Far Easedale: Helm Crag, Gibson Knott & Calf Crag

14 August 2008

After a quiet morning watching persistent drizzle, the day dried up and Stephen and George went for their first walk of the Lake District long weekend, a walk from Grasmere along the ridge north of Far Easedale and back along the valley.

From Grasmere, a view of the summit of Helm Crag, our first objective (well, sort of - see later).

As we leave the Far Easedale Road, a sign says "Not for cars", which is fine by George.

A fair way up Helm Crag, on the right is Far Easedale and on the left can be seen Sour Milk Gill falling from the just-glimpsed Easedale Tarn, all of which we saw during our outing in December.

Continuing up Helm Crag, a look across Grasmere to Loughrigg Fell.

From Helm Crag, a look across to Seat Sandal on the left, Fairfield centre with Great Rigg on the right and Great Tongue between them.

And here is the summit of Helm Crag. There is no scale in the picture, but it is about 8 metres high.

Here is the rock from the left side of the previous picture. The guidebook recommended either a route up the right, or up the groove in the centre of the big rock. I investigated both but, in the knowledge that this was the only Lakeland summit that defeated Wainwright, I didn't push it too far. I watched a few other people do the same, admired the view, and moved on.

Descending off Helm Crag (George just visible in front of the cairn), Gibson Knott is the next summit along the ridge.

From Gibson Knott, looking towards Pike of Carrs

A muddy George

A couple of curious sheep watch George

From Pike of Carrs, looking past Gibson Knott to Helm Crag, with Far Easedale below

Calf Crag, with the eroded peat helping to explain George's muddy condition

In places stones have been scattered to help the walker across the peat, but George hasn't quite grasped the concept.

From Calf Crag, looking north-east to the Helvellyn range over the ridge to Steel Fell; St Sunday Crag peeks through the gap between Dollywaggon Pike and Seat Sandal and Fairfield.

As we descend from the ridge into Easedale, the weather continues to improve

Water descends from top of picture and from the right - it secretly disappears behind the outcrop on the left.

More waterfalls as we continue down Easedale.

Zoom in for more detail, or see map in larger window: Ordnance Survey | Open Street Map | Google Maps

An interesting and varied walk, away from the crowds, and with the sunshine at the end improving things further.
Total distance 13.1 km with 717 metres of ascent in 4 hours 15 minutes.