Lake District
Heron Crag
362M
1187FT
About Heron Crag
Overlooking the village of Boot, this rugged little outcrop provides a grandstand view of lower Eskdale. It is a classic 'Synge' summit, defined by a steep, craggy southern face and gentler moorland surroundings. The short climb offers an intimate perspective on the Scafell massif and the wild terrain of Birker Fell.
Key Statistics
Rank
666th Highest in Region
Parent Range
Southern Fells
Prominence
?
24.2m
Nearest Town
Eskdale
Geology
Heron Crag is part of the Birker Fell Andesite Formation. You are standing on ancient volcanic rock that was once liquid lava.
Classifications
Find It
OS Grid Reference
NY219034
Latitude
54.4205°N
Longitude
3.2038°W
Did You Know?
- •The name is likely of English origin, referring to the Grey Herons that frequent the River Esk below and were historically observed using the crag's rocky ledges for roosting.
- •It is classified as a Synge, a list of 292 Lakeland hills compiled by Timothy Synge in 1995 to highlight worthy summits that were excluded from Alfred Wainwright’s famous pictorial guides.
- •From the summit, walkers have a direct line of sight up the Esk Valley toward the Great Moss, framed by the impressive craggy silhouettes of Slight Side and Scafell.
- •The hill acts as a natural balcony for observing the Ravenglass and Eskdale Railway; the steam from the 'La'al Ratty' trains is often visible as they navigate the valley floor between Dalegarth and Beckfoot.
- •The ascent from the valley is deceptively steep for a hill of this height, providing a brief but legitimate workout for those who prefer a short walk before visiting the pubs in Boot.