~Helm Crag Revisited~
12th December 2010
The snow has melted and disappeared with indecent haste, this gives the author an opportunity to look for a lost car key on Helm Crag. I wouldn't normally return to recently conquered territory with such vigour but this was forecast to be a really fine day and Karen wanted a trip to the Lakes to complete her recovery from a nasty virus which laid her low for nearly two weeks.
Heron
Scroll down for photos and a description of the walk....
What a Difference!
Grasmere 4 days ago
Love it or hate it, the snow has pretty much gone. I think that if the snowy scene had remained, we would not have been here today. We parked, for free, in Grasmere and had breakfast at Baldry's. I told viewers how good it was for a cuppa and I wanted to try the breakfast - Belting! Hightly recommended. I noticed that a well-behaved dog was sat at one table, that will encourage some and maybe dissuade others.
Lancrigg
One bonus for me on this route, which was my descent route last time, is the fact that I've not climbed Helm Crag this way before. The heron in the header photo was frustrated by the ice within the neighbouring woodland here.
Boulder
A feature of Easedale is the quantity of boulders, this one marks a turning point in the path. We are approaching the area where I fell and may have lost the key. We walked very slowly with our eyes scanning the path.
Tarn Crag
From the ascent path, Tarn Crag summit is clearly seen (centrally), not something enjoyed by climbers of TC from from Grasmere via Sour Milk Gill - Easedale. The pointed top behind Tarn Crag is very probably High Raise, possibly.
Karen on the way up Helm Crag
Reaching this point without finding the key was a minor disappointment. It's another great day to be on the fells, it's Karen's first time on Helm Crag and I reckon that if I did lose it on the steep path, then someone else has picked it up, lost property have my phone number. But could someone be wandering around pointing the fob at all Peugeots in the area? We took the precaution of travelling up in Karen's car.
Grasmere and four days earlier...
Lost! Snow, reward for safe return!
Helm Crag Snowman
You thought you were going to get yet another photo of the "Howitzer" didn't you? Tough.
Far Easedale
We left the summit and headed down to the col between HC and Gibson Knott to pick up the path down to Easedale - another new route for me. It clouded over, but the cloud was soon to go the way of the snow.
Easedale
The sun burst through and lit up this feature of Easedale. Look at the scattering of boulders, most likely peeled away from the rocky outcrop, now grassed over, and deposited by the retreating glacier.
Boulder of The Day
Far Easedale
Tarn Crag, (left) and Calf Crag (right) defend the flanks of Far Easedale, boulders all around.
Far Easedale
Down by the gill, a lovely scene! A bit of me wanted to divert and head for Easedale Tarn, but I was reminded that an hour in Ambleside had been promised and these winter days are short on daylight hours, plus the shops close early.
Tall Trees
Sour Milk Gill, Easedale
Helm Crag
We made our way back to Grasmere and then took the short drive to Ambleside.
Ambleside
Walkers: Karen & Me
Time taken: 2hrs 45m over a distance of approx. 4 miles.
Route: Easedale Road, Lancrigg, Helm Crag, Far Easedale, Easedale Road, Grasmere.
Weather and conditions: Sunny, clouding over a little then clearing - great day.
Greetings Count: Two on the road, four on Helm Crag and plenty in Easedale on the way back.
Richard's Refreshment Review: I don't need to tell you about Baldry's, it featured last time. We went in Lucy's in Ambleside, see above photo and it was a disappointment. The tea in the pot was not warm enough and for the first time in my life I had to take it back to the waitress. How can that happen? We got another pot, plus an apology in broken English - you know I mean! Lucy's is not my favourite place in Ambleside, I've had poor service before. They talk a good game, but can they deliver? A discount off the bill, free cuppas next time?? None of it, so no tip.
There remains a small reward for the return of the key - could still be anywhere from Steel Fell to Gibson Knott.
All photos copyright Richard Ratcliffe 2010 ©
Take me back to the start ....