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Mountain: Helm Crag
Elevation: 405m (1329 ft)
Location: Cumbria, England
OS grid ref: NY3261009415
Nearest village(s): Grasmere, Ambleside, Chapel Stile
Coordinates: 54° 28′ 31.73″ N, 3° 2′ 24.25″ W
Helm Crag
Helm Crag, which has an elevation of approximately 405 metres, is a fell located in the Central Fells to the north of Grasmere. Towards the northwest end of the summit ridge, which is the highest point of the fell, are the rocks known as either “The Old Woman Playing the Organ”, “The Howitzer” or “The Lion Couchant” – these can not be seen from Grasmere village. However, the rocks at the southeast end of the summit ridge, which are called “The Lion and The Lamb”, can be seen from Grasmere village.
This fell is usually climbed from Grasmere, however, it can also be ascended from either valley by way of Bracken Hause, or along the ridge from Gibson Knott.
The view from the summit of this fell has spectacular views of the Langdale Pikes, Coniston Fells and Eastern Fells. Alfred Wainwright, the guidebook author, British hillwalker and illustrator described Helm Crag as:
A splendid little climb, if it has a fault it is too short. But for the evening of the day of arrival in Grasmere on a walking holiday it is just the thing, an epitome of Lakeland concentrated in the space of two hours – an excellent foretaste of days yet to come.
Accommodation near Helm Crag
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