 | Helm Cragg via Steel Fell - Long arduous climb followed by a superb ridge walk - Approx 5.5 miles - Challenging |
The start is alongside the A591 at Mill Bridge (Grid ref. NY336091) one mile north of Grasmere. Parking is available in two lay-bys although there are restrictions at certain times of the year so an early start is recommended. After parking, leave the main road and take the lane down towards Low Mill Bridge. At the junction (Grid ref. NY333091) turn right and continue along this quiet lane towards Ghyll Foot. Just after crossing Green Burn, bear left up a gravel drive and start to climb. After passing two cottages on your right, go through the gate and turn half right to leave the track and follow the path with the wall on your immediate right.
The climb is
steady and the way ahead obvious. However at least two false summits
have to be dealt with during the ascent, which
offers improving views across Dunmail Raise to Seat Sandal and the
Helvellyn range. Cresting the final section of ascent, a cairn comes
into view constructed from stone and metal fence posts. From here you
are able to get
a good idea of the route ahead with almost all of the walk visible from
this point.
To continue, walk northwest and then west following the line of the derelict fence. The path is generally easy to follow although in mist it is necessary to stay with the fence line. At a fence junction (Grid ref. NY313113) a short diversion north offers an excellent view north down to Wyth Burn. Passing an unnamed tarn (Grid ref. NY307110), continue across wet ground (mostly avoidable) with the path swinging west and then south to reach the main ridge path on Calf Crag (Grid ref. NY302104).
The route from Calf Crag stays with the ridge that ends at Helm Crag. The path twists and turns along the ridge to reach Gibson Knott before descending to a broad col just before helm Crag. It is worth making a note of the exit path descending northeast towards Green Burn. that will be used after visiting the summit of Helm Crag. With the final ascent to the summit of Helm Crag an easy proposition over the paved path you can soon explore the rocks and crags that give this fell so much character when viewed from the valley. The Grasmere end of the summit area is home to the Lion and the Lamb whilst the other end is home to Lion Couchant (looks like a massive howitzer from the summit).
With exploration of Helm Crag complete, return to the col on its northwestern flank and turn right (northeast) down the steep path towards Green Burn. Care is needed during this descent especially if the grass is wet or icy. With the wall on your left continue the descent to reach a wall junction (Grid ref. NY326096). Cross the wall ahead and continue north across the next field to gain the path on the south bank of Green Burn. Turn upstream to reach a footbridge. Cross the bridge and walk downstream along the track. This leads past the two cottages passed early in the walk and down to Ghyll Foot. Follow the lane towards Grasmere to reach a road junction. Turn left uphill to reach the start.