NY3209 : The Howitzer

Helm Crag

405m Elevation
72m Prominence
England Country
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NY3209 : The Howitzer

Shaun Ferguson Photo source

Explore routes near Helm Crag

Walks starting near this hill. Open a route to check its map, distance and full itinerary.

Tarn Hows Fast Route

4.1 km ~1h Moderate

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Scafell Pike from Seathwaite via the Corridor Route

14.1 km ~7h Hard

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Helvellyn via Striding Edge

11.2 km ~6h Hard

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Striding Edge, Helvellyn and Catstye Cam

12 km ~6h 30m Hard

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Route planning notes

These notes describe possible approaches. Check a route's map and access information when planning your walk.

Grasmere to Helm Crag

A popular route that takes you from the quaint village of Grasmere, offering a moderate ascent with scenic views along the way.

4.2 km ~2.5 hours Moderate
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Hill facts and local notes

Classifications

400-499m hill Wainwright Birkett Synge Fellranger

Elevation

405m

1,329 ft

Prominence

72m

Coordinates

54.4750, -3.0408

NY326093

OS Map

90

Explorer: OL5S OL7N

At the Summit

The summit is marked by a prominent rocky outcrop and a small cairn. One can also find the unique 'Lion and the Lamb' rock formation, a prominent natural feature that resembles a dog resting on a rock.

Terrain & Geology

Rocky with grassy patches ideal for those who like a bit of a scramble while enjoying the fresh air.

Helm Crag is primarily composed of Carboniferous limestone, which contributes to its rugged features and the surrounding rich biodiversity. The limestone rock formations are indicative of ancient marine environments.

Views & Scenery

Spectacular views of the surrounding peaks, including the distant Helvellyn and the charming Grasmere valley. If you're lucky, you might even spot the fells basking in the summer sun!

History & Heritage

Name Origin

The name 'Helm Crag' stems from Old Norse, where 'helm' means 'ridge' or 'peak', and 'crag' refers to a rugged cliff, making it quite the descriptive title.

Historical Significance

Helm Crag holds cultural significance in local literature, having inspired poets such as Wordsworth, who celebrated its beauty in his works.

Getting There & Facilities

Parking

Parking is available at the Grasmere Village car park, which is a short walk from the trailhead.

Public Transport

Regular bus services operate from Windermere and Ambleside to Grasmere.

Nearby Facilities

Grasmere offers a variety of facilities including cafés, pubs, and public toilets. Don't miss the famous Grasmere Gingerbread for a tasty pick-me-up!

Safety Information

Known Hazards

  • Loose rocks and uneven terrain. Weather can change rapidly in the Lake District, so prepare for a variety of conditions.

General Safety Tips

  • Check weather conditions before setting out
  • Carry appropriate clothing and equipment
  • Let someone know your planned route
  • Take a map, compass, and GPS device
  • Carry emergency supplies: food, water, first aid kit, torch

Hills

Some common questions about the hills answered

Are there group walks up Helm Crag?

Many walkers use Walkmates to join or organise walks with others. You can check for group walks around Helm Crag through the maps

Are there other walkers around Helm Crag?

Activity varies by location and time, but Walkmates lets you see whether others have shared walks or shown interest in this area. Find other people through the walking friends search walking friends for Helm Crag search or of course create your own walk for Helm Crag

Can I organise a walk to Helm Crag?

Yes. If there aren’t any walks listed already, you can create a walk and make it available for others to join.

If you're signed up to Walkmates, you can create a walk to Helm Crag.

How do I find a walk up this hill?

There are often multiple ways to walk this hill, depending on experience and route preference. Walkmates helps you explore walks and routes that others have shared.

Can I suggest a new route up Helm Crag?

Yes. You can suggest or create routes to share with others. Walkmates focuses on the social side of walking, so routes are used to help people organise walks and explore areas together, rather than as detailed navigation tools or route libraries.

Other uses really appreciate knowledgeable walkers sharing their routes. Share your favourite route to Helm Crag here

The is an error or something incorrect about this hill. How do I let you know?

We always strive to keep the information on Walkmates as accurate as possible. If you find an error, please let us know through the contact form and we'll aim to correct it as quickly as possible

Location

View the hill's mapped position and surrounding paths.

Grid reference: NY326093

View on OpenStreetMap

Opens a map in a new tab, centred on the hill.

Nearby Hills

Loughrigg Fell

335m

Fairfield

873m

 Helvellyn

Helvellyn

950m

St Sunday Crag

841m

Wetherlam

763m
See 5 more nearby hills