This highlight does not have an established path to but well worth a visit. When the main path flattens from the steep climb veer towards the rock outcrop to the south. The cave is half way up the cliff face that can be accessed via a traverse. Sure footedness is needed

David

April 30, 2016

With the formation of the protestant church in the 16th century, it became high treason for catholic priests to be in England. This cave was used to hide catholic priests from the priest hunters in the area. As this cave is hidden from view, it was an ideal place to hide someone. Today it is used as an overnight stop for walkers and climbers.

David

February 23, 2018

If you are in the lakes, this is a spot to seek out. It is about 1 1/2 hour walk straight up from Brothers Water and on a clear day the views are spectacular.
It got its name from harbouring catholic priests that were being persecuted under Henry the VIII in the 1500's . It was an excellent place to hide someone as the cave cannot be seen on approach.
Please be aware that the climb up to the cave can be dangerous and people have lost their lives attempting to find the cave so don't take any risks.
If you would like to find the cave then as you climb from Brothers water, you will climb some steep rock steps, at the end of these steps it will level out a bit with the priest hole buttress on your left and a large rock in front of you on the path. Turn left towards the buttress and climb until you hit a path that runs perpendicular to you. turn left on the path and carefully make your way around the front of the buttress. there are a couple of scrambles as you approach the cave and as you come around the front of the buttress, priest hole will be above you. The greatest danger of falling is at Priest Hole itself so please be careful.

Isaac Kenyon

June 9, 2022

This is the actual location of The Priest’s Hole which is one of the best known ‘secret’ overnight stops in the Lake District. Often described as a cave, this overhang on the side of the crag helps to shield visitors from weather blowing across the top of the fells whilst a dry stone wall provides additional protection from the elements in front. If your looking for a wild camp without the tent then this could be the spot for you but it is not for the faint-hearted as you’ll read further on! Shift your mind from the prison slang and prepare to enter the Priest’s Hole!

Isaac Kenyon

June 9, 2022

Once at the top of the path where it flattens walk around 400m take a left its a bit off path to then find a small path up the hillside on the right to Priest's Hole - quite steep and difficult to find in the dark so best to go in light

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Elevation 670 m

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Friday 14 November

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Location: Patterdale, Eden, Cumbria, North West England, England, United Kingdom

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Priest's Hole

1. Hartsop Above How – Hart Crag Summit loop from Patterdale

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