Helm Crag

After weeks of rain I was going a bit stir crazy, despite the forecast for high winds and even more rain I set off early Sunday morning for Grasmere with the intention of climbing Helm Crag, with a lingering concern that I may need to abandon.

Things didn't get off to a great start as I continued my theme of always forgetting something. This time it was sustenance, which is of course very important. As luck would have it the famous Grasmere Gingerbread shop was open, and with even more luck, being so early a queue had yet to form.

Suitably provisioned I set off, flat at first on the roads and lanes leaving Grasmere before hitting the fellside.

I somehow managed to miss the cairn marking the start of the climb and scrambled around a small knoll which looked like it was the path for a minute or two. After some confusion I eventually found the right path and sheepishly started climbing.

The good news was that it was dry and the winds were not as bad as forecast. I enjoyed some lovely views over Easedale Tarn accompanied by a smidge of blue sky and even a rainbow at one point.

The walk was easier than anticipated, after the hard right turn to the East a spectacular view of a brooding Fairfield, still draped in snow was unveiled.

From here it was just a short climb past the Lion and the Lamb towards the summit and its Howitzer. Climbing the Howitzer was briefly considered and then rejected in favour of a brew and some gingerbread from a prime spot out of the wind overlooking Fairfield.

I considered going back the way I'd came, but the path down towards Gibson Knott was obvious and then a further path South West that would join the bridleway adjacent to Easedale Beck. The path however was steep and in disrepair and I ended up on my arse. However it was worth it as the walk back along the beck was glorious. A further detour once back in Grasmere resulted in a bit of paddling and some mildly soggy feet, however this didn't dampen(!) what had been an excellent walk. First Wainwright of 2026 ticked off.

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