Helm Crag
Helm Crag
5
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5.0
320 reviews
Excellent
252
Very good
62
Average
2
Poor
3
Terrible
1
Ben P
Tring, UK121 contributions
Aug 2020 • Family
We set off from Grasmere and path was reasonable signed. It’s a pretty steep climb up steps for the most part. Footpaths are good but it’s a busy route so expect to stop a fair bit to let others past. Great view over Grasmere, and fun seeing the “lion” overlooking the village. Definitely recommended.
Written 21 August 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
RLD_133
Ripon206 contributions
Oct 2020 • Couples
We hiked up Helm Crag last week and we were so lucky with the weather! The walk is steep but there are steps most of the way so it’s not too difficult underfoot.
Views from the top were fab. We followed a previous reviewers instructions regarding the free car park and I’m glad we did this! We were looking forward to a drink in the hotel bar at the end of the walk but it was closed as we went mid-week so a good idea to take your own refreshments.
Views from the top were fab. We followed a previous reviewers instructions regarding the free car park and I’m glad we did this! We were looking forward to a drink in the hotel bar at the end of the walk but it was closed as we went mid-week so a good idea to take your own refreshments.
Written 21 October 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Dr_Waugh
Newcastle upon Tyne, UK8,110 contributions
Oct 2020 • Family
Lovely climb to helm crag today but the weather was against us and we were drenched even though we were in good gear.
We parked in the school car park and walked along Easdale lane until we started the ascent. Most of the paths were streams today!
We parked in the school car park and walked along Easdale lane until we started the ascent. Most of the paths were streams today!
Written 26 October 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
BritabroadSouthwell
Southwell50 contributions
Aug 2018 • Family
Our two grandchildren were 7 and 8 years old, and climbed easily. The path was fairly clear, and there were lots of people about, including children of only 4 or 5. Huge views for our picnic at the top. The only problem: you have to park the car a mile from the bottom of the fell in the middle of Grasmere, as there is no parking on the lane leading to the foot of Helm Crag.
Written 7 August 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Ollie J
Bury St. Edmunds, UK67 contributions
Nov 2018 • Solo
About 20 years I first came to Helm Crag and in the meantime some #%@& has only gone and made it steeper, higher and generally tougher to get up! Oh how I pine for my tobacco-free youth...
Yes, I struggled and cursed all the way up but it’s all worth it once you reach the craggy top. Not the best conditions I’ve been there in but good enough I could still see down to Grasmere and my scruffy car sitting in a lay-by. A perfect place to be on a fair autumn day and an inspiration to give up the smoking...
Yes, I struggled and cursed all the way up but it’s all worth it once you reach the craggy top. Not the best conditions I’ve been there in but good enough I could still see down to Grasmere and my scruffy car sitting in a lay-by. A perfect place to be on a fair autumn day and an inspiration to give up the smoking...
Written 9 November 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Ali R
Fulford, null, United Kingdom12 contributions
Mar 2015 • Friends
What an abominable experience! We climbed up a very steep hill to get to the Lamb and Lion pub - congratulating the pub owners for getting the barrels up such a mountain - only to find out that it doesn't exist, it never existed. Instead there were just these funny shaped rocks that offered nothing in the way of a pint. We may return as the actual views and walk itself is good; but be warned. BYOB!
Written 24 June 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Saskin079
Manchester54 contributions
Jan 2015 • Couples
The start of the walk is off Easedale Road- opposite the bookshop in Grasmere and the first bit is paved road until you get to the stone walkway. There are signposts that mark the way but it is useful to have an idea of where you are going beforehand and as with all mountain walks proper clothing and footwear is essential! The walk is actually a steady climb up on a wavy pass on the mountain- and it took us about 3 1/2 hours to complete- we came back on the same path, although there is a ridge walk that you can complete and come through the valley instead. The views from the top were amazing- and it was very windy, but clear and cold when we went. At first we missed the fact that we had climbed onto the 'Lion' and took pics there- only when we passed it and walked a bit on the ridge we looked back and realized that the 'Lamb' was behind and we got better pictures from there! There are stunning views of the surrounding valleys and lakes. It was a bit challenging for me- but I have a knee injury- otherwise it was a great walk!
