the Northern Fells the Kirk Stile Formation of the Skiddaw Group predominates. This is composed of laminated mudstone and siltstone with greywacke sandstone and is of Ordovician age. Bannerdale lead mine was operated at the base of the crag itself, primarily in the latter half of the nineteenth century. This raised galena and blende from an east- west vein system with two major levels being over 100 ft long. Further workings below the summit were known as the graphite level. It is not known how much was found, but the level has only been driven a few feet. Saddleback Old Mine lies to the south of the fell, near to the col connecting it with Blencathra. This was also driven for lead, but the vein proved to consist mainly of limonite. An attempt was made to market this as a pigment, but commercial success was elusive and there are no records of operation after 1894. Ascents Starting from Mungrisdale village to the east the Glenderamackin can be followed as far as its confluence with Bannerdale Beck. From here the east spur climbs almost direct to the summit, the rock scenery improving throughout and ending with a gentle scramble. An alternative from Mungrisdale is the wide and easy track leading up to the ridge between Bannerdale Crags and Bowscale Fell. Less direct is the climb from Scales, first crossing Mousthwaite Combe to reach the Glenderamackin to the south of the fell. From here a straightforward assault on White Horse Bent is one alternative, or the miners track can be followed to Saddleback Old Mine and the source of the river. References Fells of the Lake District Nuttalls Hewitts of England Mungrisdale