Sunday, 2 July 2000

Allen Crags

Allen Crags as seen from Rossett Pike

Allen Crags as seen from Rossett Pike

Allen Crags

Height785m (2,575ft)
Prominence60m (197ft)
RegionSouthern Fells
Climbed2 Times

Allen Crags is a peak that quietly stands right in the absolute thick of things. Because it directly overlooks the bustling, high-altitude crossroads of Esk Hause, it is on deeply intimate terms with the true rock stars of the Lake District—sitting shoulder-to-shoulder with the massive walls of Bowfell, the Scafell chain, and Great Gable. Yet, despite its stellar location, it has a funny habit of being passed over by walkers who are rushing toward those more famous silhouettes, often finding itself left for another day.

"There are some fells that never seem to attract or challenge walkers and have no place in fireside memories of Lakeland: they are 'left for another day'. Such a one is Allen Crags, grandly positioned overlooking Esk Hause; it is really in the heart of things and on intimate terms with Bowfell, the Scafells and Great Gable - old favourites, climbed many thousands of times every year." — Wainwright 1958, Book Three

The mountain's background story holds a fascinating, old linguistic twist. The name Allen stems from the old terms “Alein” or “Aleyn”, which became highly fashionable personal names across England immediately after the Norman Conquest of 1066. Rooted in Breton origins, it means this wild, rugged Cumbrian fell was actually named back in the Middle Ages after an unknown French conqueror who likely held sway over the lower lands centuries ago.

The summit cairn looking to Great Gable

The summit cairn looking to Great Gable

Stepping up onto the top reveals a wonderful, elongated ridge line littered with clean rock and fractured stone. The highest point is marked by three separate stone cairns, with the central structure perched proudly on an elevated shelf of bare bedrock to identify the true summit. Taking a long break by these stones rewards you with one of the cleanest, most magnificent vistas in the National Park. Because of its central location, it unlocks a glorious, completely clear front-row look directly across the gap to the iconic dome of Great Gable rising majestically into the sky.

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