Raven Crag

Distance: 2.5 miles
Time: 1.5 hours
Difficulty: Moderate
Sheep Watch: None on our visit but always be aware
Parking: A small number of free space here or paid parking at Legburthwaite car park CA12 4TQ and walk across dam to beginning of walk.
Refreshments: None

The route

This walk up Raven Crag is a fabulous option if you're looking for a short walk and incredible views vs effort. All while bagging a wainwright in the process! You'll have to work for the reward at the top: it's less than 2km to the summit but steep uphill pretty much all the way, with 225 metres of elevation gain.

You can begin this 1.6 mile route just off the A591 on the West Road to Thirlmere. There is a lay-by that offers parking for 2-3 cars directly opposite the start of this walk. The gate is on the right hand side, with Thirlmere on your left. Alternatively, you can park at one of the many United Utilities car parks around Thirlmere.

Having located the path up towards Raven Crag the route is extremely easy to follow and it would be pretty tricky to get lost! We also didn’t encounter any sheep on this walk, a real rarity in the Lake District!

As you begin getting closer to the summit you will see a sign for Raven Crag, if you go through this gate and head left you will soon reach the steps that lead you to the top.

You’ll know you’re nearing the summit once you’re on the fairly newly erected boardwalk. From here the views will soon open up over Thirlmere and towards the Helvellyn range. The views from the top really are spectacular, I’d love to try this one for a sunrise on a future visit!

This walk can be tied in with many other walks in Thirlmere, You can walk all the way along the western shore of the reservoir or extend onto one of the many surrounding fells from the top of Raven Crag if you’d prefer.

Happy walking and thanks for reading,

Cara, Andy, Poppy & Maple x