Walla Crag

Walla Crag is the ultimate 'high reward, low effort' walk from Keswick. It offers perhaps the best overhead view of Derwentwater and its islands, yet the climb via Springs Wood is steady and manageable, making it a favorite for a quick evening leg-stretcher.

• •The crag is composed of Borrowdale Volcanic rocks, specifically andesitic lavas and tuffs, which form the dramatic vertical cliff face that drops steeply toward the eastern shore of Derwentwater.
• •Lady’s Rake, a steep gully on the fell side, is named after the Countess of Derwentwater, who allegedly used the narrow cleft to escape with her jewels after her husband was arrested for his role in the 1715 Jacobite Rebellion.
• •The name 'Walla' likely derives from the Old Norse word 'völlr', meaning a field or meadow, suggesting the lower slopes were historically used for grazing long before it became a popular viewpoint.
• •While the summit is modest, the stone wall that runs along the top of the crag serves as a vital navigational aid and a safety barrier against the sheer drop, though it is often more useful for leaning on while catching your breath.
• •Despite being a modest fell, the flat plateau toward the summit cairn can be remarkably sponge-like, ensuring that even on a dry day, you might finish your walk with the classic Cumbrian 'squelch' in your boots.