NY2404 : The summit cairn of Long Top

Crinkle Crags - Fourth Crinkle

832m Elevation
3m Prominence
England Country
Find walking friends Explore routes

Good walks are even better shared.

NY2404 : The summit cairn of Long Top

Ian Greig Photo source

Explore routes near Crinkle Crags - Fourth Crinkle

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

Scafell Pike via Brown Tonge and Hollow Stones

8.1 km ~4h Hard

View route

Scafell Pike from Seathwaite via the Corridor Route

14.1 km ~7h Hard

View route

Tarn Hows Fast Route

4.1 km ~1h Moderate

View route

Helvellyn via Striding Edge

11.2 km ~6h Hard

View route

Route planning notes

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

The Crinkle Crags Ridge Walk from The Old Dungeon Ghyll

This classic route begins at The Old Dungeon Ghyll in Great Langdale. Follow the well-trodden path through Mickleden Valley, turning right to ascend the Band. From Three Tarns, tackle the Crinkle Crags ridge, starting with the iconic 'Bad Step' on the Fourth Crinkle. Return the same way or descend via Oxendale Beck.

12.5 km ~5.5 hours Challenging

Southern Circuit via Cold Pike and Crinkle Crags

This extended circuit starts from the Three Shire Stone on Wrynose Pass. Ascend Cold Pike first, then traverse northward to Crinkle Crags, reaching the Fourth Crinkle midway along the ridge. Descend via the Band back to Great Langdale.

14 km ~6 hours Challenging

Circular Route from Stool End Farm

From Stool End Farm in Langdale, follow the path through Oxendale Valley before ascending Browney Gill to reach Three Tarns. Traverse the length of the Crinkle Crags ridge, passing the Fourth Crinkle, before descending via the Band back to Stool End.

11 km ~5 hours Moderate

Crinkle Crags and Bowfell Traverse

This longer and more challenging route starts at The Old Dungeon Ghyll. Ascend the Band to Three Tarns, then traverse the Crinkle Crags ridge, including the Fourth Crinkle. Continue to Bowfell summit before descending via The Band back to the starting point.

16 km ~7 hours Challenging

Crinkle Crags from Cockley Beck

This quieter route starts at Cockley Beck Bridge. Follow the path towards the southern slopes of Crinkle Crags, ascending to reach the ridge. Traverse the crinkles, including the Fourth Crinkle, before returning along the same route or via a detour towards Cold Pike.

10 km ~4.5 hours Moderate
Browse more walks on the map

Make a day of it, together

Find someone to share the walk with, or organise a day out along a route you like.

Find walking friends Plan a walk here
Hill facts and local notes

Classifications

Birkett

Elevation

832m

2,730 ft

Prominence

3m

Coordinates

54.4354, -3.1582

NY249050

OS Map

89 90

Explorer: OL6N

At the Summit

The Fourth Crinkle is marked by a distinctive rocky outcrop that provides a perfect spot for a summit selfie or a cheeky snack break. While there’s no trig point, the views make up for it.

Terrain & Geology

Rocky with grassy patches and occasional boggy areas especially after rainfall. Good boots are advised; you wouldn’t want wet socks spoiling your day!

The Crinkle Crags are primarily composed of volcanic rock known as andesite, giving rise to their rugged texture and steep cliffs. The crags exhibit some fascinating geological formations including scree slopes and rocky outcrops, perfect for those who appreciate a bit of rock science with their hiking.

Views & Scenery

From the summit, you can feast your eyes on the sweeping valleys of Great Langdale, the majestic peaks of the Coniston Fells, and on a clear day, a glimpse of Morecambe Bay in the distance.

History & Heritage

Name Origin

The name 'Crinkle Crags' is believed to come from the old Norse word 'kronk,' meaning 'crinkle' or 'craggy', aptly describing the terrain.

Historical Significance

The area has been popular with walkers for centuries and is featured prominently in Alfred Wainwright's renowned walking guides, making it a cherished spot for outdoor enthusiasts.

Getting There & Facilities

Parking

Old Dungeon Ghyll car park, which is pay and display. Gets busy on weekends, so arrive early or be prepared to park further away.

Public Transport

Accessible via the Stagecoach bus service from Ambleside to Langdale, with a stop near the Old Dungeon Ghyll.

Nearby Facilities

There are no facilities up on the Crinkle Crags, but down in the valley, you'll find several pubs, cafes, and public toilets, including the popular Old Dungeon Ghyll Hotel.

Safety Information

Known Hazards

  • Rugged terrain and steep drops, especially around the summit. Weather conditions can change rapidly, so be prepared for everything from sun to sleet in a matter of minutes.

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 Crinkle Crags - Fourth Crinkle?

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

Are there other walkers around Crinkle Crags - Fourth Crinkle?

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 Crinkle Crags - Fourth Crinkle search or of course create your own walk for Crinkle Crags - Fourth Crinkle

Can I organise a walk to Crinkle Crags - Fourth Crinkle?

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 Crinkle Crags - Fourth Crinkle.

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 Crinkle Crags - Fourth Crinkle?

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 Crinkle Crags - Fourth Crinkle 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: NY249050

View on OpenStreetMap

Opens a map in a new tab, centred on the hill.

Nearby Hills

Crinkle Crags - Long Top [Second Crinkle]

859m

 Bowfell

Bowfell

903m

 Esk Pike

Esk Pike

885m

Pike of Blisco

703m

Hard Knott

550m
See 5 more nearby hills