Raven Crag

Raven Crag is a fell in the English Lake District. It acts as a superb vantage point for, and backdrop to, views across Thirlmere reservoir.

Topography

The fell is the high point on a 2 mile long spur running up the western shore of Thirlmere, branching off from the main ridge of the central fells just east of High Tove. Subsidiary tops include The Benn (also known as Benn Man, 1,463 ft) and Castle Crag (1,381 ft), the site of an iron-age settlement. The ridge has been extensively planted with conifers as part of the Thirlmere Forest, the face of Raven Crag appearing as a lone oasis of naked rock amid the trees.

Raven Crag is bordered to the west by the long valley of Shoulthwaite Gill, which is a tributary of the River Greta. To the north the ridge drops to a depression, crossed by the Keswick - Ambleside road, before climbing again onto High Rigg.

Geology

Raven Crag and the Benn exhibit rock of the Birker Fell Formation, composed of plagioclase-phyric andesite lavas with subordinate sills. Between the two is an area of garnet bearing porphyritic andesite. Castle Crag Fort overlays volcaniclastic sandstone.