Helm Crag walk from Grasmere – Everything You Need to Know

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Doing the Helm Crag walk from Grasmere? You’ve come to the right place. Use this guide to help you prepare before you set off.

Are you looking to complete the Helm Crag walk from Grasmere? You’ve come to the right place!

As someone who’s a sucker for a good view, but hates heights, Helm Crag is one of my favourite walks in the entire Lake District National Park.

The Helm Crag walk isn’t particularly easy, but it’s a lot easier than some other hikes in the Lake District that offer similar views.

And if you’re scared of heights (like me), it’s a great walk to do as there are practically zero sheer edges and drops. The entire walk is surrounded by shrubbery and trees, so you won’t feel that icky wobbly you might on other hikes.

The total height of Helm Crag is only 405 metres, but it doesn’t fail to give some dramatic views of Grasmere village and the surrounding fells.

So, what do you need to know before doing the Helm Crag walk from Grasmere? Let’s get started!

Travelling solo to the Lakes? Check out my guide all about solo travelling the Lake District!

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Backpacking for the first time? Or want to know where to find the best travel deals? Check out my travel resources for the inside scoop!

Helm Crag walk from Grasmere

Helm Cragg walk from Grasmere: Quick Facts

• Elevation: 405m (1329 ft)

• Distance: 8.2km

• Difficulty: Moderate (can be steep in places)

• Time needed: 2-3 hours

• Hazards: Some minor scrambling right at the top of Helm Crag, which can be avoided if necessary

• Closest facilities: Grasmere 

• Postcode: LW22 9SW

• Parking: Grasmere, pay and display car park next to the garden centre (LA22 9SJ)

• Nearest train station: Penrith

• Public transport: 555 runs from Kendal to Grasmere

About the Helm Crag walk

Helm Crag is a well-known fell in the centre of the Lake District.

It sits to the north of Grasmere, and the Helm Crag walk can be done by almost anyone with a basic level of fitness. 

Despite the low height of the crag, it can be seen clearly from the nearby village of Grasmere, and is known for having one of the best views of the Lake District National Park. 

Begin your Helm Crag walk at the centre of Grasmere, and continue to follow a gravel path uphill towards the summit.

If you’re a speedy hiker and want to get up and down, the loop can be completed in under a couple of hours. However, if you want to stop and take photos, it will take a bit longer.

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Is Helm Crag a difficult walk?

As long as you have a basic level of fitness and some good outdoor shoes, you will be able to do the Helm Crag walk.

It does have a steep ascent (and you will most certainly feel it in your calves), but as I previously mentioned, there are no sheer edges or drops. However, the terrain can be quite uneven and bumpy from lots of loose rocks and tree stumps. 

Greenery surrounds the path throughout the ascent. There is no scrambling (apart from a tiny bit at the very top) and if you prefer not to do this, there is a good area to stop and admire the view beforehand.

The Helm Crag walk is unfortunately not suitable for wheelchairs or pushchairs, due to the uneven and rocky terrain. 

There are no toilets or food and drink facilities on route. You will need to purchase essentials in Grasmere beforehand and remember to fill your water bottle before starting your Helm Crag walk.

In Wainwright’s guide to Helm Crag, he said “this is one of the few hills where ascent and descent by the same route is recommended”, which we found to be true!

We took the exact same route up as down and were still greeted by views we hadn’t noticed before!

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Where do you park to walk to Helm Crag?

There are a few options when parking for the Helm Crag walk, but the easiest car park will be the pay and display car park next to the garden centre (LA22 9SJ).

Prices vary for hours needed and whether you are a National Trust member.

You can also park at the Lancrigg pub and begin your walk from there.

Road tripping the lakes? Check out my Lake District road trip guide here!

Why is Helm Crag called the Lion and Lamb?

Helm Crag is known as the Lion and Lamb due to its two distinctive summit rock formations, one towering over the other.

On a clear day, the two rocks can be seen from Grasmere. Helm Crag (or the Lion and the Lamb) is known as one of the most distinctive views in the lakes.

The Lion and Lamb rocks can be summited at the top of the Helm Crag walk, although will require a bit of scrambling to do so!

Whilst visiting the Lake District, I’d highly recommend wearing hiking boots. It made the walks a lot easier and I was much more stable when scrambling, especially in my favourite Columbia walking boots!

