Eastern Fells · Book 1

Hart Crag

Hart Crag is a Wainwright, one of the 214 Lake District fells in Alfred Wainwright’s Pictorial Guides. At 822 m (2,697 ft) it is the 27th highest of the 214 and the 11th highest in the Eastern Fells.

Height: 822 m; 2,697 ft
Rank: 27; of 214
In area: 11; of 35
Difficulty: Moderate

Hart Crag in the Eastern Fells of the Lake District — Photo: Shanesykes via Wikimedia Commons

About Hart Crag

A high point on the Fairfield Horseshoe tying the ridge between Dove Crag and Fairfield. Rocky steps and broken shelves keep it engaging without being technical. A brilliant vantage over Rydal, Deepdale and the Helvellyn range.

Hart Crag sits between Fairfield and Dove Crag on the eastern arm of the Fairfield Horseshoe, where three valleys meet. Rydal Beck drains west, the hanging valley of Link Cove lies to the north, and Dovedale runs east.

It is usually crossed on the Horseshoe. The usual start is the Rydal Road car park in Ambleside (NY 376 047), and the full round is about 16 km with over 1000 m of ascent. Going clockwise you reach Hart Crag after Fairfield by dropping to Link Hause, the saddle at about 750 m, then climbing onto the rocky top. Going the other way, you follow the wall up from Dove Crag. Near Hart Crag the wall fades out, so watch your line in cloud.

From the Patterdale side, the long ridge of Hartsop above How leads straight onto the summit from Deepdale Bridge or from the Brothers Water car park by Cow Bridge (NY 402 133). The last part crosses peaty ground before the rock starts. You can also climb from Deepdale through Link Cove, skirting the bogs, or come up the Rydal valley and finish with a steep pull.

The summit is covered in rock with turf showing between, and there are two cairns along the ridge. The higher is at the south-east end. Fairfield and its neighbours hide much of the district, but you can see the Scafells to the west. Houndshope Cove, a high corrie at the head of Dovedale, lies below the summit to the east.

In winter

The rocky summit and the drop to Link Hause are awkward with ice on the stones, and Scrubby Crag drops away beside the ridge towards Fairfield. In mist and snow the rock-strewn top has few landmarks, so take a bearing for Link Hause or Dove Crag.

Ridge Walk
Great Views
Dog Friendly

Sources: Wikipedia: Hart Crag, Walk Lakes: The Dovedale Round, Walk Lakes: The Fairfield Horseshoe. Updated 24 September 2026.

Summit

OS grid ref: NY 369 112
Latitude: 54.49225° N
Longitude: 2.97559° W
Area: Eastern Fells

Walking up Hart Crag

The nearest car park on foot is Bunkhouse parking, 4.2 km (2.6 miles) from the summit along mapped paths. Directions to the car park

Route from Bunkhouse parking

Distance: 4.2 km; 2.6 miles, one way
Ascent: 667 m; Total climb to the summit
Time up: 1 h 53 min; Allow 1 to 3 hours

Height in metres along the path from Bunkhouse parking to the summit.

Times use Naismith’s rule, 5 km/h on the flat plus extra time for the climb, with Langmuir’s corrections. It’s a rule of thumb for the way up only, so add stops, weather and the walk back down.

The route follows paths mapped by OpenStreetMap contributors and isn’t a guided line. This car park was picked automatically and hasn’t been checked by hand yet, so compare it with a map. Check the mountain forecast before you go and carry a map and compass.

Hart Crag questions

Is Hart Crag a Wainwright?

Yes. Hart Crag is one of the 214 fells Alfred Wainwright described in his Pictorial Guide to the Lakeland Fells, in Book 1, The Eastern Fells.

How high is Hart Crag?

Hart Crag is 822 metres (2,697 feet) high. That makes it the 27th highest of the 214 Wainwrights and the 11th highest in the Eastern Fells.

Where do you park for Hart Crag?

The nearest car park on foot is Bunkhouse parking, 4.2 km (2.6 miles) from the summit along mapped paths.

How long does it take to climb Hart Crag?

From Bunkhouse parking it is 4.2 km with 667 m of ascent. Naismith's rule, with Langmuir's corrections, puts the climb at about 1 h 53 min, so allow 1 to 3 hours to reach the summit at your own pace, plus the walk back down.

How hard is Hart Crag?

Upfell rates Hart Crag as moderate. Check the mountain weather forecast before you set out and carry a map and compass.

Which Wainwrights are near Hart Crag?

The closest are Dove Crag (792 m, 0.9 km SE), Fairfield (873 m, 1.2 km NW) and Great Rigg (766 m, 1.5 km SW).

What is the grid reference for the summit of Hart Crag?

The summit is at OS grid reference NY 369 112, or 54.49225, -2.97559 in latitude and longitude.