Difficulty: Moderate
Wainwright Guide: Book Three – The Central Fells
Overlooking the North end of Thirlmere, Raven Crag is one of the best walks in all the Lake District. It is a unique fell with a dramatic rock face, tall conifer plantation tree lines, a boardwalk to the summit and the most incredible view of Thirlmere Reservoir and Hellvelyn.
Jonny and I first completed this fell one evening after work. It became evident pretty quickly that this would be one of the steepest hikes we could have chosen, however it was one of the fastest ascents too. From bottom to summit takes less than an hour. Easily worth the effort and the aggressive incline.
Where to Start?
There is a small car park pretty much at the base of Raven Crag, however it is a bit of a faff to access due to the closure of the dam road over the reservoir. We find it far easier to park in a lay-by off of the A591 directly opposite the dam road.
From the lay by you will need to cross the A591 and head along the dam road. By very careful when crossing here. The traffic comes along this road at quite a speed so make sure you look and listen well before you cross!
As you walk along the road you will get fantastic views across Thirlmere Reservoir and get a glimpse of the climb ahead.
Part way along the dam you will find a plaque commemorating Manchester Corporation Waterworks. The company dammed two smaller lakes to create the reservoir, submerging the villages of Armboth and Wythburn. Thirlmere was, and still is, used to supply Manchester with water via an aqueduct spanning a length of 96 miles.
At the end of the dam road you will find the car park I mentioned above in the middle of a small triangle where the road splits. Turn right once you get here.
Continue along the road for a short distance until you reach a large wooden gate on your left. This takes you through a large deer fence so you can access the path up the fell.
Ascent
The hard work starts here. The first section of path rises steeply through a felled section (depending one when you read this the trees may have started to grow back!). The conifer plantation that graces the fellside is managed regularly so while some sections of forest have the trees stretching up high, other sections have been felled.
Fairly quickly you get amazing views of Thirlmere. You will eventually reach a very wide forestry path, which to be honest you could follow pretty much all the way to the crossroads between the summit path and a path to the remains of an old iron age fort. It is a gentler path but takes a much longer time!
Cross straight over this road into the forest. The path through these trees is welcome on a hot summers day but the harsh incline is still unforgiving. The steep path will again cross over the forest road that is this time heading northwards.
The next section of the path is again surrounded by felled trees. It becomes slightly more uneven underfoot but remains just as punishing.
Eventually the path begins to plateau a little as you come to a gate through some deer fencing.
Once through this gate you arrive at a little bit a cross roads. The forestry path will be visible to your right. A very small, slightly hidden footpath on the other side of the forestry path takes you to the remains of an Iron Age fort on a smaller subsidiary summit called Castle Crag. The route to the summit is through a second gate directly on your left.
This is the final part of your ascent. You soon arrive at a set of steps through some trees. Although still fairly steep it is a welcome relief from the path below.
The very last part of the path becomes the infamous boardwalk that leads directly to the summit.
The Summit
The summit of Raven Crag is unique for a number of reasons. Not only is there no cairn anymore but a boardwalk stretches all the way to the highest point where a viewing platform sits.
The views down the length of Thirlmere are absolutely incredible. You can see Hellvelyn towering to the east and Steel Feel looming over the Southern end.
Looking to the North you can see the famous Blencathra skyline.
A small grassy outcrop below the summit is the absolute perfect spot to go wild camping, as long as you do it responsibly and clean up after yourself well. You could easily site up here and look out at the view for hours.
Descent
You definitely have options for your way down, the easiest being to head back the way you came from. You can alternatively turn right at the crossroads and head down the forestry path. This is a very long and undulating route but a little kinder on the legs than going straight back down. You can also visit the Castle Crag outcrop before choosing your pathway back to the bottom.
Be careful as you descend as the path is very steep and can be slippery. Walking back along the reservoir road and appreciating the hard work you’ve just put in is a feeling that you just can’t beat.
This is definitely a personal favourite of mine for the fact you be at the summit in minimal time and the view is absolutely stunning. It definitely requires a fair amount of fitness though. Not a first time fell walk for beginners!
Have you done Raven Crag yet? Let me know in the comments.
