Helm Crag is a modest Wainwright Fell to the north of Grasmere, which, despite its small height is one of the most recognised fells in Lakeland,situated as it is in view of the main road route between Keswick andWindermere. A number of protruding craggy outcrops, with names such as'Howitzer' and 'Old Woman Playing the Organ' stick up from around its twinsummits, making it easy to spot. Wainwright was a big fan of Helm Crag,declaring it an 'exhilarating little climb', and one which can be combined witha little mountaineering by scaling the rocky outcrops to get the best views ofthe area.
A favoured Wainwright Walk that includes Helm Crag begins with a climb up High Raise, followed by Calf Crag and Gibson Knott before making the ascent to Helm Crag. As well as completing four fells on your Wainwright maps, the route offers excellent views to both ends of Dunmail Raise, from Thirlmere in the north to Grasmere in the south. Another more moderate walk, useful for those staying in Grasmere, begins at the lake shore there and follows the quiet lanes from the village to the base of Helm Crag, where a short, sometimes rocky climb completes the Wainwright walk to the summit.
From the summit of Helm Crag, good views of the Langdale Pikes can be had, perhaps inspiring future trips (and more peaks completed on your Wainwright maps), while the Coniston and Eastern fells also show well. Whichever route is taken to get there, Wainwright's assertion that Helm Crag 'makes a notable contribution to the charms of Grasmere' is never in doubt.
Different walks which include Helm Crag Walks are included in Book Three: The Central Fells, by A. Wainwright, part of the Pictorial Guide to the Lakeland Fells.
A Wainwright walk to the rocky summit of Helm Crag is a rewarding experience - Picture by Stewart Smith Photography
Plan and record your progress through the Wainwright Fells of the Lake District