Gray Crag from the road up to Hayeswater

Gray Crag

Height699m (2,293ft)

Prominence15m (49ft)

RegionFar Eastern Fells

Climbed1 Time

Gray Crag forms the narrow, grassy northern ridge system reaching out from the adjoining mass of Thornthwaite Crag. Characterised by exceptionally steep flanks, the ridge plunges dramatically down into Hayeswater via a complex network of rough crag walls and deep, weathered gullies.

"A lofty ridge, bounded by exceedingly steep flanks, extends northwards from Thornthwaite Crag with a slight curve to the west, and culminates high above Hayeswater Gill in a level platform from which, on both sides, fall precipitous crags split by deep gullies. This is Gray Crag." — A. Wainwright

The mountain achieves its official summit height of 699 metres at the far northern tip of the crest, which is universally recognised as the true architectural apex for fellwalkers seeking out the best vantage points. Interestingly, an unlabelled spot height of 710 metres stands less than a kilometre further south along the same path. However, it lacks the distinct character of the lower, sharper northern platform.

The summit cairn on Gray Crag

The high summit marker is a neat, hand-built stone cairn sitting right on the narrow turf. While the broad, sweeping bulk of Helvellyn breaks beautifully across the far western sky, the finest prospects on Gray Crag are uncovered by moving slightly away from the center to look directly down over the vertiginous edges into the quiet valleys hidden below.

Trip Reports

A Tour of Hayeswater11/01/2014

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