Walk Description

Today Steve and I had arranged to meet up with Ian and John at Ghyll Foot and then walk to Steel Fell and around to Helm Crag.  We had arranged a fairly late start so that we had time to drive from the west coast to Grasmere. We were lucky that despite our late start, no-one else had parked at Ghyll Foot so there was plenty of room for our cars.  It wasn’t long before we had sorted ourselves out and we started up the lane towards the path up the long south-east ridge of Steel Fell. As we started the climb the views began to open up, in the distance we could see the frozen Grasmere and Loughrigg Fell, closer to us was Helm Crag looking as though it had been drenched with icing sugar. 

Slowly but surely I climbed the ridge and eventually rejoined the others just below the snow line where they had waited for me to catch up with them.  Here there was a really good view towards Dunmail Raise and in the distance I could just about make out small groups of more adventurous walkers on the zigzag path up to Helvellyn.


We now started what seemed to me to be the hardest part of the walk.  The path got nearer and nearer to the edge of the ridge and at one point I had to scramble up a short section of slippery icy rocks.  Refusing to look down at the drop, I gritted my teeth and after what seemed to be ages rejoined the others on the top just below the summit of Steel Fell.  The ground was covered with an even layer of wonderfully crisp dry snow and there were no signs of the small tarns that are supposed to fill the small depressions near the summit.  Polly was the first to reach the cairn overlooking Thirlmere and it wasn’t long before we all joined her.  It felt wonderful to be standing there, although the distant views were hidden by the low cloud, the nearby views were crisp and clear, especially along Thirlmere.  The snow gave everything a clean bright look and was delightful to walk in.  After the obligatory photos, we walked over to the true summit and then followed the fence downwards towards the ridge route to Calf Crag.  Although I been told years ago that this path was extremely wet and boggy, the snow and frozen ground made the walk a delight and we had no trouble reaching Calf Crag, where we stopped for lunch.


After a refreshing break, we set out towards Gibson Knott and the ridge to Helm Crag. This section of the walk gave us wonderful views along Far Easdale towards Grasmere.  We also got the occasional glimpse of Fairfield and St Sunday Crag emerging from the cloud.  Eventually we reached Bracken Hause.  At this point we had the choice of a quick return to the car or continuing along the path up to Helm Crag.  It seemed a shame to cut the walk short and although I knew that I would be tired later, we stayed on the path and began our ascent of Helm Crag.  The path was slippery in places and we were glad to be climbing up rather than trying to come down the icy rocks.  None of us felt inclined to climb to the actual summit, although one member of the group that arrived just after us did make it to the top of the Howitzer.  We continued along the ridge path towards the Lion and the Lamb. 


All too soon Steve decided we had reached the start of our descent path back to the car.  He struck off down what seemed an impossibly steep slope and we all carefully followed him. After a few zigzags we could see the wall below us and there was a faint path to follow.  I felt much better when we reached the wall and although the path wasn’t the best at least the ground was a bit more level.  We eventually reached a footbridge across Green Burn and then after a very short ascent we joined the lane back to the car.

It had been a very enjoyable walk, with excellent company and wonderful views.  The snow had been a delight to walk in and although we didn’t have any distant views I had had a fantastic time.  Thanks to Steve, Ian and John for their company.

 

Route & Planning

Details and Route Map

Photo Opportunities

Walk Profile

The route map shown here should not be used as a replacement for the appropriate map(s). Before attempting the walk you should check the suitability of this route in relation to your capabilities and experience.