Written 28 January 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
MFC31
London, UK3,997 contributions
Mar 2021 • Couples
This was our first Lake District hike and it sure set a beautiful precedent of what to expect!
Starting down near the hotel (£6 for parking- redeemable in the bar/cafe) we trekked directly up hill to the top and then proceeded to hike for another 2/3 hours along the ridge of more peaks before descending in the gully back to the hotel.
At times, you can’t help but stop and admire the beauty! Well worth every step!
Starting down near the hotel (£6 for parking- redeemable in the bar/cafe) we trekked directly up hill to the top and then proceeded to hike for another 2/3 hours along the ridge of more peaks before descending in the gully back to the hotel.
At times, you can’t help but stop and admire the beauty! Well worth every step!
Written 27 April 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
ukrebecca
nottingham55 contributions
Apr 2012 • Couples
One of my favourite fells in the Lakes. It is instantly recognisable from the road in the approach to Grasmere due to its distinct craggy summit and the outline of the 'lion and the lamb' on top. It is a relatively small fell and one of the most accessible with a clear route to the top. It is tricky underfoot in places due to the rocky path but the route up is interesting and the views spectacular. The summit is one of the best in Lakeland and you will probably be sharing it with the Herdwick Sheep that populate these fells. The actual summit is the top of the boulder outcrop but I have never attempted to climb this. My more intrepid partner has and although it is relatively easy to climb up, getting down is another matter!
With a brisk pace you can probably make the summit in about an hour. Coming down about half an hour, but once you reach the rocky staircase nearer the bottom of the fell, watch your step as it's very uneven and some of the rocks are quite loose and shifting. I hold on to the stone wall for support!
Once down, treat yourself to tea and cake in Greens in Grasmere village.
Helm Crag can also be combined with other summits for a longer ridge walk either starting or terminating with Helm Crag eg Calf Crag, Gibson Knott, Tarn Crag, Easedale Tarn and Sourmilk Hill.
With a brisk pace you can probably make the summit in about an hour. Coming down about half an hour, but once you reach the rocky staircase nearer the bottom of the fell, watch your step as it's very uneven and some of the rocks are quite loose and shifting. I hold on to the stone wall for support!
Once down, treat yourself to tea and cake in Greens in Grasmere village.
Helm Crag can also be combined with other summits for a longer ridge walk either starting or terminating with Helm Crag eg Calf Crag, Gibson Knott, Tarn Crag, Easedale Tarn and Sourmilk Hill.
Written 29 April 2012
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Trip756559
106 contributions
Jun 2018 • Friends
So I won’t lie I’m quite overweight and was dreading this only because of the unknown. I stuck it out and really it wasn’t too hard. Once at the top I completely forgot about all the doubts and moments of being very breathless and weary x I enjoyed it so much I planned immediately to come back with a friend next week and I’m just praying for the good weather to stay around. We parked on the spaces on the side of the rd rather than at any pubs or car parks so can’t advise. This was about 1.5 maybe 2 miles to the foot of it but yet again a walk well worth it passed some beautiful holiday homes a river a little forest lovely looking pub/ cafe muddy boots and dog friendly. Just a really lovely day x look at the lion and the lamb of googling. Plenty of other ascents up there too that looked great x
Written 6 June 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
There are two large pay and display carparks in Grasmere and also a few free slots along the roadside near the Chemist's shop but get there early.
Written 4 June 2018
There's a car park near the Lancrigg hotel and restaurant. Alternatively, you can add 20 minutes to your hike in both directions and park up in Grasmere.
Written 5 June 2018
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