Iron Crag

Hill, Mountain in Cumberland Copeland

England

Iron Crag

Bleaberry Gill W of Iron Crag
Bleaberry Gill W of Iron Crag Credit: Colin Park

Iron Crag is a prominent hill located in the Lake District National Park in Cumbria, England. It stands at an elevation of 1,286 feet (392 meters) above sea level and is situated near the village of Ennerdale Bridge.

The hill is primarily composed of granite and forms part of the larger Fellbarrow and Loweswater Fells range. It is known for its distinctive rocky summit, which offers breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. On a clear day, visitors can enjoy vistas of the nearby Ennerdale Water and the stunning peaks of the Lake District, including Pillar, Great Borne, and Haycock.

Iron Crag is a popular destination for hikers and nature enthusiasts, offering several well-marked trails that lead to its summit. The most common route starts from the village of Lamplugh and follows a moderately steep path through heather-covered slopes and rocky terrain. This hike provides an immersive experience in the natural beauty of the area, with birdwatching opportunities and occasional sightings of red deer and other wildlife.

The hill's name, Iron Crag, is derived from the iron ore deposits that were historically mined in the region. In the past, iron mining was an important industry in the area, with several mines operating nearby. Today, Iron Crag stands as a testament to the region's rich geological history and provides visitors with a chance to explore the natural wonders of the Lake District.

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Iron Crag Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 54.495268/-3.3555233 or Grid Reference NY1211. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Bleaberry Gill W of Iron Crag
Bleaberry Gill W of Iron Crag
Summit plateau of Iron Crag with view to Pillar & Haycock
Summit plateau of Iron Crag with view to Pillar & Haycock
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.
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.
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.
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.
Repairing the Ennerdale Wall Looking towards the cairn (left of centre) at the west end of Caw Fell, a very minor top.
Repairing the Ennerdale Wall
Looking towards the cairn (left of centre) at the west end of Caw Fell, a very minor top.
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.
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.
The Ennerdale Wall heading for Haycock This stretch of the wall has not yet been restored.
The Ennerdale Wall heading for Haycock
This stretch of the wall has not yet been restored.
Descending beside the Ennerdale Wall The col directly ahead is that between Grike (left) and Crag Fell (right).
Descending beside the Ennerdale Wall
The col directly ahead is that between Grike (left) and Crag Fell (right).
The slopes of Iron Crag Looking towards Whoap.
The slopes of Iron Crag
Looking towards Whoap.
On Lingmell Looking towards Ennerdale
On Lingmell
Looking towards Ennerdale
Excellent Pose A sheep stands on the exposed top of Ennerdale Fell, with Haycock, Tewit How and Pillar in the distance.
Excellent Pose
A sheep stands on the exposed top of Ennerdale Fell, with Haycock, Tewit How and Pillar in the distance.
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.
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.
Some Bored Locals Looking down a small valley called Worms Gill from above Short Grain. The plantation in the distance is Scalderskew Wood on the flank of Swainson Knott.
Some Bored Locals
Looking down a small valley called Worms Gill from above Short Grain. The plantation in the distance is Scalderskew Wood on the flank of Swainson Knott.
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?
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?
Lunch, Caw Fell On the top sheltering from the gale
Lunch, Caw Fell
On the top sheltering from the gale
Misty day on Iron Crag
Misty day on Iron Crag
Gate in the endless wall
Gate in the endless wall
Wall on the 560m top
Wall on the 560m top
Show me another place!

Iron Crag is located at Grid Ref: NY1211 (Lat: 54.495268, Lng: -3.3555233)

Administrative County: Cumbria

District: Copeland

Police Authority: Cumbria

What 3 Words

///faces.restrict.scoping. Near Frizington, Cumbria

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Nearby Amenities

Located within 500m of 54.495268,-3.3555233
Iron Crag
Ele: 640
Natural: peak
Source: survey
Wikidata: Q8525136
Wikipedia: en:Iron Crag
Lat/Long: 54.4950177/-3.3551329
The data included in this document is from www.openstreetmap.org. The data is made available under ODbL.

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