Hazard: Moderate
The high point of the Coledale round, a broad-topped fell whose northern crags — Eel Crag — give it its alternative name, overlooking the head of Coledale. The summit is gentle, but it is ringed and approached by steep, loose, eroded ground: the descent toward Coledale Hause is notoriously slippery and stony, the Eel Crag face drops sharply on the north, and the flat top is a navigation trap in mist. Keswick Mountain Rescue Team covers this ground on the busy Coledale horseshoe.
- Steep, loose descent toward Coledale Hause: The west/south-west ground off Crag Hill is steep, badly eroded and stony, and is a common place for slips and turned ankles — worse when wet. Take it slowly, keep to the worn line, and don't let momentum carry you onto steeper rock.
- Eel Crag (north face above Coledale): The northern crags fall away steeply to the head of Coledale. In cloud the flat summit gives little warning of the edge — keep back from the northern rim and don't drift toward it on a vague bearing.
- The flat summit in cloud / the Sail connecting ridge: The broad top is featureless and easy to misjudge in mist; set a compass bearing before leaving it. The narrow neck linking Crag Hill to Sail is straightforward in the dry but exposed in strong wind.
Who should attempt this fell: On a clear day the Coledale round over Crag Hill is fine ridge walking, but the descents are steeper and looser than the gentle summit suggests — the pull-off toward Coledale Hause in particular catches people out, especially in the wet. Navigate carefully in cloud to keep clear of Eel Crag, and save the steep loose sections for careful, unhurried footwork. In winter the exposed ridge and edges need full winter kit.
What to watch for: Slips and ankle injuries on the steep, eroded descents · Navigation errors off the featureless summit in cloud · Walkers straying toward the Eel Crag edge in poor visibility · Falls compounded by wet, slippery rock and scree
Local Mountain Rescue: Keswick Mountain Rescue Team (opens in new tab)
Safety: Always check current conditions, carry proper navigation equipment, and seek qualified instruction before heading onto the fells. In an emergency, call 999, ask for Police, then Mountain Rescue.
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