Raven Crag
Raven Crag Walk: A Scenic hike overlooking Thirlmere in the Lake District
Overlooking the north end of Thirlmere, Raven Crag is one of the best short hikes in all of the Lake District. It has the most incredible view of Thirlmere Reservoir with Helvellyn looming in the background. If you’re looking for a fun, quick adventure with an epic summit payoff, this is the walk for you.
Key stats:
Total Distance: 6 km
Hiking time: ~2 hours
Location and Parking: The route starts from the car park next to the Thirlmere reservoir
Where to Start Your Raven Crag Hike
Map of Raven Crag walking route
The walk starts from the Thirlmere Dam car park, located just off the A591. Parking costs £4 for 6 hours, giving you more than enough time to enjoy the hike and soak up the stunning views.
There’s also a free lay-by nearby with space for 3-4 cars, directly across from the start of the trail.
The hike up
The hike begins with a steep climb through the forest that’ll definitely get your heart pumping! The path is well-marked, and the incline quickly makes its presence felt—it’s uphill right from the start. As you wind through the trees, you’ll enjoy the shade and occasional glimpses of Thirlmere through the trees..
After this initial climb, you’ll reach a fire track that splits into several routes. Take the path to the left and continue upwards. Soon, you’ll come across a well-maintained boardwalk that leads to the final ascent to Raven Crag’s summit. When you reach the top, you’ll be rewarded with an impressive panorama of Thirlmere and Helvellyn—perfect for a snack break and plenty of photos!
The hike down
Head back down to the fire track, and head north through the forest towards Sipping Crag. The descent is a lot gentler and allows you to enjoy the peaceful woodland surroundings without the steep exertion of the ascent. You’ll follow the perimeter of the forest before looping back towards the car park.
On the way, you’ll pass through Bridge End Farm before eventually reaching the dam. It’s a nice change of scenery, with views of the surrounding countryside opening up as you make your way back to your starting point.
View route on OS Maps or download route GPX file
How long does it take to walk up Raven Crag?
The walk takes just over 2 hours from start to finish and is approximately 6.5 kilometres.
Hey, quick note
I’ve been working hard on a new Lake District Guide and Digital Map to help you plan your next Lake District trip. It includes walks, restaurants, waterfalls, places to stay and places to visit. Check out the full guide and map here.
Parking and start location for Raven Crag hike
Parking for the Raven Crag walk is conveniently located by the Thirlmere Dam, right next to the reservoir. It costs £4, giving you a total of 6 hours to explore the area, which is more than enough for the hike and to take in the stunning views.
If the main car park is full, there’s also a small lay-by just off the A591, with space for 2-3 cars, directly opposite the start of the walk.
Path heading back from Raven Crag
Kit list for when out walking in the Lake District
As mentioned, it's essential to bring appropriate clothing and footwear for your hike. Here's a list of essential items to bring:
Sturdy walking boots and socks with good ankle support
You can get a decent pair of boots from Cotswold Outdoors, Mountain Warehouse or Blacks. You don’t need to spend a load of money, but anything with ankle support should do the job. I have the Scarpa Rush TRK Gore-Tex boots and they are fantastic!
Hiking socks: I personally use Smartwool merino wool socks which are incredibly comfy, help keep my feet dry
Daypack: when out walking in the Lakes, I always take my Osprey Talon 44L bag. I recommend the Osprey daypacks such as the Talon range for men and Tempest range for woman.
Waterproof jacket and trousers - even in the summer, taking a waterproof jacket that offers protection from the wind is key
You don’t need to spend a lot of money, but if you are going to be hiking often then investing in a good waterproof may be a good idea
Warm layers
Fleece - My go-to warm layer - Patagonia R1 Fleece
Warm gloves or mittens: I personally use the Rab Mens Pivot GTX Gloves and these worked well on my recent winter hiking trips.
Lightweight Gloves: For lower hills I recommend lightweight, fleece or quick drying fabric gloves. I personally use the Sealskinz unisex waterproof gloves if it is raining and the Montane Prism gloves if it is dry but windy (they are lighter and a little more comfy.
Neck bandana or scarf: For the chilly days on the mountain, I recommend bringing a neck gaiter or bandana. I recommend the Buff unisex bandana.
Map and compass (and the ability to use them)
Trekking poles: Trekking poles can reduce the impact on your joints by up to 20%. I recommend adjustable Black Diamond or Leki trekking poles
Food and water
Kendal Mint Cake is my favourite snack for any walk and is a famous snack still made in the Lake District
Water bladder / bottles: When out in the fells, I aim to drink at least 1L of water. I recommend the Osprey 2 litre water badder which can be used in most backpacks.
Sunscreen and Bug Spray
First aid kit - a small mix of plasters, Savalon (for bites and stings) and antiseptic wipes will do
Head torch: You will need a head torch with a decent power for any trips to the loo and more importantly the summit hike. I personally use a Petzl ACTIK® 600 CORE which is affordable and has a decent battery life. You’ll also need spare batteries as the cold will drain them quicker.
Mobile phone (with a full battery) + portable charger.
I recommend any Anker Power Bank as they are reliable and well made. I use the USB-C 10,000 maH with 20W model. It charges my phone and watch when wild camping and is a great lightweight option