Ill Crag is a 931m (3054ft) England hill classified as a Hewitt, one of 523 Hewitts in England. At this altitude, summit conditions can be severe — check the Ill Crag wind chill, freezing level and cloud base before setting out. Winter walking on Ill Crag requires full mountain equipment.
Ill Crag is a fell in the English Lake District. At 935 metres (3,068 ft), it is the fourth-highest peak in England, after Scafell Pike, Sca Fell, and Helvellyn.
Geology: The bedrock here is Seathwaite Fell Sandstone Formation — Volcaniclastic-sandstone and volcaniclastic-breccia — rock formed from fragmented volcanic material. Age: Caradoc Series.
Planning to walk Ill Crag? Our summit weather forecast shows live conditions at 931m including wind speed, wind chill, temperature, freezing level, cloud base and rain risk. The forecast updates hourly using data from 7 weather models blended into the HILLANDGLEN ensemble — accuracy-weighted so the best-performing models have the most influence.
Key conditions to check before climbing Ill Crag: wind chill (the real temperature you'll feel on exposed ridges), freezing level (whether ice and snow are likely on the summit), cloud base (whether you'll have visibility at 931m), and wind gusts (which can be significantly stronger on exposed summits than in the valley below).
Ill Crag weather can change quickly at 931m. Valley conditions often differ from the summit — our forecast applies lapse rate adjustments to give you the actual temperature and wind at the top, not the nearest town. Check the 14-day outlook to find the best day to walk Ill Crag.
Frequently Asked Questions
How high is Ill Crag?
Ill Crag is 931 metres (3054 feet) above sea level. It is classified as a Hewitt in Cumberland.
What is the weather like on Ill Crag?
At 931m, Ill Crag experiences significantly harsher conditions than the valleys below. Summit temperatures are typically 6-8°C colder due to the lapse rate, winds are stronger and more exposed, and cloud cover can reduce visibility to just a few metres. Always check the summit forecast before setting out — hillandglen.com shows live wind chill, freezing level, cloud base and rain risk updated hourly.
Is Ill Crag safe to climb in winter?
Ill Crag is a serious winter mountain at 931m. Snow, ice and sub-zero wind chill are common from November to April. Full winter equipment is essential: ice axe, crampons, waterproofs, warm layers and navigation tools. Always check the freezing level and wind forecast before attempting a winter ascent.
What is a Hewitt?
A Hewitt is a mountain in England or Wales over 2,000 feet (609.6 metres) with a drop of at least 30 metres on all sides. There are 523 Hewitts. The list was compiled by Alan Dawson and includes all major peaks south of the Scottish border.
When is the best time to climb Ill Crag?
The best months for climbing Ill Crag are typically May to September, when days are longest and weather is generally drier. Summer offers the most stable conditions and longest daylight hours. Winter ascents (November-April) are possible but require full winter mountaineering equipment and experience.
Free summit weather forecasts for over 20,000 British and Irish hills. Designed for hikers, runners, and climbers who need accurate mountain conditions — not just city weather.
