Caw Fell

Downs, Moorland in Cumberland Copeland

England

Caw Fell

Bleaberry Gill W of Iron Crag Credit: Colin Park

Caw Fell is a prominent peak located in the western part of the Lake District National Park, in the county of Cumbria, England. Situated in the region known as Cumberland, it is part of the larger range known as the Western Fells. Caw Fell is nestled among the picturesque valleys and rugged hills of the area, offering breathtaking views of the surrounding moorland and countryside.

Rising to a height of approximately 697 meters (2,287 feet), Caw Fell is a popular destination for hikers and nature enthusiasts. The ascent to the summit is challenging, with steep gradients and rocky terrain, but the reward is worth it for those who make the effort. On clear days, the summit provides panoramic vistas of the surrounding fells, including the nearby Ennerdale Water.

The landscape around Caw Fell is characterized by open moorland, dotted with heather and grasses, providing a habitat for a variety of wildlife. Birdwatchers may spot raptors such as peregrine falcons and buzzards soaring above, while occasional sightings of red deer and other mammals are not uncommon.

The area surrounding Caw Fell is rich in history, with evidence of ancient settlements and mining activities dating back centuries. The remnants of old mine workings can still be seen, adding an intriguing element to the natural beauty of the area.

Overall, Caw Fell offers a challenging yet rewarding experience for outdoor enthusiasts, combining stunning views, diverse wildlife, and a glimpse into the region's past.

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Caw Fell Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 54.483618/-3.3596606 or Grid Reference NY1210. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Bleaberry Gill W of Iron Crag

Colin Park

Summit plateau of Iron Crag with view to Pillar & Haycock

Colin Park

The North Top of Iron Crag

It is difficult to be sure which of the tops of Iron Crag is the higher, but the experts seem to have established that it is the South Top. What is clear is that both tops are on the east side of the Ennerdale Wall, clearly seen here.

David Purchase

The col between Caw Fell and Iron Crag

The Ennerdale Wall, a major feature of the Copeland Forest, is clearly seen here. The more distant stretches, on Iron Crag, have been renovated. The wall to Caw Fell (behind the camera) is currently being restored. I do not know who is paying for what must be a very expensive operation. There is an easy path, albeit quite long, from Heckbarley to Iron Crag and Caw Fell, which is clearly seen here. On the return, it is better to continue beside the wall rather than take the tempting short cut to the left.

David Purchase

Repairing the Ennerdale Wall

Looking towards the cairn (left of centre) at the west end of Caw Fell, a very minor top.

David Purchase

Approaching the summit of Caw Fell

Traditionally the cairn, away to the left, is assumed to mark the highest point of Caw Fell. But I wonder whether the spot at the foot of the wall ahead is actually higher.

David Purchase

The Ennerdale Wall heading for Haycock

This stretch of the wall has not yet been restored.

David Purchase

Excellent Pose

A sheep stands on the exposed top of Ennerdale Fell, with Haycock, Tewit How and Pillar in the distance.

Matthew Hatton

Plane Wreckage on Iron Crag

On the 26th June 1959 Pilot Officer R.G. Stirling (Royal Canadian Air Force) flying a North American Mk.6 Sabre of 421 Sq. crashed into Iron Crag when descending too rapidly before clearing the high ground and struck the cloud covered hilltop at 13.11. The plane disintergrated on impact leaving a trail of wreckage over half a mile in length. Most of the larger sections of the plane are to found to the north in NY1211, including almost the complete port wing, and a small section of fuselage, a section of the starboard wing, and parts of the engine. It is a beautiful place, but it must have been a terrible scene at the time.

Matthew Hatton

Sign on Caw Fell

Sadly the sign reports damage to the recently renovated wall, a substantial undertaking which is part of the Wild Ennerdale project. It is difficult to understand why someone would purposefully damage the wall in this remote spot.The sign states that CCTV pictures are being taken but where is the camera?

Michael Graham

Lunch, Caw Fell

On the top sheltering from the gale

Michael Graham

Misty day on Iron Crag

David Brown

Gate in the endless wall

David Brown

Long Grain

David Brown

Caw Fell

The whole watershed of Ennerdale must have at one time been enclosed. Over many fells, Red Pike, High Crag, Green and Great Gable and Kirk Fell, the traces of a wire fence can still be followed. Useful in mist. On Caw Fell, bordering National Trust land, there is a dry stone wall which is currently being repaired. The wall has been dismantled down to the foundation and the stones laid to one side. North York Moors dry stone walls are laid in courses, larger stones at the bottom gradually reduced in height but the walls here have no courses and are laid randomly. Must be the nature of the rock, North York Moors sandstones being easier to dress. The steel posts will form the ‘A’ frame, a guide to build the batter of the wall to. Another thing I noticed is that the coping stones, the top course of the wall, are larger in width resulting in an overhang. A farmer once told me this was traditionally to stop wolves from climbing the wall. Presumably nowadays it is the Herdwick sheep that might be tempted who think nothing of grazing on a vertical crag face. There was no one around working so it must be a long term project.

Mick Garratt