“Great Gable is a favourite of all fellwalkers, and a first favourite with many”

A Wainwright

Great Gable from Borrowdale is one of the most popular and favoured walks in the Lake District.

Our experienced mountaineers will guide you up this magnificent mountain in the very heart of the Lake District.

On a good day we will have spectacular views over the Wasdale Valley to the Irish Sea and the Isle of Man, as well as the many high peaks including the nearby Scafell Pike.

Summits included on this route:
Great Gable899 metres / 2949 feet
Green Gable801 metres / 2628 feet
Base Brown646 metres / 2419 feet

“The aerial aspect of Wasdale is often described as the finest view in the district, a claim that more witnesses will accept than dispute”

A Wainwright

From Seathwaite we will climb alongside Taylorgill Force and follow the beck to Sty Head Tarn and the stretcher Box at Sty Head.

From here we will climb the path directly to the summit of Great Gable, with some of the most spectacular views of the Lake District, we will make a short detour to the Westmorland Cairn with the wonderful views over the Wasdale Valley and Wast Water.

From the summit of Great Gable we will continue over the lower summit of Green Gable before descending over Base Brown and alongside the waterfalls of Sour Milk Gill back to Seathwaite.

Each participant will be required to bring suitable equipment for their chosen event, please see Kit List tab above.

Where to meet: The Turning Circle, Seathwaite
Postcode: CA12 5XJ
Grid Reference: NY 235 121

Directions

From Keswick: Leave on the Borrowdale Road (from the mini roundabout near the co-op).
Follow this road for approx 8 miles, passing through Rosthwaite until just before reaching the village of Seatoller a narrow lane leads off to the left on the bend, signposted to Seathwaite, camp site and Sty Head. This road can be busy and has passing points (unmarked), blind bends and walkers in the road, also a few sheep for good measure, please drive carefully.
Follow this lane, parking as close to the end near the farm as possible, we will meet at the turning circle before the farm entrance gate.

Bus Services

The nearest bus stop to Seathwaite is Seatoller, around 20 minutes walk away from the meet point

The 78 bus runs regularly between Keswick and Seatoller
The 77/77a also runs from Keswick to Seatoller and then on to Buttermere, this however is a seasonal service from Easter to October

Stagecoach bus timetables can be viewed here

Each participant is expected to bring suitable personal equipment for the event.
This should include the following:

Summer Events:
(November - March)

Walking shoes / Boots
Waterproof clothing (Jacket and trousers)
Suitable clothing for walking (no jeans)
Warm tops
Packed lunch
Spare clothing
Water
Hat
Gloves

Winter Events:
(April - October)

Walking Boots
Waterproof clothing (Jacket and trousers)
Suitable clothing for walking (no jeans)
Warm tops
Packed lunch
Spare clothing
Water
Hat
Gloves
Torch (preferably a headtorch)
Spare batteries for the above
Spare Gloves
Flask & Hot Drink

The Following equipment may also be useful if owned:

Snow Goggles
Gaiters

The following equipment will be provided by The Lake District Walker should winter conditions require:

Ice Axe
Crampons

Great Gables Review by Paul Richardson

Overall Experience

John, was first class on my recent Great Gables walk. Extremely knowledgeable about all things to do with the Lake District. Our route was well thought out to include as many great views as possible. A lovely touch was the point John lead us to for lunch, overlooking the Wastwater valley, magnificent - and usually missed by most people who lunch at the peak of GG. (Posted on 09/05/2017)

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Questions:

1 Answer

What is the minimum age for children on this event?

Posted by , Thursday, 12 October 2017 on product Great Gable from Seathwaite

Question:

What is the minimum age for children on this event?

Answers:

Posted by John Scadding on Thursday, 12 October 2017

We do not have a set minimum age for this event, however, you know your child best, therefore please bear in mind this is an open event of varying ages, if you are not confident your child can complete this event then hiring a private guide could be a more suitable option.

As this is an open event all under 18's must be accompanied by an adult.

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1 Answer

What happens if the weather is bad?

Posted by , Thursday, 12 October 2017 on product Great Gable from Seathwaite

Question:

What happens if the weather is bad?

Answers:

Posted by John Scadding on Thursday, 12 October 2017
We plan to walk whatever the weather, unless it is dangerous to do so.

Mountain weather can be a little unpredictable, but we do keep an eye on the forecasts leading up to walks, should the forecast mean that the walk is not possible then we will contact you as soon as we have the forecast and offer you the following options:
- A more suitable walk on the same date taking into consideration the weather conditions
- A transfer to the same walk on another date
- A full refund

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1 Answer

Are dogs allowed on this walk?

Posted by , Tuesday, 12 September 2017 on product Great Gable from Seathwaite

Question:

Are dogs allowed on this walk?

Answers:

Posted by John Scadding on Tuesday, 12 September 2017

Yes, dogs are allowed on all our walks.

However we do cross farmland and common land where animals will be grazing, there will be large sections of the walk, if not all, where dogs will be required to be on a lead.

There are sections of this walk across rough ground and boulders and as such this walk may not be suitable for all dogs.

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