Route description for the Helm Crag walk from Grasmere

Once you have parked your car in Grasmere, head towards Easedale Road and you’ll see signposts for Helm Crag.

Walk past some quintessential Lake District cottages, until reaching the field where your ascent will begin. 

The Helm Crag walk is simple to follow.

We stopped along the route to admire some of the views, as there are quite a few flat areas for you to take a pause and take it all in (also good if you’re feeling a little out of breath). 

As you ascend, there is a small section of the dry stone wall which may require you to use your hands (or have good balance). This part isn’t a scramble, as it is still relatively easy, and has no edges or surrounding drops.

When you reach the top of Helm Crag, you will notice there are a few different sections to then climb. Your fear of heights limit may now be exhausted!

For me personally, the first summit was enough. I could see the views of Grasmere, and the mountains towards the Helvellyn range. There was enough flat land to stop and have a drink and see the same views as the final summit.

If you have a better head for heights, you can continue to climb and scramble over a small area to reach the largest rock at the top.

Don’t underestimate it, as it does require a bit of scrambling expertise and patience!

If you plan your trip well enough, aim to reach the summit at sunset for incredible golden hour views.

On your descent, follow the same path back down.

It’s an easy route back to Grasmere and will not take you very long. 

What to pack for the Helm Crag walk

As the Helm Crag walk isn’t too strenuous, you will just need basic equipment to climb.

Make sure you have suitable walking shoes, as some of the rocks are uneven and could be quite painful to walk over in regular shoes.

In any weather, be sure to pack at least a litre of water – more in the summertime. It may not be a hefty climb like Helvylln or Scafell Pike, but it still requires physical activity and strength. Having a dehydration headache at the top of the summit isn’t ideal! 

As well as packing your regular items for a trip, these are some of my essential items for the Lake District:

• A lightweight waterproof jacket
• Hiking boots (that won’t slip) – these are my favourites for any kind of weather
• An umbrella
• A waterproof day bag
• A waterproof phone case (which can also be used for wild swimming when it’s sunnier)
• A portable charger
• Lots of layers
• A GoPro for waterproof camera footage
• A waterproof backpack cover
• A chilly bottle to keep your water at a drinkable temperature
• A Dry Robe, as it helps to keep you warm when entering and leaving the water (even if it’s raining!)
• As well as using bug spray, we have midge repellent wristbands.

Check out my essential Lake District packing list here.

🗺️ My hiking must-have: If you’re out on a long hike and run out of water, you can use a filter water bottle to drink any water you may find along the way. From puddle to lake water, it purifies in seconds so you can safely drink and stay hydrated! It’s a must-have for visiting the Lake District.

FAQs for the Helm Crag walk from Grasmere

Is the Helm Crag walk easy?

It depends on what you mean by easy.

As someone with a basic level of fitness and a height fear, I would say Helm Crag is still a relatively easy walk.

Even though parts of the Helm Crag walk are steep and some scrambling is required, it is definitely one of the easier walks in the Lake District.

🗺️ My Lake District must-have: Solo travelling but still want to take photos?  📸 I’ve found the most perfect adjustable tripod that’s lightweight and easy to set up (you don’t want any awkward moments alone, I know how it feels!)

How long does it take to do the Helm Crag walk? 

If you’re efficient and quick, it can be a 2-hour round trip back to Grasmere.

I would budget at least 2-3 hours to summit and descend if you want to admire the views and take photos.

Are you going on a Lake District road trip? Don’t forget to take a phone holder for your car. If you need to follow GPS to get around the lakes, you’ll need to prop your phone up somehow! We bought ours a few years ago and have used it on every road trip. Trust me – they never supply one!

Helm Crag walk from Grasmere- In a Nutshell

The Helm Crag walk is by far one of my favourites walks in the Lake District, and one I will do time and time again. 

The Helm Crag walk from Grasmere isn’t as busy as some of the larger hikes like Skiddaw and Scafell, and you can really enjoy the hike at your own pace.

It’s a really memorable hike with rewarding views for little effort. 

Plus, you can treat yourself to a pint in a cosy pub after!

As always, if you have a question about the Helm Crag walk from Grasmere (or anything else travel or blogging-related) you can contact me over on Instagram or on my contact me page.

Happy travelling!

Jennie 😀 x

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