Dow Crag

Dow Crag is a mountain located in the Lake District National Park in Cumbria, England. It is situated amid the Coniston Fells, and its scree slopes at the base pass down to Goats Water below. The mountain is composed of rhyolite and has an approximately 100-metre rock face with over 100 recognised climbing routes.

For climbers, Dow Crag is a popular destination due to its challenging routes at all grades. Some of the notable climbing routes include Giant’s Crawl, Hopkinson’s Crack, Eliminate ‘A’, and Leopard’s Crawl. The mountain’s prominence from Goats Hause is almost 100m, and it is at least a 2km hike to its neighbour Coniston Old Man. Therefore it has a look and feel of a separate mountain.

Location

Dow Crag is a mountain located in the English Lake District near Coniston, Cumbria. It is part of the Coniston Fells and stands at an elevation of 2,552 feet. The mountain is known for its impressive eastern rock face which overlooks the tarn of Goat’s Water.

Access

Access to Dow Crag is available via several hiking trails. One popular route is via the Walna Scar Road, which provides access to the summit of Coniston Old Man and then continues on to Dow Crag. Another route is via the village of Coniston and the Coppermines Valley, which provides access to the south side of the mountain.

It is important to note that the ascent of Dow Crag is a challenging and technical climb and should only be attempted by experienced hikers and climbers. The eastern face of the mountain is particularly difficult and is only recommended for experienced rock climbers.

For those who are not experienced climbers, it is possible to avoid the difficult ascent by staying on the eastern side of Goats Water and heading north, skipping Dow Crag and rejoining the trail at the top.

Geology

Dow Crag is a mountain located in the Lake District National Park in Cumbria, England. It is part of the Coniston Fells, a range of mountains that also includes the Old Man of Coniston. The geology of Dow Crag is typical of the Lake District, with a mixture of volcanic and sedimentary rocks.

Formation

The rocks that make up Dow Crag were formed during the Ordovician period, around 480 million years ago. At this time, the area was covered by a shallow sea, and sedimentary rocks such as sandstone and shale were deposited on the sea floor. Over time, these rocks were buried and compressed, forming the hard, durable rocks that make up Dow Crag.

During the Caledonian Orogeny, around 400 million years ago, the rocks of the Lake District were folded and uplifted, creating the mountainous landscape that we see today. The volcanic rocks that make up some of the peaks, including Dow Crag, were formed during this period of intense geological activity.

The volcanic rocks of Dow Crag are mainly andesitic in composition, meaning that they are rich in silica and contain minerals such as plagioclase feldspar and pyroxene. These rocks were formed from magma that was generated deep within the Earth’s crust and then erupted onto the surface, where it cooled and solidified.

The sedimentary rocks of Dow Crag are mainly sandstone and shale, which were formed from the accumulation of sediment on the sea floor. These rocks are softer and more easily eroded than the volcanic rocks, which is why they form the gentler slopes of the mountain.

Hiking and Scrambling

Dow Crag Walk

For those who prefer a leisurely hike, Dow Crag offers a variety of walking routes that provide stunning views of the surrounding landscape. One popular route is the Walna Scar Road, which takes hikers past Goats Water and up to the summit of Dow Crag. This route is relatively easy and suitable for most walkers, although it can be steep in places.

Another option is the route from Coniston Old Man to Dow Crag. This route is longer and more challenging, but it offers breathtaking views of the surrounding fells. It is recommended for experienced walkers who are comfortable with steep ascents and descents.

Dow Crag Scramble

For those who prefer a more challenging hike, Dow Crag offers a variety of scrambling routes that require a bit more skill and experience.

The most renowned Dow Crag Scramble is the South Rake.

South Rake is a grade 1 scramble, making it suitable for beginners or less experienced scramblers with some basic scrambling knowledge. However, it requires a reasonable level of fitness and a good head for heights due to some exposed sections.

Beginning at the foot of Dow Crag, the South Rake route scrambles up a steep, rocky gully nestled between two towering buttresses. The route is a mixture of rock steps and loose scree. At times, it can feel more like a climb than a scramble.

The route’s charm lies in its diversity, mixing challenging and exciting scrambling with moments of easier terrain. Along the way, there are a few large boulders to navigate around or over, providing a fun and varied scrambling experience.

At the top, scramblers are rewarded with stunning views over Coniston Water and across to Scafell Pike and other peaks. On a clear day, the panoramic view is simply breathtaking.

The descent can be done by following the well-trodden path back towards Goat’s Hawse and then down towards the Walna Scar Road, or for those with more energy and time, you could continue along the ridge to the Old Man of Coniston.

Please remember that scrambling carries inherent risks. Always be prepared with appropriate gear, and never attempt a route beyond your skill level without a guide or proper training. Also, be sure to check the weather forecast before setting off.

Another option is the route from Goats Hawse to Dow Crag. This route involves some easy scrambling and provides stunning views of the surrounding fells. It is recommended for experienced scramblers who are comfortable with exposure and have a good head for heights.

It is important to note that scrambling routes can be dangerous and should only be attempted by experienced scramblers who are properly equipped and have the necessary skills and knowledge. It is also important to check the weather conditions before attempting any scrambling routes, as the fells can be treacherous in bad weather.

All scrambling routes on Dow Crag are best left to those who have a wide experience on less demanding crags. Dow Crag Scrambles are NOT recommended for those with a nervous disposition or who suffer from vertigo

Wainwright Routes

Dow Crag is a popular destination for hikers and rock climbers alike. The mountain offers several routes to the summit, each with its own unique challenges and rewards. The most popular routes are those described in Alfred Wainwright’s guidebooks to the Lake District, which are still widely used today.

One of the most popular routes is Dow Crag Route One, which starts at Torver and covers a distance of 3.77 miles. The ascent is 2,405 feet and the estimated time to complete the hike is 2 hours and 40 minutes. This route offers stunning views of the surrounding countryside and is suitable for experienced hikers.

Another popular route is via the Walna Scar Pass, which covers a distance of 3.77 miles and has an ascent of 2,400 feet. This route is suitable for experienced hikers and offers stunning views of the surrounding countryside.

For those looking for a more challenging climb, there are several climbing routes available. Dow Crag is composed of rhyolite and has an approximately 100 metre rock face with over 100 recognised climbing routes including Giant’s Crawl, C Ordinary Route, Hopkinson’s Crack, Eliminate A, Leopard’s Crawl, Nimrod Side Walk, Holocaust Tumble, and The Shining Path.

It is important to note that climbing Dow Crag is not recommended for beginners, and climbers should be experienced and properly equipped. Safety should always be the top priority when climbing Dow Crag or any other mountain.

Summit

Dow Crag Summit is a popular destination for hikers, climbers, and mountaineers due to its stunning views and challenging terrain. The summit stands at 778 metres high and is located in the Lake District – Southern Fells region in England. It is a child summit of The Old Man of Coniston.

The summit offers breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape, including Coniston Water and the nearby Old Man of Coniston. On a clear day, hikers can see as far as the coast of Morecambe Bay.

There are several routes to the summit of Dow Crag, including the popular South Rake trail. This trail offers a challenging climb up a very loose and steep scramble, but rewards hikers with stunning views as they make their way to the top. Other popular routes include Easy Gully, Easy Terrace, and Giants Crawl.

At the summit of Dow Crag, hikers can enjoy a well-deserved rest and take in the stunning views. There is a small cairn marking the summit, as well as a summit block that can be used for shelter on windy days.

Overall, Dow Crag Summit is a must-visit destination for hikers and climbers looking for a challenging and rewarding climb with stunning views of the Lake District landscape.