The name reflects the fell's physical appearance as its summit ridge is a series of five rises and depressions (crinkles) that are very distinctive from the valley floor.

These are generally referred to as the first to fifth crinkles, but Richards[1] starts in the north, Birkett[2] in the south and Wainwright[3] employs both conventions, depending upon the direction of travel.

In recent times more systematic hill lists have been produced based upon topographical prominence and height, rather than mere visual appeal.

Beyond the summit to the south, the ridge descends over Stonesty Pike (a Birkett)[14] and Little Stand (a Nuttall and a Fellranger[15]) to the Duddon Valley at Cockley Beck.

The ridge includes the so-called "Bad Step", a steep declivity which catches out many walkers when travelling from north to south; however, the obstacle can be by-passed without too much trouble.

This 146 hectare site was designated in 1988 because of the important geology present that reveals volcanic activity that occurred here in the late Ordovician period.

This site is exceptional because it shows the range of deposits formed by the explosive disintegration of magma by water (most calderas of this type are inaccessible because they are flooded or buried by their erupted products).

Part of the land within Ray and Crinkle Crags SSSI that is on the western Eskdale side is owned by the National Trust.