St Sunday Crag

St Sunday Crag

St Sunday Crag Group Walks | Join a Walk

841m Elevation
160m Prominence
England Country

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Classifications

Marilyn Sim Hewitt Nuttall High Hill of Britain Wainwright Birkett Sy Fellranger

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Elevation

841m

2,760 ft

Prominence

160m

Coordinates

54.5119, -2.9758

NY369133

OS Map

90

Explorer: OL5S

At the Summit

The summit is flat and features a small stone cairn, along with magnificent views of the surrounding fells - quite the spot for a cheeky selfie!

Terrain & Geology

Rocky paths mixed with grassy slopes with a fair share of mud thrown in for good measure.

St Sunday Crag is primarily comprised of Skiddaw slate, which formed during the late Ordovician period. This slate is known for its weathered surface and age-old stability, making it a reliable companion on your ascent, unless it’s wet, then it might just get a little slippery.

Views & Scenery

From the summit, you can see the twin peaks of Helvellyn and the expansive Ullswater, a view that would make even the clouds jealous.

History & Heritage

Name Origin

The name 'St Sunday Crag' is thought to derive from 'Saint Sunday', referencing a local church dedicated to St. Sunday situated in the area.

Historical Significance

St Sunday Crag has long been admired by hikers and climbers alike, becoming a staple of the Lakeland walking community.

Popular Routes

Classic Fairfield Horseshoe via St Sunday Crag

Hard

This celebrated route begins in Patterdale and follows a well-trodden path up to Birks before reaching the summit of St Sunday Crag. From there, it continues along the ridge to Fairfield, offering stunning views over Ullswater and Grisedale Tarn, before looping back through Grisedale Valley to Patterdale.

16 km 6 hours

St Sunday Crag from Patterdale via Arnison Crag

Moderate

Starting in Patterdale, this popular route takes you over Arnison Crag and Birks before ascending St Sunday Crag. The return path descends via the Grisedale Valley, creating a satisfying circular route with spectacular views throughout.

10.5 km 4.5 hours

Direct Ascent of St Sunday Crag from Patterdale

Moderate

This straightforward out-and-back route begins in Patterdale and follows the Grisedale Valley before ascending directly up St Sunday Crag. It’s an efficient way to reach the summit, with opportunities to enjoy panoramic views from the top.

9 km 4 hours

Deepdale Round including St Sunday Crag

Very Hard

The Deepdale Round is a challenging circular route that begins in Deepdale Bridge and includes the summits of St Sunday Crag, Fairfield, and Hart Crag. This high-level walk offers breathtaking views but requires good navigation skills and fitness.

18 km 7.5 hours

St Sunday Crag via Gavel Pike

Hard

This route ascends St Sunday Crag via Gavel Pike, a lesser-frequented ridge. Starting in Patterdale, it heads into the Grisedale Valley before tackling the steep climb up to Gavel Pike. The return is made via Birks, creating a rewarding circuit.

11 km 5 hours

Getting There & Facilities

Parking

There is a car park at Patterdale, which is the primary access point. Spaces can fill up quickly, so arriving early is advisable.

Public Transport

Buses from Penrith run regularly to Patterdale, making it an accessible choice for public transport users.

Nearby Facilities

There are a few local cafés in Patterdale providing meals and hot drinks, plus some public toilets available nearby.

Safety Information

Known Hazards

  • Loose rocks and slippery paths during wet conditions; poor visibility in fog.

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

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Hills

Some common questions about the hills answered

Are there group walks up St Sunday Crag?

Many walkers use Walkmates to join or organise walks with others. You can check for group walks around St Sunday Crag through the maps

Are there other walkers around St Sunday Crag?

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 St Sunday Crag search or of course create your own walk for St Sunday Crag

Can I organise a walk to St Sunday Crag?

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 St Sunday Crag.

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 St Sunday Crag?

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 St Sunday Crag 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