Lake District
Eel Crag (Birkett)
807M
2648FT
About Eel Crag (Birkett)
High above the Coledale Valley, this rugged outcrop forms the craggy northern shoulder of Crag Hill. It offers a dramatic, airy perspective over the screes of the Coledale Round. While the main summit lies further south, this Birkett top captures the true vertical character of the massif's most intimidating face.
Key Statistics
Rank
54th Highest in Region
Parent Range
North Western Fells
Prominence
?
5m
Nearest Town
Buttermere
Geology
You are standing on the Kirk Stile Formation, composed of ancient mud and fine silt. These hardened layers form the solid foundation beneath your boots.
Classifications
Find It
OS Grid Reference
NY190206
Latitude
54.5749°N
Longitude
3.2541°W
Did You Know?
- •The name likely derives from the Old Norse 'áll', meaning a narrow channel or ravine, which accurately describes the deep, steep-sided gullies that scar the crag's face.
- •While often used interchangeably with the 839m Crag Hill, Bill Birkett lists this lower 807m northern top as a distinct entity in its own right, focusing on its position at the head of the crags.
- •The ascent from the col at Sail involves navigating steep, shifting 'shaly' scree, a loose terrain that Alfred Wainwright famously described as 'unpleasant' for those with unsure footing.
- •The summit offers a perfectly aligned view down the Coledale valley towards Braithwaite, with the bulky silhouettes of Skiddaw and Blencathra dominating the northern horizon.
- •It is one of the few places in the Lake District where you can reach the top of a strenuous climb only to find you have technically only reached the 'shoulder' of the mountain you were aiming for.