Thornthwaite Crag Beacon

Thornthwaite Crag’s impressive 13-foot (4 m) stone beacon stands proud on a superb summit at the junction of various paths and ridges, a true hub in the heart of the Lakeland’s Far Eastern Fells. It towers over several valleys and is a magnificent place to seek shelter from the elements and take in the surrounding mountain country.

There are myriad ways up Thornthwaite Crag and the permutations for adventure here are almost limitless. You can seek accommodation at the Kirkstone Pass, or the villages of Hartsop, Troutbeck and Kentmere; all make for good start points.

Thornthwaite Crag’s connecting ridges generally continue onwards for some time, staying high and linking other substantial fells. That is, apart from the fell’s north ridge, which terminates just beyond the Wainwright summit of Gray Crag, above Hayeswater.

Perhaps the most challenging approach is via Threshwaite Mouth, a col between the summit and Caudale Moor to the west. It’s steep, rugged and involves a little bit of easy scrambling.