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- Bowfell & the Crinkles
The name says it all really, the Crinkle Crags are a fine rocky ridge taking in several summits and a few short scrambles along the way.
The Crinkles are one of the classics, it's challenging, exciting and an absolute must, the views are superb. It's an amazing sight to behold that you'll be chewing at the bit to get the adventure under way.
Our instructors are experts in this terrain and will safely navigate from the Old Dungeon Ghyll taking in the spectacular views that this challenging ridge has to offer.
Summits included on this route:
Pike O'Blisco (Optional)705 metres / 2313 feet
Cold Pike (Optional)701 metres / 2300 feet
Crinkles859 metres / 2818 feet
Bowfell902 metres / 2959 feet
From the Old Dungeon Ghyll Hotel we will follow the path that climbs to Red Tarn, this is a good path which leads to the summit of the First Crinkle.
From here on the path becomes a little rockier, a short climb leads to the summit of the Second Crinkle, Long Top the highest of the Crinkles.
Wonderful and ever changing views will be seen all along the ridge looking down to the Langdale Valley and across to the Langdale Pikes.
A gentle path leads around the rest of the summits on the ridge before descending to Three Tarns.
From Three Tarns the path descends the long path of The Band, an easy descent back to the Langdale Valley.
An optional addition to this route is to add the summit of Bowfell, a wonderful summit and the sixth highest in the Lake District.
Each participant will be required to bring suitable equipment for their chosen event, please see Kit List tab above.
Where to meet: The Old Dungeon Ghyll Hotel, Langdale
Postcode: LA22 9JY
Grid Reference: NY 286 061
Directions
From Ambleside: Leave on the A593, signposted to Langdale and Coniston, follow this road until the junction with Ellers Brow, turn right onto Ellers Brow, signposted to Chapel Stile and Langdale.
Follow this road through the village of Chapel Stile and continue past the New Dungeon Ghyll Hotel to the right, continue along this lane to the Old Dungeon Ghyll Hotel, on the right, there is a National Trust pay and display car park outside the Hotel for walkers.
Each participant is expected to bring suitable personal equipment for the event.
This should include the following:
Summer Events:
(November - March)
- Walking shoes / Boots
- Waterproof clothing (Jacket and trousers)
- Suitable clothing for walking (no jeans)
- Warm tops
- Packed lunch
- Spare clothing
- Water
- Hat
- Gloves
Winter Events:
(April - October)
- Walking Boots
- Waterproof clothing (Jacket and trousers)
- Suitable clothing for walking (no jeans)
- Warm tops
- Packed lunch
- Spare clothing
- Water
- Hat
- Gloves
- Torch (preferably a headtorch)
- Spare batteries for the above
- Spare Gloves
- Flask & Hot Drink
The Following equipment may also be useful if owned:
- Snow Goggles
- Gaiters
The following equipment will be provided by The Lake District Walker should winter conditions require:
- Ice Axe
- Crampons
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crinkle crags in difficult weather Review by Andrea Hunt
Overall Experience Thank you Neil for a wonderful day of guiding us over crinkle crags in difficult weather conditions . 50 miles per hour winds but no rain thankfully . We had a wonderful day climbing and scrambling - and it was great to hear your wonderful stories and experience of the local area . Thanks for a great day andrea and Godfrey x (Posted on 12/06/2024)
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Fantastic walk Review by Nicola
Overall Experience I've done a number of walks with The Lake District Walker and this has to be one of my favourites so far. Rachel was our guide and she was super friendly and knowledgeable. The walk itself was challenging in parts with fantastic views. I would highly recommend this walk! (Posted on 10/07/2018)
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A fantastic day with Neil on Crinkle Crags Review by Nigel McCormick
Overall Experience A fantastic day with Neil on Crinkle Crags. Despite poor weather we had a brilliant walk and I learnt so much. I would recommend the service to anyone who want a great day out. Thanks to all concerned. Nigel McCormick (Posted on 19/04/2018)
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An amazing weekend Review by Sue
Overall Experience An amazing weekend in the Lakes and what a super walk to the Crinkles and Bowfell. Great Company, John was a fantastic lead for us all, very knowledgeable and kept a comfortable pace for everyone. Just booked the night prior, instant confirmation and terrific way to spend a weekend to join like minded people having fun. (Posted on 07/11/2017)
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Excellent day out Review by Jeff
Overall Experience Great walk with a sociable group of fellow walkers and Neil who was a very able, knowledgeable and friendly guide.
Recommended. (Posted on 05/10/2017) -
Enjoyable day out Review by Steve
Overall Experience Enjoyed the day on the Crinkles and Bowfell with John, in spite of the cloud on the hills for most of the day. Oh well, I suppose I will just have to come back to get the views. (Posted on 15/06/2017)
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21st February 2017 Review by Bruce
Overall Experience The weather wasn't the best, but the guide was. A great day out, ably led by John. If you want a walk in good company, this team ticks the boxes. Enjoy yourselves. (Posted on 27/02/2017)
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Bowfell and Crinkles Review by mark fowler
Overall Experience Ok so it wasnt the best of days for views, but well done John for getting us up the Bowfell and Crinkles safely. I cant wait to be back for some more challenging peaks (Posted on 27/02/2017)
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Crinkle Crags Review by Denise
Overall Experience I wanted to say a huge thankyou to Ricky for his guidance whilst walking Crinkle Crags. I was impressed with his time keeping as there was a fell race along crinkle crags yet he was there waiting, regardless of the long traffic jams. I took my dog Koda along for the scramble. The pace was good and the weather held out. The walk started at 10am and we managed to stop for lunch and sips of water. I enjoyed every minute of the guided walk. I felt challenged and really enjoyed every minute of the walk. I will be booking some more walks very soon. Thanks Ricky. (Posted on 05/09/2015)
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The Crinkles, Thursday 6 June with Alex Review by Steve
Overall Experience A superb day out. Alex is to be highly commended on his knowledge, his caring attitude and his confidence-inspiring ability in all aspects of guiding. He made sure that we got the most out of our day whilst ensuring that no one individual was beyond their ability.
As well as The Crinkles themselves, we took in Cold Pike and then had enough time (and energy!) to summit the mighty Bow Fell. Awesome views, when the mist allowed!
Will certainly use The Lake District Walker (and hopefully Alex) again for both Fairfield Horseshoe and Striding Edge/Helvellyn. (Posted on 07/06/2015)
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Questions:
Question:
What is the minimum age for children on this event?
Answers:
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Posted by John Scadding on Thursday, 12 October 2017
We do not have a set minimum age for this event, however, you know your child best, therefore please bear in mind this is an open event of varying ages, if you are not confident your child can complete this event then hiring a private guide could be a more suitable option.
As this is an open event all under 18's must be accompanied by an adult.
Question:
What happens if the weather is bad?
Answers:
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Posted by John Scadding on Thursday, 12 October 2017
We plan to walk whatever the weather, unless it is dangerous to do so.
Mountain weather can be a little unpredictable, but we do keep an eye on the forecasts leading up to walks, should the forecast mean that the walk is not possible then we will contact you as soon as we have the forecast and offer you the following options:
- A more suitable walk on the same date taking into consideration the weather conditions
- A transfer to the same walk on another date
- A full refund
Question:
Are dogs allowed on this walk?
Answers:
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Posted by John Scadding on Monday, 18 September 2017
Yes, dogs are allowed on all our walks.
However we do cross farmland and common land where animals will be grazing, there will be large sections of the walk, if not all, where dogs will be required to be on a lead.
There are sections of this walk across rough ground and boulders and as such this walk may not be suitable for all dogs.
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