FRIDAY FELLS - Above Grasmere
12 people attending
8 places left
Start your weekend with a true classic Lakeland fell walk with (at least) three Wainwright's, one of which he described as "better than Sca Fell", although he reputedly never actually reached it’s summit and it’ll be optional for us too!
From Grasmere we’ll head out along Easedale Beck and up (steeply!!), on to Helm Crag. At only 405m it sits prominently at the end of the ridge easily seen from Grasmere from where its distinctive summit rocks outcrops earn it’s alternative names, including “The Lion and the Lamb” and “The Howitzer”. The latter, pictured, is the true summit, but it is a tricky and exposed, if short, scramble to the top - hence it'll be optional! From here we follow the broad, rocky, ridge line, first over Gibson Knot (420m) and Calf Crag (537m) before turning to head over to Steel Fell, where the going will most likey be soft and wet under-foot! From Steel Fell (553m) a clear grassy shoulder descends back down towards Grasmere. If the weather isn't being kind to us, we'll drop down to Easedale beck from Calf Crag.
Although this is a ridge walk, it's not technical, although the ascent and descent are steep in places, and the distance (c.16Km/10miles) and ascent (c.750m) do make this a full "mountain day".
Event full? Please join the waiting list. Places usually open up as the event gets nearer and, where necessary, we try to add additional leaders to increase the numbers, so you are highly likely to get a place.
Is it dog friendly? Dogs are welcome but please note and abide by the Countryside Code. Please also remember not everyone loves dogs as much as you do so please be mindful of other members.
New Members: Please feel free to join this as your first OutdoorLads event. If you have any questions then feel free to message me, or go to the "My First Event" section under "About Us".
Image / photo credits: All images (c) Sieh / JPV with permission for OutdoorLads to use and reuse.
IMPORTANT! - Participation Statement
You MUST complete a Participation Statement, in addition to booking your event space before attending an OutdoorLads event. You only need to complete this Participation Statement once, not for each event you attend.
What to bring
This is a full mountain day - in the Lake District; so the weather should hold no surprises! Sections of the walk will be on rocky as well as boggy terrain, so You will need sturdy, waterproof walking boots (not trainers!), with good walking socks to help prevent blisters. Gaiters may be welcome for the boggy section or if it's wet weather. You will also need waterproofs (Jacket and trousers),
Warm, layered clothing (to suit changing body temperature as we climb steeply and rest) and some spare layers too, along with hat or Cap (to stay warm, or shaded in sun) and it might even be worth throwing a pair of gloves in your bag too! But let's be optimistic and remember the sun-cream too!
Rucksack, with waterproof bags/drybags to keep everything dry - including a waterproof bag for your phone.
Don't forget walking Poles - if you have them and prefer to use them; there are some steep sections of ascent and descent.
As well food and water, don't forget any personal medication you may need during the day.
If you're interested in map-reading & navigating: OS Explorer OL6 & 07 (1:25,000) or Landranger 90 (1:50,000) cover the full walk.
The walk leader will bring any emergency equipment required for the group, but you are welcome to bring any that you have, such as additional high energy food, a survival bag, a whistle, a medical kit, and a torch.
Food & drink
Please bring enough food; lunch and snacks, as well as water (ideally 2Litres) for a full day on the hill.
There are plenty of shops to buy food and drink in the village centre, but please do so before meeting up, as we won't be stopping once we start walking.
There'll be an optional stop at one of Grasmere's pub for a quick drink once we're back in Grasmere.