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Mountain Peaks
United Kingdom
England
North West England
Cumbria
Allerdale
St John'S Castlerigg And Wythburn

View of Thirlmere from Raven Crag

Highlight • Viewpoint

View of Thirlmere from Raven Crag

Hiking

5.0

(154)

Walking up Raven Crag, while a lovely ramble, is all about what this fantastically-placed outcrop offers from its summit. Sheer, wooded and abrupt, the views from the top are outstanding and even on hazier days, there’s something magical in the atmosphere here.

The Lake District has a handful of Raven Crags - perhaps ravens enjoy good vantage points - but none in the region can hold a candle to Thirlmere’s. From the reservoir, the crag rises starkly against a mane of conifers whilst from its summit, Thirlmere glitters below.

As long as nobody minds a steep path, this is a hike for the whole family. The summit cairn can be found at 1,512 feet (461 m) and if you have extra energy and time, you can expand your hike to take in some of the many fells to the immediate west.

A perfect blend of everything Lakeland

There are few Lake District boxes that the hiking trails up Raven Crag don’t tick. For a start, this striking cliff is a Wainwright. Secondly, it rises steeply above Thirlmere Reservoir, providing a flawless opportunity to see along almost the water’s entire length.

You can start from numerous places, including the parking spots at the head of the dam. Steep, forested trails cut up to the top and you’ll find pretty sections of boardwalk near the top to aid with your ascent. Emerging at the summit, looking east you can admire the hefty bodies of the Dodds. To their south, Helvellyn stands proudly.

From meres and trees to views of giants, hiking Raven Crag is a wonderful adventure. You can walk here throughout the year and it can make for an excellent ramble in breezy conditions, thanks to the shelter afforded by its forest.

Keswick lies just to the north, for all the food and accommodation options you could need.

This Highlight is in a protected area

Please check local regulations for:

Lake District National Park

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  • Location: St John'S Castlerigg And Wythburn, Allerdale, Cumbria, North West England, England, United Kingdom

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    Tips

    May 6, 2021

    Hiking

    For Wainwright baggers this fell is rather unusual, it's not often you get a planked walk-way to the summit of a Lake District fell! This is a popular fell with a wonderful 'surprise' view over Thirlmere. I've never hiked this fell the traditional way (which is popular with families), I've always taken a pathless slog down from the High Seat range to tag Raven Crag onto a much longer walk.

    December 30, 2020

    Hiking

    Very rewarding views over Thirlmere for little required effort. Unique alpine feel to this Wainwright in the trees.

    October 12, 2022

    Hiking

    This is a great little Wainwright. A steep climb up from Thirlmere dam head and a well maintained stepped last section to a wooden viewpoint balcony that has some wonderful views down the Thirlmere valley over the reservoir. Gorgeous location!
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    Nearby routes

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    4.7

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    #1.

    Thirlmere Dam and Reservoir – Thirlmere Dam Tower loop from Legburthwaite

    9.74km

    03:06

    390m

    390m

    Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

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    Moderate
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    Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

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    Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Mostly accessible paths. Sure-footedness required.

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    Details

    Informations

    Elevation 410 m

    Good to know

    Family Friendly

    yes

    Wheelchair access

    no

    Dog Friendly

    yes

    Weather

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    Monday 1 June

    16°C

    11°C

    67 %

    Additional weather tips

    Max wind speed: 19.0 km/h

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    Location: St John'S Castlerigg And Wythburn, Allerdale, Cumbria, North West England, England, United Kingdom

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