Lake District
Middle Crag
484M
1588FT
About Middle Crag
Tucked away in the Borrowdale valley near Rosthwaite, this rugged Birkett offers a steep, craggy character that belies its modest height. Situated on the ridge leading toward Eagle Crag, its heathery slopes provide an intimate perspective of the Langstrath valley and the surrounding high fells of the Central Lake District.
Key Statistics
Rank
451st Highest in Region
Parent Range
Central Fells
Prominence
?
5m
Nearest Town
St. John's Castlerigg and Wythburn
Geology
You are trekking across ancient lava flows and volcanic sands. These rugged rocks often contain tiny garnet crystals, forming the sturdy foundation of the Birker Fell formation.
Find It
OS Grid Reference
NY287157
Latitude
54.5324°N
Longitude
3.1018°W
Did You Know?
- •The name is straightforwardly descriptive, derived from the Middle English 'crag' for a rocky outcrop. It denotes its position as a prominent intermediate rocky tier on the steep fellside rising from the valley floor toward the higher plateau of the Central Fells.
- •While overlooked by Alfred Wainwright, the hill is a designated Birkett and Synge, often visited as a short, sharp detour for those ascending the popular path from Stonethwaite toward the more imposing peaks of Eagle Crag and Sergeant's Crag.
- •The summit provides a tactical vantage point for observing the local geography; from here, you can clearly see the distinct split where the valley floor divides into the two deep glacial troughs of Langstrath and Stonethwaite.
- •Looking directly across the Langstrath valley, the complex, rocky eastern face of Glaramara dominates the view, revealing the intricate series of gills and buttresses that are often lost when viewed from the valley floor itself.
- •It is the sort of summit that provides a perfect excuse to stop and catch your breath while pretending to consult a map, safely hidden from the judgemental eyes of walkers on the valley floor below.