Force Crag

About Force Crag

Tucked at the head of the Coledale valley, this rugged spur offers an industrial-inflected perspective on the surrounding fells. While often bypassed for the higher Grisedale Pike, the summit provides an intimate view of the dramatic waterfalls and the historic mine workings that define this silent, stony amphitheatre.

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Did You Know?

• •The name derives from the Old Norse 'fors', meaning waterfall, and the Middle English 'crag', denoting a steep, rugged rock face. This refers to the cascades of Coledale Beck which tumble over the cliffs directly below the summit.
• •The fell is synonymous with Force Crag Mine, the last mineral mine to operate in the Lake District. It produced lead, zinc, and barytes for over 130 years before finally closing in 1991; the processing mill is now a scheduled ancient monument preserved by the National Trust.
• •It is classified as a Synge, a list of Lake District fells compiled by Timothy Synge. These are often quieter spots that sit in the shadow of the more famous Wainwrights, making them ideal for walkers seeking solitude.
• •The summit offers a unique 'looking up' perspective of the Coledale Horseshoe, specifically the massive eastern face of Crag Hill (Eel Crag) and the steep, scree-covered slopes leading toward Coledale Hause.
• •If you find yourself standing here while the rest of the crowds are on the ridge above, you have likely either developed a niche interest in industrial archaeology or missed the turn for Outerside.