Helm Crag Lion and the Lamb
Helm Crag, known as the 'Lion and the Lamb', offers a rewarding, moderate hike with iconic rock formations and breathtaking Lake District views.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, better photos
Helm Crag Lion and the Lamb
Best Time
Fewer crowds, better photos
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Helm Crag, known as the 'Lion and the Lamb', offers a rewarding, moderate hike with iconic rock formations and breathtaking Lake District views.
"One of the best summits in the Lake District, a great introduction to mountaineering for any age."
🚗 Parking in Grasmere
Parking in Grasmere can be busy. Arrive early or consider using the 555 bus to avoid hassle.
👟 Sturdy Footwear Essential
The paths can be steep and rocky in places. Good hiking boots are a must for grip and ankle support.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Lion and the Lamb Rock Formation
Summit of Helm Crag
The iconic rock formation that gives Helm Crag its nickname. From one angle, it resembles a lion and a lamb, while another view looks like a piano.
Panoramic Lake District Views
Summit
Enjoy breathtaking 360-degree vistas of Grasmere village, Easedale Tarn, and the surrounding fells. A true reward for your climb.
The Howitzer Rock
Summit area
A challenging rock formation at the summit, offering a bit of scrambling for the adventurous. It's a memorable feature of the climb.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Key for the Lion and the Lamb
Getting to Grasmere Without a Car
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 Parking in Grasmere
Parking in Grasmere can be busy. Arrive early or consider using the 555 bus to avoid hassle.
👟 Sturdy Footwear Essential
The paths can be steep and rocky in places. Good hiking boots are a must for grip and ankle support.
🗺️ Route Options
There are multiple paths up. Choose a steeper, rockier route or a more gradual grassy one for variety.
📸 Capture the Lion & Lamb
Experiment with different angles to get the best shot of the famous rock formation. Early or late light is ideal.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Parking in Grasmere
Parking in Grasmere can be busy. Arrive early or consider using the 555 bus to avoid hassle.
👟 Sturdy Footwear Essential
The paths can be steep and rocky in places. Good hiking boots are a must for grip and ankle support.
🗺️ Route Options
There are multiple paths up. Choose a steeper, rockier route or a more gradual grassy one for variety.
📸 Capture the Lion & Lamb
Experiment with different angles to get the best shot of the famous rock formation. Early or late light is ideal.
💧 Wild Swimming Option
Combine your hike with a refreshing dip in Easedale Tarn on your descent for a perfect day out.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Helm Crag for its accessibility, stunning summit views, and the iconic 'Lion and the Lamb' rock formation. It's often described as a perfect introduction to fell walking, offering a good challenge without being overly strenuous. Some note that parking in Grasmere can be difficult, and the paths can be steep and rocky.
"Moderate climb. Of you don't have a car, take bus number 555 and get off at 'town head' bus stop and follow the map. It takes you right to the bottom. One of the best summit in lake district. I have added screenshots of the route I took from town head to Grasmere and continued to Rydal cave."
neetha shenoy
"Good hike, quite steep on oneside and grass/gravel path on the other with more flat on the route to base. Depending on which direction you ascend, both are great."
S Wellfair
"What else can be said, beautiful hike"
mandi
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The easiest way to reach Helm Crag without a car is by taking the 555 bus to Grasmere. Alight at the 'Town Head' bus stop, and from there, it's a short walk to the start of the trail.
Parking is available in Grasmere village. However, it can get very busy, especially during peak season. Arriving early is recommended.
Yes, the 555 bus route serves Grasmere, making Helm Crag accessible for those using public transport.
The hike typically starts from Grasmere village. You'll head towards Easedale to begin your ascent.
Many visitors combine the Helm Crag hike with a visit to Easedale Tarn, especially for wild swimming, or explore the charming village of Grasmere.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, there are no tickets or entry fees required to climb Helm Crag. It's a public footpath and fell.
Helm Crag is accessible at any time, as it's an outdoor natural attraction. However, it's best to hike during daylight hours for safety and enjoyment.
The Lion and the Lamb rock formation is a natural feature on Helm Crag, and there is no admission fee to see it.
No permits are required for hiking Helm Crag. It's part of the Lake District National Park, which is freely accessible.
