NY2614 : On Great Crag

Great Crag (Stonethwaite)

449m Elevation
34m Prominence
England Country
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NY2614 : On Great Crag

Michael Graham Photo source

Overview

Great Crag (Stonethwaite)

Nestled within the stunning Lake District, Great Crag (Stonethwaite) rises to an elevation of 495 meters, offering walkers a moderate challenge with spectacular rewards.

Geology

Great Crag features layers of Skiddaw Slate, giving it a unique geological character that has delighted both geologists and hikers alike. The weathered surfaces tell a story that dates back to the Ordovician period, making it a notable feature in this remarkable landscape.

Route

The Stonethwaite Path is the way to go for those eager to conquer Great Crag. Spanning approximately 3.5 km, this route meanders through picturesque woodland and rocky outcrops. It’s a wonderful choice for families and serious walkers—just make sure your walking shoes are up to the task! Expect a round trip of roughly 2 hours, not including any time spent admiring the views, of course.

Summit Features

At the summit, you’ll find a modest cairn and breathtaking views that showcase the best the Lake District has to offer, including nearby peaks like Scafell Pike. It’s a great spot to catch your breath—or a fantastic photo, whichever takes precedence!

Terrain

The terrain is mainly rocky and grassy, particularly steep in sections, so it's wise to tread carefully, especially in wet weather. Do brace yourself for some breathtaking vistas that might make you wish all hills were this rewarding.

Views

From the top, you can enjoy sweeping views of the Borrowdale Valley. The best seasons for sweeping vistas are spring and autumn, when the colours are vibrant and the skies clear, giving you marvellous clarity for your photographs!

Hazards

As with many outdoor activities, a little caution goes a long way. Keep an eye out for loose rocks and steep drops, particularly when wet. That’s not the kind of adventure anyone is after!

Access

You'll find the nearest parking at Stonethwaite, where a small car park awaits. Make sure to arrive early—these spots tend to fill up faster than a kettle on a Sunday! If you're relying on public transport, buses from Keswick drop you at Seatoller, a short walk from the trailhead.

Nearby Facilities

Once you've completed your hike, head back to Keswick, where a plethora of eateries, pubs, and shops will be more than willing to welcome you with open arms.

History

The name 'Great Crag' speaks volumes about its rocky stature, while its significance extends into the hearts of walkers across the region. It isn’t just a hill; it's a beloved landmark!

So pack your bag, grab those boots, and head out for an adventure at Great Crag—because life's too short to stay indoors!

Explore routes near Great Crag (Stonethwaite)

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

Scafell Pike from Seathwaite via the Corridor Route

14.1 km ~7h Hard

View route

Bow Fell from Langdale

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Scafell Pike via Brown Tongue and Hollow Stones

8.1 km ~4h Hard

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Whinlatter dark skies walk

View route

Route planning notes

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

Stonethwaite Path

A popular route starting from Stonethwaite that leads hikers up through rocky outcrops and past lush woodland. A great choice for both experienced walkers and those with a bit of ambition.

3.5 km ~2 hours Moderate
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Hill facts and local notes

Classifications

400-499m hill Wainwright Birkett Synge Fellranger

Elevation

449m

1,473 ft

Prominence

34m

Coordinates

54.5222, -3.1293

NY270146

OS Map

89 90

Explorer: OL4S

At the Summit

The summit boasts a small rocky outcrop providing stunning panoramic views across the Borrowdale Valley and beyond. A small cairn marks the peak, offering the perfect photo opportunity.

Terrain & Geology

Rocky and grassy with some steep sections particularly towards the summit. Expect a mixture of well-trodden paths and rugged natural terrain.

Great Crag is primarily composed of Skiddaw Slate, which dates back to the Ordovician period. The rock has weathered into interesting shapes, providing a varied terrain that's both challenging and beautiful.

Views & Scenery

From the summit, you can see the likes of Scafell Pike and Great Gable on a clear day, along with the beautiful Borrowdale valley below.

History & Heritage

Name Origin

The name 'Great Crag' reflects the rocky prominence of the hill, with 'crag' suggesting its rugged outcrops.

Historical Significance

Great Crag is well-loved by walkers and is a notable part of the local landscape, often featured in walking guides for its accessibility and beauty.

Getting There & Facilities

Parking

There is a small car park available at Stonethwaite, alongside nearby roadside parking. Arrive early to secure a space, especially during peak walking seasons.

Public Transport

Regular buses run to Keswick, with connections to Borrowdale. The nearest stop is at Seatoller, from which it’s a short walk to the trailhead.

Nearby Facilities

Keswick boasts numerous pubs, shops, and cafes, while the village of Stonethwaite has a lovely tea room perfect for pre- or post-hike refreshments.

Safety Information

Known Hazards

  • Loose rocks and steep drops may pose risks, particularly in wet weather. It's advised to stick to the paths and take care on the ascent and descent.

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 Great Crag (Stonethwaite)?

Many walkers use Walkmates to join or organise walks with others. You can check for group walks around Great Crag (Stonethwaite) through the maps

Are there other walkers around Great Crag (Stonethwaite)?

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 Great Crag (Stonethwaite) search or of course create your own walk for Great Crag (Stonethwaite)

Can I organise a walk to Great Crag (Stonethwaite)?

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 Great Crag (Stonethwaite).

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 Great Crag (Stonethwaite)?

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 Great Crag (Stonethwaite) 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

Great Crag (Stonethwaite) location map

Grid reference: NY270146

View on OpenStreetMap

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

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