1st Crinkle

Hill, Mountain in Westmorland South Lakeland

England

1st Crinkle

Rocky ground north from summit of Shelter Crags The view north from the highest point of Shelter Crags with Bow Fell the peak above the grooved cliff.
The more rounded mountains beyond are Great End and Esk Pike. — Rocky ground north from summit of Shelter Crags Credit: Trevor Littlewood

1st Crinkle, also known as Crinkle Crags, is a prominent hill located in the southern part of the Lake District National Park in Cumbria, England. This mountain stands at an elevation of 859 meters (2,818 feet) and is part of the larger Crinkle Crags range, which includes five other distinctive peaks.

Situated in the western fells of the Lake District, 1st Crinkle offers breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. It lies approximately 4 kilometers (2.5 miles) northwest of the popular tourist town of Ambleside and can be accessed via various hiking routes. The most common starting point is the Old Dungeon Ghyll Hotel in the village of Great Langdale.

The ascent to 1st Crinkle can be challenging, as it involves steep slopes and rocky terrain. However, the effort is rewarded with stunning vistas of the neighboring peaks, valleys, and lakes. On a clear day, one can see as far as the Irish Sea and even glimpse the Isle of Man.

The summit of 1st Crinkle is marked by a large cairn, providing a perfect spot for hikers to rest and admire the scenery. From there, it is possible to continue along the ridge, known as the "Bad Step," which leads to the other Crinkle Crags peaks, each offering its own unique views and challenges.

1st Crinkle is a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts, attracting hikers, climbers, and nature lovers. Its rugged beauty and tranquil surroundings make it a must-visit location for those seeking an adventure in the spectacular Lake District National Park.

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1st Crinkle Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 54.430882/-3.1574282 or Grid Reference NY2504. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Rocky ground north from summit of Shelter Crags

The view north from the highest point of Shelter Crags with Bow Fell the peak above the grooved cliff. The more rounded mountains beyond are Great End and Esk Pike.

Trevor Littlewood

View down to Oxendale

Anthony Parkes

The Slopes of Brown Howe

Anthony Parkes

Waterfall below Black Wars

Anthony Parkes

Black Wars

Anthony Parkes

Red Tarn

Anthony Parkes

Path up to Pike of Blisco

Anthony Parkes

Langdale â Looking west to The Band and Bowfell

The background is not in doubt. The camera position is uncertain showing a view obtained while climbing up the side of the valley to the Langdale Pikes. I thank Ian Taylor for his great help in locating the image.

Julian Paren

Red Tarn

Anthony Foster

Cold Pike summit cairn

Anthony Foster

Oxendale

Peter McDermott

Crinkle Crags from Pike of Stickle

The ridge ascending to the right across the image is The Band, leading to Bow Fell just out of shot. The dip on the horizon left of Bow Fell is at Three Tarns.

David Purchase

Bow Fell from Rossett Pike

If heading for Bow Fell from here, there is a descent of only 80m or so to Angle Tarn before the climb begins.

David Purchase

Bow Fell from Shelter Crags

The route along the ridge from Crinkle Crags to Bow Fell was a popular one, as evidenced by the scar of the path on the right. It remains so: it is an obvious round from the Langdale valley.

David Purchase

At the Three Tarns

From the col between Crinkle Crags and Bow Fell, looking to the Scafell range.

David Purchase

The 'Bad Step' on Crinkle Crags

It is interesting to see that this route was already badly eroded back in 1965. Competent scramblers will take a route immediately right of the chockstone. There is clearly an easier route to the right of the huge central slab. But mere hillwalkers, as I am, used a path on the left, out of shot.

David Purchase