Crag Hill

Crag Hill stands in the North Western Fells of the English Lake District, near Buttermere. It overlooks two valleys, Rannerdale to the west and Coledale to the east. The fell forms part of a high ridge that runs east–west, beginning at Grasmoor and descending over Crag Hill, Sail, Scar Crags and Causey Pike. Its summit sits at the meeting point of four ridges, giving it a cross-like shape on the map. The highest ground lies near this central ‘cross’, where the slopes are steepest on all sides. The fell is the second highest in its area, after Grasmoor, and its rocky face was once called Eel Crag. The summit holds an Ordnance Survey column on a stony plateau, with wide views across the Lake District. All major fell groups can be seen, including the Scafells to the east. Grasmoor, though higher, does not block the western outlook. The fell’s geology includes Ordovician mudstone and siltstone at the top, with sandstone layers beneath. Paths lead up from Crummock Water through Rannerdale Beck or from Gasgale Gill to Coledale Hause. Walkers often include Crag Hill in longer ridge traverses from Grasmoor to Causey Pike. The fell lies within a Site of Special Scientific Interest and is owned by the National Trust. Its slopes drop smoothly to the west but remain steep, with crags guarding the eastern approaches.