How long does Castle Crag from Grange take?

Most walkers take 2.5–3 hours for the 7.9 km route, which has 300 m of ascent. That allows for short stops; give yourself longer in winter, in poor weather or with a group.

Where does the walk start, and where can I park?

It starts at Grange in Borrowdale (grid reference NY 249 173). Limited parking in Grange; use the Keswick bus.

Can I get there by public transport?

Bus 78 from Keswick stops at Grange. Check times on Traveline.

It's graded moderate. Woodland paths and a steep, loose quarry path to the top.

Yes, dogs are welcome on this walk. Keep them on a lead near livestock.

Brian Balfe · CC BY-SA 2.0 · Wikimedia Commons

Grange in Borrowdale Moderate

Castle Crag from Grange

Circular Dog friendly Car-free

The smallest Wainwright, a wooded knoll in the Jaws of Borrowdale with a view down to Derwentwater.

Distance: 7.9 km
Ascent: 300 m
Time: 2.5–3 h
Grade: Moderate
Route: Circular
High point: 290 m

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Route mapped on 26 Oct 2026 from OpenStreetMap paths, with heights from EU-DEM terrain data; not yet checked on the ground by TRXO. Added to TRXO on 26 Oct 2026. For planning only: always navigate with an up-to-date map such as OS Explorer or Harvey. How we make our routes.

About this walk

Castle Crag from Grange is a moderate 7.9 km circular walk with 300 m of ascent, taking 2.5 to 3 hours. It starts at Grange in Borrowdale (grid reference NY 249 173). The start can be reached by public transport.

Castle Crag plugs the narrowest point of Borrowdale, 290 m of rock and old slate quarries with the river on one side and the fells on the other. From Grange, the walk goes up the valley through the woods, climbs the quarry spoil to the summit, and returns past Rosthwaite along the River Derwent. The view down the valley to Derwentwater and Skiddaw is out of all proportion to the effort.

Great views Woodland History Kid friendly Dog friendly Reachable by public transport

Route

1
The summit

Walk up the valley and climb through the quarries to the top.
2
The river

Drop to Rosthwaite and return along the Derwent.

Summit

Castle Crag

290 m

Wainwright

Other routes up Castle Crag

Great Crag (Stonethwaite), Castle Crag and Grange Fell 7.4 km · 670 m

Plan your day

Start Pace Day

Time needed: 2 h 40 min
Back by: 11:40
Sunset: …
Turn back by: …

Based on Naismith's rule plus short breaks. Allow extra in winter or poor weather.

A link with the route, your start time and when you expect to be back, to send to someone at home.

Summit forecast

–

Forecast at Castle Crag summit (290 m). Always check a mountain forecast too.

Getting there

Start: Grange in Borrowdale
Grid ref: NY 249 173
Parking: Limited parking in Grange; use the Keswick bus.
Transport: Bus 78 from Keswick stops at Grange. Check times on Traveline.
Facilities: Café in Grange.

Directions to start

Bothies and hostels nearby

YHA Borrowdale Hostel · 3.1 km
YHA Hawse End Cottage Hostel · 3.7 km
Dubs Hut Bothy · 5.6 km

Distances are from the start. Check with whoever runs it before relying on one.

Terrain

Woodland paths and a steep, loose quarry path to the top.

Bog factor

Suitable for dogs.

Land and access

In England you can walk on public rights of way and open access land. The Countryside Code sets out how to do so responsibly.

Leave gates and property as you find them, and follow paths unless there's wider access.
On open access land, keep dogs on a short lead from 1 March to 31 July, and at any time near livestock.
Take your litter home, and bag and bin dog poo.
Plan ahead and check for signs and local advice.

The Countryside Code

What to take

Nothing out of the ordinary, so the usual kit below.

✓Map and compass (and know how to use them)
✓Waterproof jacket and trousers
✓Warm layer, hat and gloves, even in summer
✓Food, water and a head torch
✓Charged phone; register for emergency SMS (text 'register' to 999)

Hill safety guide

Questions about this walk

How long does Castle Crag from Grange take?: Most walkers take 2.5–3 hours for the 7.9 km route, which has 300 m of ascent. That allows for short stops; give yourself longer in winter, in poor weather or with a group.
Where does the walk start, and where can I park?: It starts at Grange in Borrowdale (grid reference NY 249 173). Limited parking in Grange; use the Keswick bus.
Can I get there by public transport?: Bus 78 from Keswick stops at Grange. Check times on Traveline.
How hard is it?: It's graded moderate. Woodland paths and a steep, loose quarry path to the top.
Which hill does it climb?: Castle Crag (290 m, Wainwright).
Can I take my dog?: Yes, dogs are welcome on this walk. Keep them on a lead near livestock.

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