Winter Crag

Often overlooked for its loftier neighbours, Winter Crag is a delightful fell offering grandstand views over the northern reaches of Ullswater. It's a perfect short climb from near Pooley Bridge, giving you a proper fell experience without a full day's commitment.

• •While bigger fells show off the dramatic southern end of Ullswater, Winter Crag gives you a cracking view of the often-ignored northern basin. From here you can really appreciate the lake's famous 'dog-leg' shape as it snakes out of sight towards Glenridding.
• •Don't go looking for this one in Alfred Wainwright's famous pictorial guides, as he didn't include it as a separate summit. However, it proudly earns its place on the list of 'Birketts', a comprehensive catalogue of all Lakeland summits over 1,000 feet.
• •The name 'Winter Crag' isn't just for show; its steep, craggy northern face gets very little sun during the colder months. This means it can hold onto snow and ice long after the surrounding, sunnier slopes have thawed.
• •Winter Crag forms the northern bookend of a wonderful ridge walk that includes Arthur's Pike and Bonscale Pike. This route shadows the course of the High Street Roman road, which runs along the higher fells just to the east.
• •From the summit, you get a bird's-eye view of the village of Pooley Bridge and its crossing over the River Eamont. You can look down on the modern bridge that replaced the historic stone one, which was tragically washed away during Storm Desmond in 2015.