Meet time: 9.15am
Start time: 9.30am
Estimated finish time: 3:00pm to 3:30pm
Distance: 8.1 – 8.2 miles (13.0 – 13.2 kilometres)
Ascent: About 2300 feet (701 meters)
Ramblers walk grading: A (Strenuous)
Start point: Traveller’s Rest Inn Grasmere (On A591).
Postcode: LA22 9RR
Car parking: There is car parking in laybys on the A591 within 0.5 miles of the start point. There is also additional parking within Grasmere village although this will mean a longer walk to the start location.
It is the responsibility of each walker to make sure they understand where to park. If you are not sure where the car parking/meeting point is, you must contact the walk leader at the latest the day before the walk. You should not rely on mobile phones or postcodes. There is often no mobile reception near walk meeting points and postcodes are for the nearest place nearby but should only serve as a guideline. Please allow plenty of time to find a parking space so that walks can start promptly.
Summits: Steel Fell, Calf Crag, Gibson Knott & Helm Crag
Description: We cross the road to follow a footpath sign adjacent to the Travellers Rest Inn to meet stepping stones to help us cross a stream which meets a road. Following the road around to Ghyll Foot we will find a lane which ascends to meet a gate and common land beyond. We then begin the ascent of Steel Fell along Cotra Breast, the path is very clear as runs on along the prominence of the ridge until it levels to reveal the summit of Steel Fell. On a clear day Steel Fell gives great views of the Helvellyn mountain range and also along the length of Thirlmere.
We then leave the Steel Fell summit via a path which follows the fence line on the way to Calf Crag. Some of this section is boggy but with this being winter there is a chance some of this will be frozen which helps with these conditions. It’s a small ascent to Calf Crag but this fell has a nice feeling of isolation from other sections on this walk.
We then leave Calf Crag to follow paths which lead over the ridge to Gibson Knott and Helm Crag, along the way you can get great views of the valleys either side of the ridge and occasionally catch a glimpse of Easedale Tarn. After we have descended from Helm Crag we can make our way into Grasmere for refreshments.
Please contact Jahaan on 07815 869084 by 8pm on Friday 19th January if you are coming on this walk (text or phone, or message on Facebook (Jahaan Caine).
Please check the weather and bring appropriate clothing (waterproofs and spare warm clothing), footwear and enough food and water. The leader reserves the right to turn away any walker not suitably equipped. The leader may cancel the walk or modify the route dependent on conditions.
New members: please note the walk leader may ask for more information about your walking experience. This is to ensure you have the fitness required to complete the walk that is planned safely.