Castle Crag

Rocky track in the countryside with rolling hills and trees

Overview

Castle Crag is a hill in the Lake District National Park. It is situated in the north-western fells and is one of the smallest Wainwrights in the Lakes. From the summit of Castle Crag, you’ll get some spectacular views over the surrounding mountain scenery.

There are numerous hiking routes to the top, ranging in difficulty, and making for a fantastic day in the great outdoors for adventurous couples, solo walkers, or families with active children looking to burn some energy.

How high is Castle Crag?

Castle Crag is 950ft (290m) high. It is the only hill included in Alfred Wainwright’s Pictorial Guide to the Lakeland Fells that is below 1,000ft (305m), making it an official Wainwright – but only just!

There are 214 Wainwrights in the Lake District, and they are also known as fells. Many people challenge themselves to tick off all the Wainwrights, and if you fancy doing the same, then Castle Crag, as the smallest Wainwright, is a great place to start.

How difficult is the Castle Crag walk?

The route is steep, and there are a lot of steps on the way to the top. Paths are well-maintained and waymarked to help you find your way. There’s some slate scree, so be sure to watch your footing on these sections.

Be aware of the weather conditions and take local advice when planning a walk in the Lake District. The weather can quickly turn, and what were once easily navigated paths can quickly become challenging when visibility is poor.

If you’d prefer to do a shorter route than this one, there is a shorter route of around 2.8 miles (4.5km starting from the village of Rosthwaite near YHA Borrowdale. However, this is a steeper route to the top.

Does Castle Crag have a trig point?

Yes, there is a trig point at the top of Castle Crag. Trig pillars or triangulation points were used by Ordnance Survey to map out the shape of Great Britain in the 1930s.

There is also a war memorial at the top. Castle Crag was given to the National Trust by the family of 2nd Lieutenant John Hamer, who was killed during the First World War. The memorial is dedicated to him and other soldiers from Borrowdale. Their names are etched into the stone here.

Castle Crag walk from Borrowdale

Distance: 5 miles (8km)
Time: 3-4 hours
Starting point: National Trust Seatoller car park

There is a 5-mile (8km) Castle Crag walk from YHA Borrowdale and back. This circular route should take between three and four hours, depending on your pace.
From the Youth Hostel, follow the path along the river towards the National Trust Seatoller car park. Along the way, it’s a little scrambly, and there’s a chain attached to the rock to help you steady yourself.
Once you arrive at the car park, turn right onto the road and follow it until you reach a gate on your right. This leads onto a wide track which bears left to another gate. Go through this and then a small woodland before crossing a stream.
Take the middle path to the right and walk uphill to a gate in the wall. Turn right after the gate and follow this track. When you first get a glimpse of Derwent Water, take the path that forks off to the right, following the fence to a ladder stile.
Climb over this, then turn right, and you’ll join the main path to the summit. When you’ve enjoyed the spectacular views from the top and taken a photo with the trig point (it’s a must-do!), it’s time to head back down.
Go back the way you came, but instead of climbing over the ladder stile, follow the path down the hill. Take the right-hand fork over a footbridge in the woods and then follow the path until it reaches the river.
From here, you’ll see a signpost for Rosthwaite. When you get there, take the wooden bridge instead of the stone packhorse bridge and continue past the stepping stones. You’ll soon be back at YHA Borrowdale for a well-deserved pint!

This is a summary of the walk and not a complete guide. Don’t forget to thoroughly research the route before you start your hike, and bring a paper map with you to help navigate. Pack warm and waterproof layers, plenty of water, and be sure to wear sturdy walking boots.

Route from: National Trust

Take a shorter route

The Castle Crag walk detailed above starts and ends at YHA Borrowdale.

If you’d like to do a shorter route, you could start the walk from Rosthwaite. This is around 0.6 miles (1 kilometre) away and is about a 13-minute walk from the hostel. The route is also served by the 77 and 78 Borrowdale Bus, or it is just a three-minute drive by car.

There is a pay and display car park here, which is free for National Trust members.