The Crinkle Crags Walk

Route Description for The Crinkle Crags Walk

The Crinkle Crags Walk is a rugged adventure that will see you climb uphill along an undulating ridgeline for views of the valley. In order to gain the best footing on the challenging terrain and steep hillsides, be sure to wear sturdy walking books. Additionally, this route can see its fair share of bad weather, so bring all necessary gear and clothing that you will need for the walk.

Although the route might be a bit of a rugged one, the trail is easy to navigate and offers some amazing views overlooking both the Great Langdale and Upper Esdale valleys. The trail will likely also be less busy than other nearby routes like the Langdale Pikes, so if you don’t mind a bit of scrambling, then this might just be your next adventure.

Setting out from the car park, walk west along the road for 2.3 km and take in the beautiful views of the surrounding valley landscape, before passing by Stool End Farm and arriving at a junction with a trail on your right. Follow this path to begin making your way uphill along the rugged terrain of the moor.

Continue along for the next 2.9 km, keeping left as you slog up the steep terrain of the hillside and eventually come to the edge of Buscoe Sike. Continue west along the trail and keep left at the junctions to pass by a series of three tarns. Here, the trail will turn south and traverse the undulating summit ridgeline that gives The Crinkle Crags its unique name.

After 1.4 km of trekking along this rugged terrain, you will arrive at the highpoint of the summit, which is known as Long Top. Take some time to appreciate the amazing views that sweep across the Great Langdale valley to the east and the Upper Eskdale valley to the west. Once you have taken in the sights, continue along the ridge for 0.7 km to traverse South Top and arrive at a junction.

Head left here and make your way downhill for 0.7 km, where you will find a junction branching off to the left that will take you to the summit of Great Knott. If you do not want to take this detour, head right and continue down the hillside, keeping straight for the next 1.1 km to cross over Browney Gill.

Immediately after crossing the stream, turn left along the trail to skirt around the foot of Pike of Blisco, carrying on straight for the next 1.6 km. Here, you will continue to head downhill, passing through several gates and crossing Oxendale Beck before arriving back at the edge of the road. Follow the road right for 0.8 km to arrive back at Stool End Farm near the trail where you started the uphill climb.

For the final leg of the journey, continue heading east along the road, retracing your steps from the initial part of your journey to bring you back to the car park where you began The Crinkle Crags Walk. if you are looking to unwind after your journey, cross over the B5343 and walk up the road to reach Sticklebarn for some post-walk drinks.

Trail Highlights

Crinkle Crags

Located near the centre of England’s Lake District, Crinkle Crags is a unique fell that serves as a part of two rings of mountains surrounding the Great Langdale and Upper Eskdale valleys. The summit of the fell is very distinct, as it is comprised of five rises and drops, giving it a crinkled appearance that stands in contrast to the surrounding valley landscape.

Insider Hints for The Crinkle Crags Walk

• This route features some rugged and rocky terrain leading up the hillside that can be slippery in wet weather. Be sure to wear proper walking boots for the best footing along the trail.
• Although you can bring your dog on this walk, the rocky portions of terrain might be a bit difficult to traverse. Be aware of this before setting out on your adventure.
• Pair this with an overnight stay at the Great Langdale Campsite for a fun weekend of outdoor activities.
• Toilet facilities can be found near the trailhead.