Hart Crag

Hart Crag

Hart Crag is a rocky 823.1-metre summit in the Lake District's Eastern Fells, between Fairfield and Dove Crag. It is a meeting point for very different days on the hill: the long Fairfield Horseshoe approaches from Ambleside, while the ridge of Hartsop above How rises from the wooded shores of Brothers Water. From the latter, the contrast between the valley and the broken ground around the top is particularly striking.

Finding the summit

The summit area has cairns and several rock outcrops. The recorded summit is at NY 36818 11262; the survey notes also identify a rock near the Wainwright cairn, roughly 100 metres to the south-east at NY 36891 11207, as equally high. The cairn is a useful landmark, but it should not be confused with the surveyed rock itself.

Fairfield and Dove Crag are the immediate high neighbours. In clear weather the outlook includes Great Rigg, the Helvellyn range and the High Street fells. Views change along the approaches: the Hartsop above How ridge looks into Deepdale and Dovedale, with a glimpse of Ullswater farther down the valley.

Two ways to make a complete walk

Choose a complete mapped circuit, including the return to your starting point, before setting out.

Cow Bridge, Hartsop above How and Dovedale

From Cow Bridge at the northern end of Brothers Water, climb through Low Wood onto the Hartsop above How ridge. Continue over the ridge's undulations to Hart Crag. The final ascent is steep, with loose stones and rough rock.

For the return, head towards Dove Crag and use the established path from the intervening col into Dovedale. Descend to Hartsop Hall, then follow the lakeside track along the western shore of Brothers Water back to Cow Bridge. The Dovedale descent is long and steep, including stone steps; allow time and energy for it rather than treating the summit as the end of the hard work.

The Fairfield Horseshoe from Ambleside

A longer circuit starts in Ambleside and climbs by Low Sweden Bridge, Low Pike and High Pike to Dove Crag and Hart Crag. Continue over Link Hause to Fairfield, then descend the opposite side of the horseshoe over Great Rigg, Heron Pike and Nab Scar. The path through Rydal Hall and onward to Ambleside completes the return.

This is a strenuous mountain day with repeated ascent, boggy ground and rocky sections. Fairfield's broad summit can be confusing in cloud, so identify the correct onward ridge with map and compass.

Getting to the start

Cow Bridge car park is beside the A592, north of Brothers Water, at approximately NY 403134. It is small; check the current parking signs and do not obstruct gates, access tracks or the road. Rydal Road car park in Ambleside is an alternative starting point for the horseshoe.

Bus access needs seasonal planning. The National Park describes the 508 service through Cow Bridge as seasonal, with the winter route ending at Patterdale rather than continuing to Brothers Water. Check the operator's timetable for your walking date and the last return bus. Do not assume a bus to Patterdale delivers you to the Cow Bridge start.

Use gates and stiles, follow signed paths around farms and check any access notices. Bring food and water for the whole outing; there are no summit facilities.

Rock and landscape

Hart Crag is part of the Borrowdale Volcanic Group landscape. The British Geological Survey includes it in the type section of the Deepdale Sandstone Formation, a succession containing sandstone made from volcanic debris, together with breccia and tuffs.

Conditions to plan for

Wet rocks, loose stones and steep descents demand care. Mist can hide the correct ridge or path, and leaving the established routes may lead towards crags. Choose a circuit that suits the group's navigation skills, fitness and available daylight.

Check a mountain forecast, carry waterproofs, warm layers, a torch, map and compass, and leave your route and expected return with someone. Snow and ice change these walks substantially and require appropriate winter equipment and the skills to use it. Turn back or choose a lower walk if conditions exceed your experience. In an emergency, call 999 or 112, ask for Police, then Mountain Rescue.