“Eagle Crag is a beautiful fell, often admired, seldom ascended”
A Wainwright
High Raise, the highest of the Central Lake District Fells is rightly a popular summit, but the Borrowdale side of the mountain is much less trodden than the routes above Langdale and Grasmere to the south and east.
The ridge climbing above Stonethwaite from the Borrowdale Valley over Eagle Crag and Sergeant's Crag offers a wonderful route climbing between crags to the summit of Eagle Crag before following the ridge over Sergeant's Crag where a grassy slope leads to the summit of High Raise.
The descent from Ullscarf also gives a peaceful descent, over heathery slopes as we descend by the beautiful Dock Tarn.
“Hereabouts the surround of mountainous country is complete, the western arc being occupied by a tumultuous skyline and the eastern horizon formed of lofty smooth ranges”
A Wainwright
From Stonethwaite we climb the north western spur of High Raise, a wonderful route winding between crags to the summit of Eagle Crag, a great viewpoint over Stonethwaite and the southern reaches of Borrowdale.
The ridge south from Eagle Crag brings us to Sergeant's Crag before a grassy slope gives us a gentle climb to the summit of High Raise, the highest of the Central Fells and a wonderful viewpoint of the higher mountains of the Lake District.
From the summit of High Raise we will follow the path north, descending to Greenup Edge before climbing again to the summit of Ullscarf.
We will descend the north western spur of Ullscarf, a delightful heather covered ridge with barely a path to be seen, this ridge will bring us down to the picturesque Dock Tarn and the nearby summit of Great Crag.
The descent east from Great Crag will bring us back to Stonethwaite.
Each participant will be required to bring suitable equipment for their chosen event, please see Kit List tab above.
Where to meet: Stonethwaite, Borrowdale
Postcode: CA12 5XQ
Grid Reference: NY 263 136
Directions
From Keswick:
Leave on the Borrowdale Road (from the mini roundabout near the co-op) Follow this road for several miles, passing through the village of Rosthwaite, Continue on this main road until you reach an 's' bend on which is a left turn signposted Stonethwaite and The Langstrath Inn. Park just before the village on this road and walk in. We will meet outside The Langstrath Inn.
Bus Services
The nearest bus stop is Stonethwaite Lane End, around 10 minutes walk along the lane to the meet point.
The 78 bus runs between Keswick and Seatoller.
The 77/77a runs between Keswick and Buttermere, however this is a seasonal service running from Easter to October.
Stagecoach bus timetables can be viewed here
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