The Greenburn Horseshoe

[martin.h]

What a difference 24 hrs makes, we were on the Dodds the day before in clag with a few good views later on in the day, Sunday, however, was the sort of day we all long for,especially at this time of the year, virtually clear skies, and warm, yes, warm, almost spring like and the promise of it staying so for most of the day.
We set off from our digs in good time heading for Grasmere and the big layby on the A591 below Town Head, Just as we were nearing Grasmere we noticed that there were a lot of cars around with road bikes attached, closer to Grasmere we saw signs directing to a cycling event, the nearer we got the more cars there were, all the verges were occupied by cars, all the laybys and carparks were taken, our planned layby was full together with any other available space within easy reach of Grasmere, cripes! where are we gonna get a spot?. We found one, in the layby by the AA phone box below Seat Sandal, not too bad, just a bit extra road walking.
Our intended was Steel Fell, Calf Crag, Gibson Knott and Helm Crag, so we got the gear on, and off we went. The walk to Helmside was easy enough, only 25 mins from the car, on our way we noticed a farmer was providing parking in one of his yards for £1 a day, if only we knew. Through the gate at Helmside and on to the open fell.
The path up Steel Fell is steady away and we were on the summit 1hr 20mins after leaving the car. The views were superb, the colours are so rich at this time of the year, a contrast to the greens of summer, it was hazy but this somehow added to the effect. Steel fell is a good vantage point and we could just make out the Dodds we were on the day before.
Next on the agenda was Calf Crag but we had to negotiate the wet ground which lies between these two hills, in reality its not too bad and the path is plain enough following the line of an old fence, Calf Crag was reached with not much more than wet boots and gaiters and from this point on the soggy bits were behind us.
The view onto Gibson Knott was excellent with a path to match, its a real knobbly ridge with many ups and downs and plenty variety especially the views onto the mountains and into the dales below and, again, the rich colours of autumn. All the way we never lost sight of Helm Crag and the Lion and Lamb rocks, up here the name given to these rocks is not so obvious but from below, especially from the main road, there is an uncanny resemblence.
We had lunch on Gibson Knott, it was warm, not a breath of wind so we took our time and appreciated the views and surroundings what a great day.
Then it was on to Helm Crag, more ups and downs and even though these are relatively small hills, the sense of grandure really strikes home.
We arrived at Helm Crag and found it to be popular, we saw alot more people here than on the whole walk prior to this, a popular little hill.
From Helm Crag we took the path heading back down to Helmside, dampish to start with but it soon turned out to be one of the best descent routes we've found in the Lakes and we were soon back down to Helmside, from here we just had the 25 minute walk back to the car.
A fantastic day out and the weather was just the best, its this sort of day that makes us all keep coming back into the mountains, it makes up for the not so good days, weatherwise, but all moutain days are good days.

Looking into Greenburn Bottom from the start of the walk, a lovely bright morning.

Helm Crag, the hillside highlighted in the sunshine.

Denise on the first of the two summits of Steel Fell with the bulk of Helvellyn behind.

Thirlmere looking calm, a complete contrast to Friday when there was wind and rain.

Seat Sandal with Fairfield and Cofa Pike behind and St Sunday Crag to the left.

The second summit of Steel Fell we visited them both just incase we missed the higher one of the two. Calf Crag is in the middle distance with Tarn Crag at the back.

Thirlmere with Blencathra in the distance.

Looking into Greenburn Bottom with the sun shining on the wet bits.

Looking back onto Steel Fell from the slopes of Calf Crag, its very wet in the dip between these hills.

Dollywagon Pike and Nethermost Pike looking bulky from here.

On calf Crag with Tarn Crag in the middle and the Langdale fells behind.

Looking towards Helm Crag and Gibson Knott.

Looking into Easedale and towards Ambleside way in the distance.

The whole ridge leading to Helm Crag.

On Gibson Knott, Steel Fell behind Denise.

Denise and I on Gibson.

Both of us again but with Helm Crag behind.

Looking into Easedale from our lofty lunch spot with views to enjoy.

Sandwiches and views, Helm Crag again

The Howitzer the rock, was very slippery so I didn't venture too far up it.

The view following the A591, Steel Fell on the left.

The Lion and the Lamb, looks more convincing from the road.

Denise on Helm Crag, she didn't fancy risking it either.

Helm Crag from the bottom of the descent path, its a very quick way down it onlytook us 20 mins from top to bottom.

Pano of Helm Crag and Gibson Knott the bracken a rich brown.

[Beaner001]

I love how each area of Britain has it's own character, your pics really show off this part Martin