Crag Hill facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Crag Hill |
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Crag Hill from the neighbouring summit of Sail
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| Highest point | |
| Elevation | 839 m (2,753 ft) |
| Prominence | 117 m (384 ft) |
| Parent peak | Grasmoor |
| Listing | Hewitt, Nuttall, Wainwright |
| Geography | |
 Crag Hill
Location in Lake District
Crag Hill
Location in Allerdale
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| Location | Cumbria, England |
| Parent range | Lake District, North Western Fells |
| OS grid | NY192203 |
| Topo map | OS Landrangers 89, 90, Explorer OL4 |
Crag Hill is a mountain located in the beautiful Lake District in England. It stands tall in the North Western part of this famous national park. This mountain was once known as Eel Crag. However, today, the name Eel Crag refers only to the northern crags (steep rocky faces) of the mountain.
It's important not to confuse this Crag Hill with another mountain called Crag Hill that is found near North Yorkshire. Our Crag Hill overlooks two lovely valleys: Rannerdale to the west and Coledale to the east. It is the second highest mountain in its local area, reaching 839 meters (about 2,753 feet) into the sky.
Where is Crag Hill?
The North Western Fells are a group of mountains in the Lake District. They are located between two rivers, the Derwent and the Cocker. Crag Hill is right in the middle of this area. It sits between two mountain passes, Whinlatter and Newlands.
The highest part of the North Western Fells is a ridge that goes from east to west. This ridge starts with Grasmoor mountain, which is the tallest. Then it gradually goes down through Crag Hill, Sail, Scar Crags, and Causey Pike. Crag Hill is like the central point of this mountain range. It has ridges that spread out in four directions, like a cross.
To the north of Crag Hill, there is a low point called Coledale Hause. This pass connects Crag Hill to another mountain called Hopegill Head. From Coledale Hause, two valleys stretch out. Gasgale Gill flows west towards the River Cocker. Coledale Beck flows east towards the River Derwent. As you climb from Coledale Hause to Crag Hill, you'll see Eel Crag. This rocky face gave the mountain its old name.
Crag Hill also has a ridge that goes south. This ridge leads down towards Buttermere village, passing over Wandope and Whiteless Pike. The Rannerdale valley forms the western edge of the mountain.
What is Crag Hill Made Of?
The top parts of Crag Hill are made of a type of rock called the Kirkstile Formation. This rock is common in the Skiddaw fells. It is made up of thin layers of mudstone and siltstone. Below this, you'll find different types of sandstone.
Even though there has been a lot of mining in the mountains nearby, Crag Hill itself has not been mined.
The Summit View
At the very top of Crag Hill, you will find an Ordnance Survey triangulation column. This column helps mapmakers measure the land. The top of the mountain is a bit flat and stony.
The views from the summit are amazing! You can see many of the main mountain groups in the Lake District. The Scafells, which are some of England's highest mountains, look especially impressive from here. Even though Grasmoor is a taller mountain nearby, it doesn't block much of the view to the west.
How to Climb Crag Hill
There are several ways to climb Crag Hill. One way is to start from the shore of Crummock Water. You can follow Rannerdale Beck up to its source. This path will lead you to the ridge between Crag Hill and Wandope.
Another route from the west follows Gasgale Gill up to Coledale Hause. If you start from Braithwaite, near Keswick, Coledale Hause is also your first goal. From there, it's a straightforward climb to Crag Hill.
Many people climb Crag Hill as part of a longer hike. This is often called a "horseshoe walk" or "traverse." For example, you can walk the entire ridge from Grasmoor to Causey Pike. You can also climb from Buttermere, going via Whiteless Pike and Wandope. For those who want to return to their starting point, a circular walk around Coledale or Gasgale Gill is a great option. These walks often cross to or from Hopegill Head via Coledale Hause.
