Highlight • Viewpoint
Black Crag Summit
Hiking
5.0
(17)
The reason Black Crag is relatively anonymous is that Alfred Wainwright considered it as part of the slightly higher, but arguably less-dramatically located, Scoat Fell. Unlike Steeple, Scoat Fell’s other spectacular outlier, Black Crag’s charms were not enough to earn it a separate chapter in the famous Pictorial Guides.
A magnificent perch on the ridge between Scoat Fell and Pillar
However, such classifications pale into insignificance once you get up there and survey the vast mountainous country that surrounds Black Crag. The summit is situated on the ridge between Scoat Fell and mighty Pillar, which rises directly to the northeast, beyond the col of Windy Gap.
As well as the excellent Mosedale Horseshoe, the obvious skyline route around the head of the valley, there are many ways to approach Black Crag. Windy Gap, directly below the summit, links paths from both Wasdale Head (via Mosedale) and Ennerdale. Wasdale is the most obvious base, with a number of good accommodation options, while Ennerdale is home to the Black Sail Youth Hostel, one of the national park’s finest.
From the top, the view north is curtailed by Pillar’s huge bulk and the south end of the High Stile range across Ennerdale is dreary compared to when seen from Buttermere. However, the vista to the southeast, down the length of Mosedale and up to the Scafells is majestic, as is the view of Great Gable’s domed summit above the broad plateau of Kirk Fell.
This Highlight is in a protected area
Please check local regulations for:
Tips
September 27, 2022
Hiking
July 7, 2021
Hiking
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Nearby routes
Best routes near Black Crag Summit
4.9
(27)
461
hikers
18.1km
07:51
1,110m
1,110m
Hard hike. Very good fitness required. Sure-footedness, sturdy shoes and alpine experience required.
5.0
(3)
36
hikers
22.4km
09:51
1,470m
1,470m
Hard hike. Very good fitness required. Sure-footedness, sturdy shoes and alpine experience required.
20
hikers
20.6km
08:51
1,340m
1,340m
Hard hike. Very good fitness required. Sure-footedness, sturdy shoes and alpine experience required.
Details
Informations
Elevation 800 m
Good to know
Family Friendly
yes
Wheelchair access
no
Dog Friendly
yes
Weather
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Wednesday 17 June
16°C
11°C
93 %
Additional weather tips
Max wind speed: 24.0 km/h
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