Castle Crag

Wednesday 24th June 2020

Walking Diary (All Walks) Lakeland Easy Walks Wainwrights North Western

In the middle of Borrowdale is Castle Crag. It's rather small, but has lovely views from the summit to Derwentwater and Skiddaw to the North with the stunning beauty of the rest of Borrowdale to the South. A walk round and up this small fell is a wonderful experience in the Lake District with it's woodland and also the picturesque River Derwent at low level.

Generally an easy walk through the woods with a short sharp climb up to the summit via the residue of past mining activities. Castle Crag offers everything in one of the most beautiful parts of our country. It may be the smallest 'Wainwright' - but it's arguably one of the best.

The information contained in the material on this Website is for information purposes only and does not constitute advice.
Distance: 4.8 miles
Duration: 2:45 hours
Ascent: 982 ft
Difficulty: Easy
Accompanied By: Calum
Weather: Hot & Sunny

Wainwrights Visited

Castle Crag

3D outline of route

Parking

Rosthwaite NT Car Park - other parking is available in and around Rosthwaite. Not cheap in the NT one at £7.50/day now! Bring coins - no cards allowed

Leaving Rosthwaite and heading past Yew Tree Farm - well that's how I remember it was called after staying here 10 years ago.

It's going to be a scorcher today ! You can just see Castle Crag on the right hand side of the photo (High Spy in the background) - nice easy walk for such a hot day.

As we break free from lockdown - an outdoor treat for my son Calum who has spent most of the last 3 months in our makeshift garage gym (or in our fridge) !

The stepping stones across the Derwent - a choice can be made, attempt the crossing or walk a few hundred yards further and cross via the bridge - knowing my son's ability to fall, we chose the latter (which was later proved to be the right choice)

A gentle start to the day

New Bridge

The path leads away from the Derwent into the woodland around Castle Crag

A welcome break from the heat of the sun

Occasional glimpses of the river through the trees - a serene setting.

Even some rapids.

Leaving the woods, we join the Allerdale Ramble and head back in the direction of Seatoller. The path up to Castle Crag is up ahead to the left.

And here it is ...… the start of 15 minutes of hard work

The first stretch of the day

After the initial 100 yards through the trees, the path zig zags through the slate pile. Not the most attractive part of the walk, but it's worth the effort further up.

First look back down and the path we will take to head back.

Our starting point (Rosthwaite) can be seen in the Borrowdale valley below. With Great Crag on the left and Rosthwaite Fell on the right

A view from the summit of Castle Crag - Derwentwater in the distance with Skiddaw behind

The summit area is believed to have been an ancient hill fort. The very highest point is a rock outcrop about eight feet high and twelve feet across which now holds a memorial to Borrowdale men killed in World War I.

Looking back to Castle Crag (on the right) as we start our return to Rosthwaite

Couldn't resist a 'selfie'

Just when we were almost down - I heard a slip and bump from behind and saw Calum had gone over on a very innoculous looking rocky path. Unfortunately a sharp stone/pebble had taken a chunk out of his knee.

We had planned on doing a walk up Latrigg in the afternoon - but nope - not now, it was a clean up and a large plaster followed by a visit to North Tees Hospital for a few stitches. Early finish to what was a great day out.