Helm Crag, Calf Crag and Steel fell from Grasmere

The route

Start in Grasmere and climb steeply out of the village onto Helm Crag, gaining around 540m across 11.3km. From the summit the route follows the ridge over Gibson Knott and towards Calf Crag, curving round the head of Far Easedale before dropping back to the valley. It is short in distance but honest in climb, packing a full fell round into a morning.

The summit

Helm Crag is only 405m, but it punches far above its height thanks to the shattered rocks on its crown, known the world over as the Lion and the Lamb. The true top is a short scramble that many leave untouched, though the summit area itself is easily reached. Beyond it, the ridge to Gibson Knott and Calf Crag is quieter and rougher, a switchback of little tops and boggy cols with fine views down Far Easedale and across to the Fairfield skyline.

Why it works

This is a route with a lot of reward for its length. The climb is stiff but brief, the ridge is genuine fell running with plenty of ups and downs, and Grasmere at the foot gives you cafes, the famous gingerbread and easy parking. Underfoot it is a mix of good path low down and rougher, wetter ground along the ridge, so it earns its keep. Navigation is straightforward in clear weather but the ridge needs care in cloud, where the little tops and path junctions can confuse. Save the summit scramble for dry rock, and take the ridge rather than retracing your steps to get the best of the day. It works year round, but a crisp autumn morning with the bracken turning is hard to beat. As a first proper fell round from Grasmere it is hard to better, giving you a summit, a ridge and a valley in one tidy loop.