Walking BritainLake District Walk
Crinkle Crags and Bowfell (Oxendale Horseshoe)
Maps 
| Ordnance Survey Explorer OL6 | Sheet Map | 1:25k | BUY |
| Anquet OS Explorer OL6 | Digital Map | 1:25k | BUY |
| Ordnance Survey Landranger 90 | Sheet Map | 1:50k | BUY |
| Anquet OS Landranger 90 | Digital Map | 1:50k | BUY |
Walk Route Description
Click image to see photo description.
The summits of the Crinkle Crags and Bowfell have always been popular objectives for walkers in the Lake District. This route follows a circuit of rugged Oxendale to reach the summits following the path above Browney Gill to reach the high ground below Cold Pike. From here the route heads west passing the minor top of Great Knott to reach Crinkle Crags with their five craggy tops. The route then descends to Three Tarns before ascending magnificent Bowfell with its superb views. The return route follows the Band offering a wonderful panorama of Great Langdale and its surrounding fells.
The start of this Lake District walk is either the small car park at the Old Dungeon Ghyll Hotel (grid ref. NY286060) or the overflow car park closer to the valley road. Whichever parking option you decide to take, walk west to the valley road and follow the signed path to The Band and Oxendale (grid ref. NY285059). You soon reach Stool End. Follow the signed path through the farmyard. About a hundred metres beyond the farmyard you reach a junction of paths (grid ref. NY275056). Keep straight ahead here keeping the wall to your left (The righthand path leads to the Band and is used for the descent). The path then descends into Oxendale to reach a wooden footbridge on your left over Oxendale Beck (grid ref. NY270052).
Cross the footbridge and follow the rising path. The ascent is steady climbing past Brown Howe. The path continues ahead passing some waterfalls to reach a path junction (grid ref. NY267039) just to the north of Red Tarn. Turn right here and follow the clear but often stony path to pass Great Knott on your right. If you have the energy, then a short detour to the summit offers a fine view into Great Langdale. Continuing ahead the path climbs steadily to reach the start of the Crinkles.
After reaching the top of the First Crinkle descend to a col. The direct route requires a scramble up the Bad Step. As an alternative follow the path to the left around the base of a rock face to take the easier path to the top of the second Crinkle, which is the highest of the five Crinkles. Continue on the well-trodden path across the remaining tops and descend to a col at Three Tarns (grid ref. NY248060). Take the clear path north climbing steeply in places to reach the summit of Bowfell. Do allow time to enjoy the view, which in my opinion is one of the great Lakeland panoramas.
Retrace your steps down to the col at Three Tarns. Just before the tarns, bear left and follow the broad path descending across White Stones and onto the Band. Nearing Stool End you reach a junction (passed on the outward leg of the route) where you turn left. Pass through the farmyard and retrace your steps back to the start.
Other walks nearby
| Walk 1132 | The Crinkle Crags from Great Langdale | mod/hard | 7.0 miles |
| Walk 1157 | Bowfell and Esk Pike from Old Dungeon Ghyll | hard | 8.8 miles |
| Walk 2037 | Bowfell & Rosset Pike via the Climber's Traverse | hard | 7.5 miles |
| Walk 2818 | Bowfell Circular from Great Langdale | mod/hard | 7.0 miles |
| Walk 1207 | Great & Little Langdales | moderate | 8.5 miles |
Recommended Books & eBooks
The Cumbria Way
A guidebook to the 73 mile Cumbria Way, an easy long-distance walk though the heart of the Lake District National Park, from Ulverston in the south to Carlisle in the north, with good transport links to either end. The route is largely low-level but this guide offers alternative mountain days to climb some of the famous fells en route.
More information
Walking the Lake District Fells - Wasdale
Part of the Walking the Lake District Fells series, this guidebook covers a wide range of routes to 25 Lakeland summits that can be climbed from the Wasdale, Eskdale and Ennerdale valleys, with highlights including Scafell Pike, Great Gable and Pillar. Suggestions for longer ridge routes are also included.
More information
Navigation
This pocket handbook to navigation will help you master the necessary map and compass skills for mountain walking. Chapters include map scales, symbols and contours, grid references, map reading, bearings, route planning and night and bad-weather navigation, as well as navigating with a GPS.
More information
Further Information
Walk Location Map
Lake District Walking
The Lake District National Park is seen by many as one of the scenic gems of the British Isles. The natural beauty has attracted many artists and writers through the centuries and today the same scenery provides the perfect backdrop to a wide variety of walks. The National Park is located wholly within Cumbria with Windermere, Ambleside and Keswick the main tourist towns. For many this is the finest area in England for walking with a wide variety of scenery. Even on the busiest weekends it is possible to get away from the crowds by carefully selecting one of the less-visited fells. More Information
Walk grading - Learn how each walk is assessed and select a walk to suit your ability and experience by going to Walk Grading Details.
Accommodation Nearby
Self Catering & Cottage Holidays - Properties throughout the UK & Europe
Follow Walking Britain for the latest news. 
Mountain Weather
Stay safe on the mountains with detailed weather forecasts - for iOS devices or for Android devices.