NY3329 : Crags at the top of the east ridge.

Bannerdale Crags

684m Elevation
37m Prominence
England Country
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NY3329 : Crags at the top of the east ridge.

steven ruffles Photo source

Explore routes near Bannerdale Crags

Walks starting near this hill. Open a route to check its map, distance and full itinerary.

Bannerdale Crags from Mungrisdale Wainwright

6.9 km ~2h Moderate

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Mungrisdale Common and Bowscale Fell from Mosedale Valley Wainwright

13.4 km ~6h Hard

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Brae Fell from Longlands Wainwright

8.8 km ~3h Moderate

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Binsey from Binsey Lodge Direct Out and Back Wainwright

2.4 km ~1h 30m Moderate

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Route planning notes

These notes describe possible approaches. Check a route's map and access information when planning your walk.

Bannerdale from Dale Head

A scenic walk starting from Dale Head, making your way through lush valleys and gradual ascents to reach the crags.

6.5 km ~3.5 hours Moderate
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Hill facts and local notes

Classifications

Simm Hewitt Nuttall Wainwright Birkett Synge Fellranger

Elevation

684m

2,244 ft

Prominence

37m

Coordinates

54.6520, -3.0317

NY335290

OS Map

90

Explorer: OL5S

At the Summit

The summit is marked by a small cairn, providing a perfect spot for a celebratory selfie once you've conquered the heights.

Terrain & Geology

Rocky and grassy terrain with some boggy patches in lower areas so waterproof boots are preferred to avoid soggy socks.

Bannerdale Crags is primarily composed of sedimentary rocks, particularly the Skiddaw Slates, which were formed during the Ordovician period. The crags themselves exhibit classic Lake District topography, with steep faces and ridges offering a picturesque view of the surrounding landscape.

Views & Scenery

From the summit, you can marvel at the majestic Helvellyn range, the towering peaks of Skiddaw, and even catch a glimpse of Thirlmere reservoir in the distance.

History & Heritage

Name Origin

The name 'Bannerdale' is derived from the Old Norse 'Bandra', meaning a 'slope', which is quite fitting given the notable slopes that characterise the area.

Historical Significance

The area is steeped in history, often associated with local folklore and the mining heritage that shaped much of the Lake District.

Getting There & Facilities

Parking

Parking is available at the small layby on the A66 near Threlkeld, approximately 3 miles from the start of the trail.

Public Transport

Buses run from Keswick to Threlkeld, with a short walk to the starting point of the hike.

Nearby Facilities

Keswick has a range of facilities including cafés, restaurants, and public toilets. Proper coffee is a must before or after a hike.

Safety Information

Known Hazards

  • Loose rocks on the ascent can pose a risk; watch your footing. Additionally, the weather can change rapidly in the Lake District, so always be prepared for four seasons in one day!

General Safety Tips

  • Check weather conditions before setting out
  • Carry appropriate clothing and equipment
  • Let someone know your planned route
  • Take a map, compass, and GPS device
  • Carry emergency supplies: food, water, first aid kit, torch

Hills

Some common questions about the hills answered

Are there group walks up Bannerdale Crags?

Many walkers use Walkmates to join or organise walks with others. You can check for group walks around Bannerdale Crags through the maps

Are there other walkers around Bannerdale Crags?

Activity varies by location and time, but Walkmates lets you see whether others have shared walks or shown interest in this area. Find other people through the walking friends search walking friends for Bannerdale Crags search or of course create your own walk for Bannerdale Crags

Can I organise a walk to Bannerdale Crags?

Yes. If there aren’t any walks listed already, you can create a walk and make it available for others to join.

If you're signed up to Walkmates, you can create a walk to Bannerdale Crags.

How do I find a walk up this hill?

There are often multiple ways to walk this hill, depending on experience and route preference. Walkmates helps you explore walks and routes that others have shared.

Can I suggest a new route up Bannerdale Crags?

Yes. You can suggest or create routes to share with others. Walkmates focuses on the social side of walking, so routes are used to help people organise walks and explore areas together, rather than as detailed navigation tools or route libraries.

Other uses really appreciate knowledgeable walkers sharing their routes. Share your favourite route to Bannerdale Crags here

The is an error or something incorrect about this hill. How do I let you know?

We always strive to keep the information on Walkmates as accurate as possible. If you find an error, please let us know through the contact form and we'll aim to correct it as quickly as possible

Location

View the hill's mapped position and surrounding paths.

Grid reference: NY335290

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Nearby Hills

Blencathra - Hallsfell Top

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 Skiddaw

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 Helvellyn

Helvellyn

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St Sunday Crag

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Place Fell

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