contribute to its distinctive crags and ridges.

Getting there

Grasmere is the walking base. Broadgate Meadow and Stock Lane offer paid village parking; Stock Lane has public toilets. Shops, cafes and pubs are in the village. Stagecoach 555 and 599 serve Grasmere, with links through Ambleside and Windermere; the 555 also connects with Keswick. Check your date-specific timetable and the return bus before setting out.

Literary connection

Wordsworth names Helm Crag and its rock figures in The Waggoner, composed in 1805 and published in 1819. The familiar Lion and the Lamb name comes from the southern rocks' outline when seen from Grasmere.