Grey Friar

Grey Friar

Grey Friar stands slightly apart from the main Coniston ridge, above the Duddon Valley. This 773-metre Southern Fells Wainwright offers a clear-day view towards the Scafells. Fell overview.

Which cairn is the summit?

Two cairns crown rocky outcrops on the summit plateau. The south-eastern one, at NY 26010 00361, marks both the true summit and Wainwright’s top. The nearby north-western cairn is slightly lower, despite its attractive Scafell outlook. Summit identification.

The pointed boulder known as Matterhorn Rock is another summit-area landmark, not the highest point. In cloud, use your map and compass rather than relying on distant views or the most conspicuous cairn. Summit landmarks.

A circuit from Wrynose Pass

WalkLakes describes a 7.5 km circuit with 508 metres of ascent. Its 2 hours 21 minutes is a stated minimum, not a relaxed day’s allowance. Start and finish at the top of Wrynose Pass. Route and figures.

Head south over the initial wet section and climb to Wet Side Edge. Note the cairn marking this junction before turning south-west along the ridge. Ascent from the pass.

Near Hell Gill Pike, take the left branch over Little Carrs and Great Carrs. Turn away from the cliff edge past the Halifax memorial, cross Fairfield col and climb Grey Friar’s rocky eastern slopes. Upper circuit.

Return to Fairfield col and climb briefly towards Great Carrs. At the path split, take the left branch beneath the fell to rejoin Wet Side Edge. Return traverse. Visit Hell Gill Pike’s viewpoint. Return detail. At the remembered cairn junction, leave the ridge on the original ascent path and descend to the same Wrynose Pass start. Final descent.

Volcanic rock

The summit is mapped on Birker Fell Andesite Formation. Summit geology.

The British Geological Survey describes this as predominantly andesite lava flows, with broken volcanic material and smaller amounts of basalt, dacite and other deposits. It belongs to the Borrowdale Volcanic Group; Cockley Beck to Grey Friar is one of its reference sections. Formation description.

Getting there and access

Parking at the pass is limited, and the approach road is steep with difficult passing. Starting-point notes.

Check road conditions before travelling. In October 2026, Westmorland and Furness Council reported new remotely operated weather-closure signs at Wrynose Pass. Follow any displayed closure; a fine valley forecast does not establish that the pass is open. Council winter update.

Stagecoach 516 links Ambleside with Elterwater and Dungeon Ghyll, but its listed stops do not include Wrynose Pass. Reaching this start needs separate transport planning. Check the timetable for your date and arrange your return before setting off. 516 timetable.

Check current access notices and follow temporary restrictions. Keep dogs controlled and give other users room on shared paths. National Park access guidance.

Terrain and preparation

Expect rough stone, faint paths and boggy patches. Great Carrs has abrupt drops above Greenburn, so keep back from the edge and navigate carefully in poor visibility. Terrain notes.

Carry a map and compass, waterproofs, spare warm layers, food, water and a headtorch. Check a mountain forecast, leave your route with someone and turn back if conditions deteriorate. Winter brings shorter days and more demanding conditions. In an emergency, call 999 or 112 and ask for Police, then Mountain Rescue. Mountain Rescue advice.