Grey Crag (Sleddale Fell)

The slopes of Grey Crag from part of Longsleddale

Grey Crag

Height638m (2,093ft)

Prominence41m (135ft)

RegionFar Eastern Fells

Climbed2 Times

Grey Crag serves as a transitional landscape marker, where the rugged, craggy characteristics uniquely peculiar to Lakeland begin to emerge from the broader, peat-heavy moorland plateau of the eastern hills. It is a fell defined by this interface—a point where Lakeland character starts, and the wilder moorland country comes to a close.

"Grey Crag shows the first evidence, in rocky outcrops and low crags, of the characteristics peculiar to Lakeland, although the influences of the Pennines persist in the form of peat hags and marshes. There is nothing remarkable about Grey Crag, but here Lakeland may be said to start and moorland country to end." — A. Wainwright

The fell sits at the heart of an expansive ridge system that stretches eastward toward the distant Lune and Eden valleys, acting as a major watershed for the surrounding region. The extensive ridges here provide tranquil, quiet walking, encompassing the secluded valleys of Bannisdale, Crookdale, Wet Sleddale, Borrowdale, and Wasdale—the latter two being quiet, rugged cousins to their more famous Lakeland namesakes.

Grey Crag has a cairn marking the top

The summit itself consists of a short ridge, with the primary high point situated at the south-western end. Walkers often continue for another half-mile north-eastward to reach Harrop Pike, which is only marginally lower and is marked by a much more imposing columnar beacon. While the summit views toward the west provide sight of the Scafell and Coniston groups, the eastern and southern vistas remain open, quiet, and expansive.

Trip Reports

Grey Crag, Harrop Pike, Tarn Crag & Branstree25/11/2017

Grey Crag, Tarn Crag, Branstree & Selside Pike03/04/2015

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