Lake District
Mabbin Crag
482M
1581FT
About Mabbin Crag
Rising steeply above the eastern side of Longsleddale, this rugged Far Eastern outlier offers a quiet alternative to the busier fells. Its western face is defined by distinctive broken crags, providing an exceptional vantage point to look across the valley at Shipman Knotts and the high Kentmere ridge.
Key Statistics
Rank
457th Highest in Region
Parent Range
Far Eastern Fells
Prominence
?
97m
Nearest Town
Whinfell
Geology
You are walking across the Bannisdale Formation. This crag is built from layered sandstone, siltstone, and mudstone that form the solid ground beneath you.
Find It
OS Grid Reference
NY565022
Latitude
54.4135°N
Longitude
2.6714°W
Did You Know?
- •The fell's name is inextricably linked to the prominent crags that drop into Longsleddale; while 'Mab' has various speculative roots in Old British and local dialect, it serves as a primary navigational marker for those travelling the ancient valley track below.
- •Although omitted from Alfred Wainwright’s seven volumes, Mabbin Crag is a featured Synge fell, prized by hillwalkers who prefer the solitude of the Far Eastern fells over the crowded paths of the central fells.
- •From the summit cairn, the view directly north traces the dramatic narrowing of Longsleddale towards the steep pass of Gatescarth, framed by the bulky shoulders of Harter Fell and Brilstheir.
- •The hill is frequently climbed as part of a southern Far Eastern loop, often paired with its immediate neighbour Ashstead Fell to the south or the higher Grey Crag to the north.
- •Its proximity to Kendal makes it a tempting choice for a short evening walk, provided your definition of 'short' includes navigating pathless heather and the occasional unavoidable bog.