While technically possible, hiking Helm Crag at night is not recommended due to safety concerns and the lack of marked trails in the dark.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
The hike to Helm Crag is relatively short, typically taking around 1.5 to 2 hours for the round trip, depending on your pace and how long you spend at the summit.
Helm Crag is considered a moderate hike. It's steep in places with some scrambling, making it a good introduction to mountaineering for beginners.
The 'Lion and the Lamb' is a distinctive rock formation at the summit of Helm Crag. It's named for its appearance, which changes depending on your viewing angle. 
There are no facilities at the summit of Helm Crag. It's a natural fell, so be prepared to carry everything you need with you.
The terrain varies from grassy paths to rocky sections and some scrambling. Sturdy hiking boots are recommended.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, Grasmere village, located at the base of Helm Crag, offers several pubs, cafes, and tearooms where you can enjoy refreshments after your hike.
You can certainly enjoy a picnic on Helm Crag, especially at the summit, while taking in the stunning views. Remember to take all your litter with you.
While not directly on the summit, many establishments in Grasmere offer views towards Helm Crag, providing a pleasant dining atmosphere.
Grasmere has a good selection of traditional pubs, cafes serving light bites, and bakeries offering local treats like Grasmere Gingerbread.
No, there are no food or drink vendors on the trail itself. It's essential to bring your own supplies from Grasmere.
📸 📸 Photography
The summit, with its 'Lion and the Lamb' rock formation and panoramic views, is the prime photography location. The approach from Grasmere also offers great scenic shots.
Early morning or late afternoon offers the best light for photography, creating dramatic shadows and golden hues.
Drones can offer unique aerial perspectives of Helm Crag and the surrounding landscape, as seen in some social media content. Always check local drone regulations.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive views, while a telephoto lens can be useful for isolating details like the 'Lion and the Lamb'.
The 'Lion and the Lamb' rock formation itself is a must-capture. Also, look for opportunities to photograph the village of Grasmere from above.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Encourage children to spot the 'Lion and the Lamb' rock formation and enjoy the expansive views from the summit. Packing snacks and drinks is essential, and a picnic at the top can be a memorable experience. Remember to dress children in layers and ensure they have appropriate footwear for the rocky paths.
🚶 Budget Travelers
Packing your own picnic and water from a local supermarket before heading to Grasmere will significantly reduce expenses. Enjoying the natural beauty and the challenging yet rewarding hike is a priceless experience.
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
+1 The panoramic views from the summit, especially during the golden hours of sunrise or sunset, provide breathtaking landscapes. Consider bringing a wide-angle lens for the sweeping vistas and a telephoto lens for details. Drones can offer dramatic aerial shots of the fell and the surrounding valleys.
Remember to check weather conditions, as dramatic skies can enhance your photographs. Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Iconic 'Lion and the Lamb'
+2Interestingly, from a different viewpoint, the rocks can also appear to mimic someone playing a piano. This playful ambiguity adds to the charm and intrigue of Helm Crag. Many hikers make a point of finding these different perspectives to fully appreciate the geological artistry.
It's a fantastic natural landmark that provides a memorable focal point for any visit to the Lake District. While the 'Lion and the Lamb' is the most celebrated feature, the summit also boasts another notable rock called 'The Howitzer'. This formation presents a more challenging scramble and is a popular spot for those seeking a bit of an adrenaline rush.
+1 The summit area, in general, is a playground of interesting rock formations that add to the adventure of reaching the top. Navigating the Ascent: Routes and Challenges
One popular approach involves a steeper, rockier path that can involve some scrambling, offering a more exhilarating climb.
For those who enjoy a bit of adventure, the summit area itself presents opportunities for scrambling, particularly around the 'Howitzer' rock.
+1 However, it's important to be aware of the sheer drops and exercise caution, especially in adverse weather conditions. Many hikers find the descent can be just as engaging as the climb, with options to explore different paths or even combine the hike with a visit to Easedale Tarn for a wild swim. Helm Crag as a Beginner Wainwright
The hike typically takes less than two hours to complete, making it perfect for a half-day excursion.
This makes Helm Crag a fantastic introduction to fell walking in the Lake District, providing a taste of the region's beauty and the joy of reaching a summit. It's a great way to build confidence for tackling more challenging fells in the future.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit