Helm Crag (The Lion & the Lamb)

The lay-by on the outskirts of Grasmere by the side of the busy A591 was my parking place of choice today. You can park in Grasmere itself at the main Car Park, but I much prefer it here. Having said that, it seems to be getting busier, I've always been able to get parked here alright, but it was well attended at 09:30 on a Thursday morning which was quite a surprise.

Looking over to Stone Arthur as I set off along the roadside - I had initially considered visiting this fell today, but changed my plans at the last minute and selected to do a few stand-alone fells instead.

There she is - Helm Crag. The summit sees the rock formation that gives Helm Crag its alternative name of ‘the Lion and the Lamb' and from certain low-level viewpoints it certainly looks like a lion king is standing over and looking down upon a small lamb. Unfortunately, I don't think you can quite make it out on this photo, so I'm afraid you will have to take my word for it.

Strolling into the quiet village of Grasmere. Walkers are dotted about as they set off on their various walks for the day.

A right turn as I take the Easedale Road.

I stay on the country lane as I pass a very familiar bridge over the brook. I think this wooden bridge has been replaced in the past. However, today I am not heading into the Easedale Valley, but am heading straight on towards Lancrigg and Helm Crag.

There's a choice here, you can keep to the open track across the meadow or take the very well signposted route (as I did), through the Lancrigg woodland estate.

Pleasant views on the left to Sour Milk Gill through the Easedale Valley.

One thing is for sure, you won't get lost around here. It's just about the best fell walking signage in the lakes! I can only assume that many a tourist looking for Helm Crag has got lost in the past, so the owners have made sure no-one struggles in the future. However, you still may choose to stop for a nice coffee or snack before continuing your trek on to Helm Crag.

Dorothy Wordsworth used to sit at this spot, writing down the poems that her brother dictated as he walked nearby.

Deer spotting as I pass through the Lancrigg woodland.

A right turn as the hard work begins.

Looking back down the well-engineered stone staircase.

As height is gained the fells open up around you with some magnificent views. Here is one looking Southwards towards Grasmere and Loughrigg Fell.

Now one to the West with Tarn Crag & Blea Rigg in view.

Far Easedale leading up to Greenup Edge, with the Helm Crag to Calf Crag ridge on the right and Tarn Crag to the left.

Sone Arthur & Heron Pike.

A bit of a zoom and the Langdale Pikes come into focus with a 'snippit' of Easedale Tarn too.

After a bit of huffing & puffing, the summit is soon reached and it's time to explore the interesting fell top. Firstly, it's a visit over to the strange rock formation that has created the Lion figure and the lamb. The mandatory climb onto the top is straightforward enough, but the exposure may keep a few away. May not always be wise on a blustery day.

With feet firmly planted on the rock and a firm grip on my iphone - I take a few snaps down towards the main road. Seat Sandal is the main fell on the other side.

Then it was over to the 'Howitzer' - Another spectacular rock formation which is actually the true summit of Helm Crag. Well, it's beyond my capabilities, it was also beyond the great man himself (AW) who never actually ventured up to the top of the rock. Some do - Some don't, all depending upon climbing skills I expect.

Gibson Knott ahead as I start the descent down to the col which is between the two fells.

When the ground levelled, a small path was picked up towards the North and the descent of Helm Crag continued.

The small track zig zagged its way down through the bracken and into the Greenburn Valley

Crossing the beck which soon afterwards is a tributary to the River Rothay.

To finish the walk, it's a gentle stroll along the country lane in the direction of Grasmere.

I'm not going as far as Grasmere though, as I'm parked on the A591 roadside nearby. So, I take the lane to the left. Ten minutes later and I'm back at the car to consider where to spend the rest of the afternoon.