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Helm Crag Circular [C] GradeGradeGrade
REX    Jun 24, 2026 Grasmere, Helm Crag, Gibson Knott, Calf Crag, Tarn Crag, Easedale Tarn   
Distance 13.06 km, Time 4.42 h, Total Ascent 724 m     Imperial | Metric
Paw REX SAYS: Once we were at Helm Crag it was quite a straightforward loop. Lots of boggy marshy bits in the middle
  Hot, muggy, mainly clear  

Another early start as it promises to be a very hot and humid day. We are planning a circuit of the Helm Crag ridge, return via Tarn Crag and Easedale Tarn

Helm Crag Circular - Image 2, Jun 24, 2026

No one on the road to Grasmere - we're nice and early

Helm Crag Circular - Image 3, Jun 24, 2026

A view of the Howitzer on Helm Crag from Dunmail Raise

Helm Crag Circular - Image 4, Jun 24, 2026

Clouds over Grasmere, looks as if we'll be above them

Helm Crag Circular - Image 5, Jun 24, 2026

There is a lot of haze over Helm Crag. You can see the Lion and the Lamb if you look closely

Helm Crag Circular - Image 6, Jun 24, 2026

As we start up Easedale Road the haze has lifted

Helm Crag Circular - Image 7, Jun 24, 2026

The first line of the top sign is very wise. This is our turning for Helm Crag

Helm Crag Circular - Image 8, Jun 24, 2026

Starting up this engineered path

Helm Crag Circular - Image 10, Jun 24, 2026

Rex is hidden by the bracken as we climb rapidly

Helm Crag Circular - Image 9, Jun 24, 2026

A quick look back to Grasmere

Helm Crag Circular - Image 11, Jun 24, 2026

The famous 'Howitzer', the summit of Helm Crag. Drink stop in the shade

Helm Crag Circular - Image 12, Jun 24, 2026

As we continue to Gibson Knott, a look behind to Helm Crag

Helm Crag Circular - Image 13, Jun 24, 2026

Rex at Gibson Knott. We stop for another drink here

Helm Crag Circular - Image 14, Jun 24, 2026

It's an easy stroll to Calf Crag

Helm Crag Circular - Image 15, Jun 24, 2026

from where we contine on for a while before looping around

Helm Crag Circular - Image 16, Jun 24, 2026

There is a very boggy section here - it looks as if Rex is wearing grey socks!

After the long boggy section we climb by Ferngill Crag and over the plateau of Tarn Crag to the summit.
This is not where the cairn is, but it seems to be a fair bit higher

Helm Crag Circular - Image 1, Jun 24, 2026
Helm Crag Circular - Image 17, Jun 24, 2026

Tarn Crag rocky outcrop

Helm Crag Circular - Image 18, Jun 24, 2026

and the cairn, to the South

Helm Crag Circular - Image 19, Jun 24, 2026

Coming off Tarn Crag, we cath our first good view of Easedale Tarn

Helm Crag Circular - Image 20, Jun 24, 2026

Easedale Tarn, where we stop for lunch and a dip

Helm Crag Circular - Image 21, Jun 24, 2026
Helm Crag Circular - Image 22, Jun 24, 2026

Cooling off in the Tarn

Helm Crag Circular - Image 23, Jun 24, 2026

Time to leave Easedale Tarn behind

Helm Crag Circular - Image 24, Jun 24, 2026

We descend via Sourmilk Gill

Helm Crag Circular - Image 25, Jun 24, 2026

A picturesque bridge over Easedale Beck


Start: Grasmere

1) Several car parks in Grasmere, also a big layby to the North [NY 33743 08609]
2) Bus services to Grasmere from Lancaster/Kendal/Windermere and from Carlisle/Keswick (555)

Route

Grasmere, Helm Crag, Gibson Knott, Calf Crag, Tarn Crag, Easedale Tarn
Distance 13.06 km, Time 4.42 h, Total Ascent 724 m
Wainwright Pictorial Guide: The Central Fells

Please do your own research to verify current routes and information on car parking, bus services and so on
Route maps from Ordnance Survey are scaled 1:25000 unless otherwise indicated.
Distance, Hike Time and Total Ascent as supplied by OS. Image shows planned route.

Distance 13.06 km, Time 4.42 h, Total Ascent 724 m
Route Map and Details


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