Rocktype UNKNOWN
Altitude 841m a.s.l
Faces N

Hill features

I have left user 'BigHell's' original introduction to the crag as it really shows his enthusiasm for a neglected part of the Lakes!

Easier mountaineering type routes, in a superb setting including the classic scramble Pinnacle Ridge. Standing for the first time on Helvellyns Striding Edge I looked accross the Grisedale trench towards St Sunday crag and marvelled at its many gullies,a virtual theme park for any prospective mountaineer. The OS Map only names three gullies Y, East and West Chockstones but there are many more to be explored none of which are too technical.

Having climbed through them all on a number of occasions I would recommend this lake land classic to anyone from rambler to mountaineer. From Patterdale the normal route can easily be found starting from the rear of the White Lion car park and taking you on to Thornhow end where you start the steep but easy climb between Harrison and Black crags. It's a well worn path that is easy to follow leading you to St Sundays summit, but for the prospective mountaineer its best to take the Grisedale valley footpath, follow the narrow country lane which runs past the side of the sports cricket ground. From here the walk into the Grisdale trench will lead you to some of the most breathtaking views Lake land has to offer. As you reach the gate at the end of the Elmhow Plantation you will see to the left the faint outline of the Elmhow zigzags a path that offers an easier ascent to the crag face of St Sunday.

I Personally prefer to carry on walking until I reach the first small footbridge which spans the tributary flowing down from the crag face, from there look upon St Sundays many rock climbs and gullies and just imagine the possibilities! Directly above the bridge and to the right is West Chockstone gully with Y gully around 100m to the left of this standing in the centre of the crag, the left branch of Y gully joins with Pillar gully around half height. Moving left again for 50m you will see the start of pillar which is 170m right of the obvious East Chockstone gully, 180m left of East Chockstone you will find the start of Pinnacle ridge which is 4.5 miles taken as a round trip from Patterdale. As I have said before none of the gullies are too technical and excepting East Chockstone all have escape routes including the much debated grade 3 scramble Pinnacle Ridge.

Approach notes

No parking up the Grisedale valley or in the country lane at the side of the sports ground, (this now has double yellow lines).

Approach time 1hour 15mins