Dove Crag from Sykeside
Distance: 6 -8 kilometers (depending on route) Total ascent: 802 meters Approx. time needed: 4 – 5 hrs
This walk is suitable for the averagely fit walker and older children. We advise that you wear walking boots, take a map and compass, plenty of water, a snack and waterproofs in case the weather changes. Mobile phones will work at the top of the crag and can be useful in an emergency.
After walking down through the campsite head Hartsop Hall. Here bear left and follow the path ahead until it forks. Take the right side of the fork which is a well trodden stony path rising gently along the valley wall to the foot of Dove Crag. Along the way you will see the remains of old lead mines and quarries. A zig zag path of scree steeply ascends the gully at the foot of Dove Crag to reach Houndshope Cove. Follow the path ahead of you which bears slightly left as you pass around the bulk of Dove Crag. Look towards the crag face as you pass and see if you can spot the Priest’s Hole. This is a cave where wild campers’ torches can be seen glowing at night from the campsite. If you are brave enough to enter be sure to sign the visitor’s book found inside. Carry walking along the main path until you reach a collapsed wall and turn left to reach the top of Dove Crag. Once here enjoy far reaching views over Windermere to the coast, over to the Fairfield range, over to Helvellyn and beyond as well as over the High Street range.
From Dove Crag there are several variations for a descent.
- By a direct route to the campsite by retracing your steps.
- As above but turn off left from the path before it descends to Scandale Pass heading firstly over Little Hart Crag and then down the steep sided High Hartsop Dodd. At the bottom follow the path ahead to reach Hartsop Hall. Turn right for the campsite.
- By retracing your steps as far as Houndshope Cove and following the path in front of you over the undulating ridge running parallel to Brotherswater. Pass through trees to reach a stile at Deepdale bridge. Cross the stile and turn right to follow the road back to Cow Bridge car park. Take the footpath signposted Hartsop Hall and from there retrace your steps to the campsite.
- From the summit of Dove Crag continue along the ridge following the wall until you meet the fence line. Turn left along here to reach the Scandale Pass path and then turn left to descend Caiston Glen following the path beside the beck until Hartsop Hall comes into sight. Follow the path turning right at Hartsop Hall to reach the campsite.