Helm Crag

Helm Crag is a fell in the Central Fells of the English Lake District, standing north of Grasmere village. Its low height does not hide its prominence, as the ridge ends sharply above the valley. The summit rocks form the well-known feature called ‘The Lion and the Lamb’, making the fell instantly recognisable. Alfred Wainwright praised the fell for its short but exhilarating climb and its contribution to Grasmere’s beauty. The fell sits between two valleys, Greenburn to the north and Easedale to the west, both feeding into the Rothay. The fell’s geology is complex, with andesite sill at the summit and rough crags on its sides. High and Low Raven Crags and White Crag mark the eastern and southern edges. The summit has two parallel ridges with a hollow between them, giving an unusual shape. From the top, views stretch to the Langdale Pikes, Coniston Fells and Eastern Fells. The rocky outcrops at either end of the highest ridge create the ‘Lion and the Lamb’ shapes seen from different points. A path from Grasmere leads up to the fell, passing through Bracken Hause or along the ridge from Gibson Knott. The northwestern outcrop needs a short scramble to reach the true summit. From Mill Gill the rock looks like ‘The old lady playing the organ’, while from Dunmail Raise it resembles ‘The howitzer’. The southern outcrop, seen from Grasmere, shows the traditional ‘Lion and the Lamb’. The fell’s natural shapes and views make it a notable feature of the Lake District.