Crag Hill [Eel Crag]

Crag Hill [Eel Crag]

Crag Hill rises to 839.2 m above the head of Coledale in the Lake District's North Western Fells. It is a natural meeting point for walks linking Grisedale Pike, Hopegill Head, Grasmoor and Sail. The broad top gives a welcome change from the steeper ridges around it, but reaching and leaving it is a substantial mountain walk.

The two names help explain the landscape. Eel Crag is the rock face on the north side, conspicuous above Coledale Hause; generations of walkers have used that name for the whole fell. Crag Hill is the name used on Ordnance Survey mapping. Both names refer to the mountain described here.

The summit and its views

The familiar trig point is the Wainwright summit, but the highest ground is unmarked, about 35 m south, at NY 19274 20333. It is only about 30 cm higher than the ground at the trig. Anyone aiming for the measured highest point should make this small distinction rather than stop automatically at the pillar.

In clear weather the panorama reaches from Grasmoor and the surrounding Coledale fells to Skiddaw and Blencathra in the north-east. The Helvellyn range lies to the east, with Great Gable and the Scafells farther south. The broad summit is a good place to identify the ridges you have crossed and the one you intend to descend. In cloud, confirm that exit with your map and compass before leaving.

Two Coledale circuits

“Coledale Round” describes several different walks. Choose the complete circuit before setting off: adding a summit or taking another descent changes the distance and the amount of steep ground. The following routes finish where they begin.

Ridge circuit via Causey Pike

From the small car park on the Whinlatter road above Braithwaite, climb over Kinn to Grisedale Pike. Continue west to Hopegill Head, then cross Sand Hill and descend to Coledale Hause. Follow the path beside the upper Liza Beck to the col between Grasmoor and Crag Hill, turning east for Crag Hill.

The return crosses the rocky ridge to Sail, continues over Scar Crags and Causey Pike, then descends via Rowling End. Follow the road north through Braithwaite and back up the Whinlatter road to the start. This is the approximately 16 km circuit described by UKHillwalking, whose suggested time is 6-8 hours. It excludes the optional detour to Whiteside. The descents from Crag Hill and Causey Pike need particular care.

Longer circuit via Grasmoor and Barrow

The Keswick Tourism Association's version starts in Braithwaite village. It climbs Grisedale Pike and visits Hopegill Head before crossing Sand Hill to Coledale Hause. Ascend beside Liza Beck to the Grasmoor-Crag Hill col, visit Grasmoor and retrace the ridge to the col before climbing Crag Hill.

Continue over Sail to Sail Pass. Instead of continuing to Scar Crags and Causey Pike, take the path towards Outerside, then cross Low Moss and Stile End to Barrow Door. Climb Barrow and descend its north-east ridge through Braithwaite Lodge to the village. This complete version is published as 17.5 km, with 7-8 hours suggested. Those figures include Grasmoor and the Barrow finish. Allow extra time for stops and slower conditions on either circuit.

Terrain and choosing the day

The high routes mix grassy ridges, stony paths and steep rocky sections. The ridge between Crag Hill and Sail narrows, and descending it can involve using your hands. Causey Pike adds another steep, exposed descent. These are demanding walks for people comfortable with mountain terrain, rather than straightforward paths to a viewpoint.

Strong wind, wet rock and poor visibility make the ridges harder. Snow and ice can turn the steep sections into winter mountaineering ground requiring suitable skills, an ice axe and crampons. Check a mountain forecast, leave a route plan with someone and allow enough daylight for the return. Carry navigation equipment, waterproofs, warm layers, food, water and a head torch. Avoid improvising a shortcut down the crags when tired or caught by weather.

Getting to Braithwaite

Mall Quarry car park, on the Whinlatter road above the village, is the small starting area identified by the National Park at NY 22727 23781. Space is limited. If it is full, the National Park asks drivers not to park on the road at that point. It also lists school parking at weekends and during school holidays; follow local signs and availability. Starting in the village adds the walk up to the car park for the Causey Pike circuit.

The X5 connects Keswick with Braithwaite. Stagecoach's winter 2026/27 guide lists Braithwaite Croft Terrace in both directions. The 77/77A Honister Rambler is seasonal, so do not assume it runs throughout the year. Check the timetable for your travel date, the correct stop and your return journey. Include the walk between the bus stop and the route start in your plan.

Braithwaite has pubs for refreshments. Bring what you need for the fell rather than relying on facilities during the walk.

Coledale's mining landscape

The old mine road offers a lower-level way into Coledale, beneath the ridges described above. Force Crag Mine worked lead, zinc and barytes until 1991. Its buildings and treatment ponds add another layer to the valley: water from the abandoned workings is treated to reduce metal pollution before returning to Coledale Beck. Keep to the walking routes around the site and carry drinking water. A walk to the mine is a separate outing, not the same undertaking as climbing Crag Hill.