At just 951 feet, this is the lowest of the Wainwrights. It holds a special place in my heart - it was the first Lakeland fell I had climbed, although I had climbed Ben Nevis in my teens. But it was this diminutive but utterly charming fell that rekindled my love for walking in the hills. From Grange, four miles south of Keswick, it's a short walk down the Allerdale Ramble path, including a stroll past the River Derwent, in what AW called the 'loveliest square mile in Lakeland'. Then a left turn leads to the path up the Crag. It's easy but also interesting walking and the Crag itself has atmosphere - particularly The Quarry area below the summit. For some reason, it reminded me of Tolkien's description of Hollin in Part 2 of the Fellowship of the Ring. I lingered there a long time - it echoed its past at every corner and it was odd to reflect that I was enjoying a sight that so many hard working men (and boys) would have had to endure for long, hard, hours each day.
Visit this fell! You wont regret it.
Castle Crag from the slopes of High Spy
Castle Crag is the tree covered dome in the mid right of the picture. Eagle Crag can be seen in the distance.
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Castle Crag from the path leading to Grange Fell
Castle Crag, on the left, is dwarfed by the slopes of High Spy!
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Grange Bridge
The town of Grange has a lovely bridge and, more importantly, a couple of decent tea rooms for that all important cup of tea after completing your walk!
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The path from Castle Crag to Grange
When ascending this path, be careful not to miss the brach to the left. If you stay on the main path, you'll walk straight past the Crag and end up at Dale Head.
Skiddaw is the mountain in the distance. Derwent Water can just be seen as well.
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The view looking north from Castle Crag's summit
Grange, Derwent Water, Keswick, Skiddaw and Blencathra can all be seen.
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The view looking down the Borrowdale Valley from Castle Crag's summit
Ullscarf, Eagle Crag, Sergeant's Crag and the Borrowdale Fells can all be seen.
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