Castle Crag
from Rosthwaite

Castle Crag stands like a fortress overlooking the River Derwent

Directions

Set out from the National Trust Card Park in Rosthwaite village (GR 257149) past the Tea Rooms and follow the track between stone walls. You soon reach the banks of the Reiver Derwent, which you can cross by means of stepping stones (GR 254149) or via a bridge about 100 yards further along the path.

Directions (continued)

Turn right and go through a gate (NB if you crossed via the bridge you are already past the gate) and follow the well-defined footpath parallel to the river.

Cross 2 small footbridges (GR 252151) and continue ahead to a gate (GR 251152) after which the path turns left away from the river.

Turn left to go over a stile (GR 252155) and start to ascent steeply uphill following the rough path (with many loose stones, this path may be quite slippery).

Go through a gate through a wall (GR 250157) and follow the path steeply up through bracken. Cross a ladder stile (GR 249158) and turn right to climb up and over a large spoil heap.

[From below, the spoil heap looks like a treacherous pile of loose stones; but a well-beaten path winds its way up the mound]

The top of the spoil heap (GR 250159) provides a good viewpoint before the final ascent to the summit.

The route to the summit follows the obvious path ahead and past some old quarry workings. The summit consists of a grassy mound, partly surrounded by trees and topped by a stone outcrop (GR 250159).

By strict definitions, Castle Crags 946 foot height does not qualify it as a mountain, but it provides a worthwhile challenge and some wonderful views over some of the prettiest scenes in Lakeland.

PUBLISHED MAPS

Ordnance Survey - 1:50 000 - Penrith & Keswick - No. 90 - To buy from Amazon click here
Ordnance Survey - 1: 25 000 - The English Lakes North-western area - No. OL4 - To buy from Amazon click here
Harvey's Walker's Map (waterproof) - 1: 40 000 - Western Lakeland - To buy from Amazon click here