The flowing slopes of Grike

Grike

Height488m (1,601ft)

Prominence37m (121ft)

RegionWestern Fells

Climbed2 Times

"Grike is the beginning of Lakeland from the west. Grike, smooth and grassy for the most part, is not a typical forerunner, although the north side overlooking the valley is seamed and scarred with huge ravines, and only its position makes the fell interesting." — A. Wainwright

Standing as the most westerly fell in Alfred Wainwright's Pictorial Guides, Grike marks the outer gateway to the Lake District as the high ground drops away towards the Cumbrian coastal plain. Forming part of the wider Lank Rigg group, its northern slopes drop down towards the floodplain of the River Ehen, deeply carved by the steep ravines of Ben Gill and Red Gill.

In contrast to neighbouring Crag Fell, Grike presents a smooth, rounded grassy dome adorned with scattered stones across its high plateau.

Grike's wind shelter and summit cairn

The high point is marked by a massive, impressive stone cairn alongside a curved wind shelter. Known locally as 'Stone Man', the prominent cairn shares the summit plateau with a modern weather station. The elevated edge yields expansive views looking west out towards the Irish Sea, though eastern perspectives across the wider Lake District are partially screened by Crag Fell.

Trip Reports

Grike, Crag Fell & Lank Rigg24/03/2017

Grike, Crag Fell & Lank Rigg28/03/2015

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