The rocky fortress of Dove Crag

Dove Crag

Height792m (2,598ft)

Prominence50m (164ft)

RegionEastern Fells

Climbed4 Times

"Dove Crag is a mountain of sharp contrasts. To the east, its finest aspect, it presents a scarred and rugged face, a face full of character and interest. Very different is its appearance from other directions. A high ridge runs south, with featureless grass slopes flowing down from it to the valleys below." — A. Wainwright

Dove Crag stands as an essential milestone along the legendary Fairfield Horseshoe, one of the most celebrated high-level ridge walks in the Lake District. While thousands of walkers comfortably traverse its high plateau every year when circuiting from Ambleside or Rydal, the fell reserves its absolute finest, most dramatic architectural display for those who undertake a direct, strenuous ascent from the valley floor at Patterdale.

The eastern face is a magnificent wilderness of sheer rock, deep fractures, and ancient stone. Nestled beneath these dark vertical precipices is the famous Priest's Hole, a historic cave hidden high up in the crags that has provided a sheltered bivouac spot for generations of adventurous mountain campers seeking a night under Cumbrian stars.

The cairn sits upon a rock outcrop

The actual summit features a distinct, elevated platform of solid rock topped by a modest, loose stone cairn. From this high vantage point, the long-range views are exceptional, looking directly out over the sprawling valleys and southern fells. The mountain also secures a unique, untouchable place in outdoor literary history: it was the very first chapter Alfred Wainwright ever put to paper in November 1952, launching his monumental, seven-volume series of pictorial guides with Book One, The Eastern Fells.