SD4972 : Overgrown stock pens, Warton Crag

Warton Crag

163m Elevation
126m Prominence
England Country
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SD4972 : Overgrown stock pens, Warton Crag

Karl and Ali Photo source

Overview

Warton Crag: A Hidden Gem in Lancashire

Warton Crag is a delightful little mountain located in Lancashire, England, standing at a respectable elevation of 159 meters. While it may not be a towering giant like Snowdon, Warton Crag offers breathtaking views and a charming hiking experience that makes every step worthwhile.

Geology

Warton Crag is composed mainly of limestone, a geological treasure dating back to the Carboniferous period. This means that, yes, you might encounter fossils on your hike! Just remember, don't fossick for more than you can carry – it’s not an ancient rock buffet!

Routes

Two popular routes lead up to the summit:

  1. Warton Village Circular Route: A family-friendly, 4.5 km loop that gently guides you from the village, revealing stunning landscapes along the way.
  2. Climb from Roadside: For those seeking a bit more of a challenge, this moderate ascent directly from the roadside will get your heart racing and your spirits soaring.

Terrain Type

The terrain here is a mix of grassy paths, rocky outcrops, and soft limestone patches. These features make for varied hiking conditions, but sturdy boots will keep your feet happy and your ankles safe!

Summit Features

Upon reaching the summit, you'll be greeted by a trig point – perfect for a well-deserved selfie or Instagram post, because who doesn’t love a good trig point photo?

Views

The views from Warton Crag are simply superb. Look out over Morecambe Bay and, if you’re fortunate, you may catch a glimpse of the Isle of Man! For the best sights, try to visit in spring or early autumn when the light is just right.

Hazards

While a visit to Warton Crag is generally safe, keep an eye on slippery rocks after rain. They can be trickier than your uncle at a family barbecue!

Nearby Summits

For those looking to extend their adventure, nearby peaks like Ingleborough and Pen-y-ghent await, both offering their own enchanting landscapes and hiking routes.

Access

Getting to Warton Crag is pretty straightforward. Parking can be found in Warton village, but arrive early if you're visiting during weekends! The bus service from Lancaster makes it an accessible destination for day-trippers too.

Facilities

After your hike, treat yourself at 'The Old School Room', a quaint café in Warton where you can recharge with some homemade treats!

History

The name 'Warton' reflects its rich past, translating to 'watch house farm'. It's a fitting name for a location that has long offered vantage points over the surrounding countryside.

With its charming scenery, straightforward routes, and a sprinkle of historical flair, Warton Crag is a lovely spot to stretch your legs in the great outdoors. So grab your boots, don your walking hat, and get ready to explore!

Explore routes near Warton Crag

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

Bolton-le-Sands to Hest Bank: Lancaster Canal Towpath Return

8.5 km ~2h 15m Easy

View route

Sizergh: Park End Moss and Brigsteer Park Wood Circuit

4.6 km ~3h Moderate

View route

Ingleton Waterfalls Walk

6.8 km ~2h 30m Moderate

View route

Ingleborough from Clapham

~5h Hard

View route

Route planning notes

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

Warton Village Circular Route

A popular loop starting from Warton village, taking in the crag via well-marked paths. Ideal for a family outing with slight inclines and beautiful scenery.

4.5 km ~1.5 hours Easy

Climb from Roadside

This straightforward ascent from the roadside directly up to the summit offers great views but can be a bit steep in places.

2 km ~1 hours Moderate
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Hill facts and local notes

Classifications

Hump 100-199m hill

Elevation

163m

535 ft

Prominence

126m

Coordinates

54.1484, -2.7795

SD491727

OS Map

97

Explorer: OL7S

At the Summit

At the summit, hikers will find a trig point, a fantastic vantage point for photographs, and stunning views in all directions.

Terrain & Geology

Primarily grassy with rocky outcrops interspersed with patches of limestone; suitable for all ages with the right footwear.

Warton Crag is primarily composed of limestone, giving it a rugged appearance. The crag is a remnant of a coral reef from the Carboniferous period, rich in fossils, which makes for fascinating exploration underfoot.

Views & Scenery

From the summit, one can see the sprawling Morecambe Bay, the distant hills of the Lake District, and, on a clear day, the Isle of Man.

History & Heritage

Name Origin

The name 'Warton' is derived from the Old English 'weard-tun', meaning 'watch house farm', potentially due to its strategic viewpoint.

Historical Significance

The crag was historically important for limestone quarrying and offers insights into the geological history of the region.

Getting There & Facilities

Parking

Parking is available in Warton village, on Main Street (LA5 9PD). Limited spaces, so arrive early during weekends.

Public Transport

Regular bus services from Lancaster stop in Warton, making it an easy trip for those relying on public transport.

Nearby Facilities

Warton has a small village shop and a lovely café, 'The Old School Room', where you can grab a cuppa and a slice of cake after your adventure.

Safety Information

Known Hazards

  • Care should be taken on wet and slippery rocks, especially in the spring. Additionally, being an uplifting crag, strong winds can catch you off guard.

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 Warton Crag?

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

Are there other walkers around Warton 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 Warton Crag search or of course create your own walk for Warton Crag

Can I organise a walk to Warton 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 Warton 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 Warton 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 Warton 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

Location

Warton Crag location map

Grid reference: SD491727

View on OpenStreetMap

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

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