Lake District
Heck Crag
560M
1837FT
About Heck Crag
Rising above Boredale Hause on the approach from Patterdale, this rugged outlier of Angletarn Pikes provides a textured, craggy alternative to the main path. Its eastern slopes drop sharply toward the valley, offering an elevated perspective of the popular routes threading their way up toward the High Street range.
Key Statistics
Rank
313th Highest in Region
Parent Range
Far Eastern Fells
Prominence
?
21m
Nearest Town
Martindale
Geology
Heck Crag is built from ancient layers of hardened volcanic ash and stony fragments, interspersed with solidified lava flows from massive past eruptions.
Find It
OS Grid Reference
NY418149
Latitude
54.5265°N
Longitude
2.9002°W
Did You Know?
- •The name 'Heck' is likely derived from the Old Norse 'hek', which referred to a gate or an opening, possibly reflecting its position overlooking the historic mountain pass of Boredale Hause.
- •Though it lacks Wainwright status, it is recognised as a 'Synge' top, a classification by Tim Synge that identifies distinctive summits over 500 metres with at least a 15-metre drop on all sides.
- •The summit provides a focused view across Goldrill Beck to the Eastern Fells, specifically framing the steep profiles of Saint Sunday Crag and the Helvellyn range across the valley.
- •Positioned just below the main plateau of Angletarn Pikes, the crag overlooks the 'zigzag' path from Patterdale, a route traditionally used by peat cutters and shepherds moving livestock to higher summer pastures.
- •It is an ideal place to stop and inspect your bootlaces with great intensity if the initial climb from Patterdale has proven more strenuous than your pride cares to admit.