Lake District
Wallowbarrow Crag
292M
958FT
About Wallowbarrow Crag
Rising steeply above the Duddon Valley, this rugged little fell is a masterclass in Lake District character. While low in height, its fractured west-facing cliffs are a magnet for rock climbers. The summit offers an intimate perspective of the River Duddon snaking through the valley toward the impressive Coniston Fells.
Key Statistics
Rank
792nd Highest in Region
Parent Range
Southern Fells
Prominence
?
40m
Nearest Town
Ulpha
Geology
This crag is formed from ancient layers of hardened volcanic ash and lava. These durable rocks create the rugged cliffs and steep paths you are climbing today.
Classifications
Find It
OS Grid Reference
SD222967
Latitude
54.3607°N
Longitude
3.1983°W
Did You Know?
- •The name is rooted in Old Norse, likely deriving from 'völlr' meaning a field or meadow and 'berg' meaning a hill, describing the craggy outcrop rising directly above the valley pastures.
- •Though overlooked by Alfred Wainwright, the fell is a highlight of Mark Richards’ Fellranger guides, where it is celebrated as a jewel of the Duddon that offers far more rugged interest than its modest altitude suggests.
- •The crag is a premier destination for traditional rock climbing, known for its high-quality rhyolite; the classic route 'Thomas' is often cited as one of the finest single-pitch climbs in the district.
- •From the summit, you gain an exceptional low-level view of the Scafell massif to the north, while the massive, pyramid-like profile of Harter Fell dominates the skyline immediately to the northwest.
- •It is a hill of two halves: a gentle, wooded stroll for those approaching from the west, and a vertical exercise in humility for anyone attempting the direct face without a rope.