Loft Crag

Loft Crag

Loft Crag is one of the Langdale Pikes in the Central Fells, rising above Great Langdale beside Pike of Stickle and Harrison Stickle. Fell profile.

Summit and views

The summit is 681.7 metres high, with a small cairn on an outcrop at NY 27745 07132. Loft Crag is listed as a Wainwright and a Nuttall. Summit record.

The recorded Wainwright top is at the same grid reference as the surveyed summit; there is no separate lower Wainwright top to seek here. Wainwright top.

In clear weather, Bowfell stands across Mickleden, with Pike of Stickle and Harrison Stickle close by. The wider outlook includes Windermere, Lingmoor Fell and Blea Tarn. Summit photographs.

Mark Gate out and back

From Stickle Ghyll car park, leave through the upper gates and turn left across the fellside. Cross the first wall and turn right uphill beside it. At the second wall, turn left towards Dungeon Ghyll. Cross on the path and climb its western bank via Mark Gate, following the path through the crags to the saddle above. Turn left across wet ground and climb the path between the crags. Lower approach.

The Dungeon Ghyll crossing is a ford. Crossing photographs.

Do not attempt it in high or fast-flowing water; turn back if it is unsafe, and consider whether rising water could cut off your return. Water hazards.

At the cairned Y-junction near NY 279071, take the left branch northwest. At NY 277072, turn left off the main path for the short climb to Loft Crag’s summit. Summit approach.

Return along that same summit spur to the main path, then retrace southeast to the Y-junction. Upper return landmarks.

Descend Mark Gate, recross Dungeon Ghyll at the same lower ford, and reverse the wall-side paths and gates to the starting car park. Lower return landmarks.

Keep to this walking route rather than the climbers’ traverse to Gimmer Crag. Stay clear of the crag edges and Dungeon Ghyll gorge. Crag and path photographs.

Rock and climbing history

The mapped bedrock is the Seathwaite Fell Sandstone Formation within the Borrowdale Volcanic Group. Its sandstone and siltstone were formed from volcanic debris, with interbedded tuff and other fragmental rocks. Local geology and BGS formation description.

Gimmer Crag has a long climbing history. Andrew Thomson described its climbs in the Fell and Rock Climbing Club’s first journal, published in 1907. Early climbing account.

Access and preparation

Start at the National Trust’s Stickle Ghyll car park, NY 294065, postcode LA22 9JU. Public toilets are in the car park and refreshments are available nearby. The 516 bus runs from Ambleside to New Dungeon Ghyll Hotel. Check current parking charges, opening hours and the return timetable before travelling. Travel and facilities.

This is steep fellwalking on rough ground. Check the mountain forecast, carry a map, compass, suitable clothing and supplies, and allow daylight for the return. Wet rock, strong winds, snow and ice can make the route much harder. Winter conditions require appropriate skills and equipment; turn back when conditions exceed your ability. Walking safety.