“The humble walker is rarely afforded such an opportunity”
A Wainwright
The mountain that surround the Wasdale Valley are some of the Highest in the Lake District, including the top two, Scafell Pike and Scafell.
This challenge joins two separate groups of mountains in one epic walk that is sure to put your fitness to the test. Starting from Wasdale Head we climb via Yewbarrow onto the ridge that makes the horseshoe surrounding Pillar, and after completing this great group of mountains we climb over Great Gable to make our way to Scafell Pike, shortly followed by Scafell.
An enjoyable challenge not to be underestimated.
“A summit deserving of detailed exploration and rewarding visitors with very beautiful views. Rank Bowfell amongst the best half-dozen”
A Wainwright
The Wasdale Valley is considered the birthplace of climbing, and over the course of this day we will traverse around the top of the valley across some of the biggest and finest mountains in the district. Starting from the iconic Wasdale Head Inn our first section will be along the road as we make our way to the southern face of Yewbarrow. The southern face of Yewbarrow is impressive but steep, however it is a good way to gain height quickly. We will summit Yewbarrow, where we will have an incredible view down onto Wastwater below, and across to the Scafell Massif. We will then walk across it's summit plateau before descending its steep northern face to Dore Head.
We now start to re-ascend and join the main ridge of the horseshoe. Not before too long we summit our second peak, Red Pike, which is again followed shortly after by Scoat Fell. From Scoat Fell we will turn to the North- East and follow the narrower ridge gently down to Wind Gap, which is usually, and unsurprisingly quite windy. A steep rocky climb brings us onto the flat top of Pillar, and the highest point of this first section.
We now descend over the grassy slopes to the Black Sail pass, and to the start of the second section of the route. This part of the route will feel tough as a large ascent is closely followed by a large descent. This happens as we climb up and over Kirk Fell and descend to Beck Head, before again climbing to the summit of Great Gable, where we are rewarded with even more magnificent views, especially over Wastwater again.
Now at the very head of the Wasdale Valley we are well over half way. We descend steeply to the Styhead Pass. We now start the third and final section of the walk, and also the highest. We will make our way to Lingmell Col via the Corridor Route, an popular route that traverses the hillside.
As we reach Lingmell Col if we are feeling energetic we have the option to bag Lingmell in a 'there and back' detour. The climb up to Scafell Pike from here starts steeply but soon eases as we start to zig-zag our way up the fellside. As the gradient starts to ease we find ourselves emerging onto the summit plateau, and after a very short scramble through some boulders we will be standing on the summit of England.
The walk is now in its very final stages, however it has a sting in its tail. To summit Scafell, although only 14m shorter, we must descend at least 250m before we reascend to it's summit. There are multiple routes up to Scafell, ranging from a gully scramble to a walk up a steep slope. From the summit of Scafell we will start our final descent over the gentle grassy slopes of Green How before descending steeply one final time to Brackenclose.
We will finish the walk along the river a short distance and back to the Wasdale Head, where we can grab a fine drink to celebrate!
The Wasdale Horseshoe is a very long day out entailing lots of ascent or descent, and will therefore be very physically demanding. It should only be tackled by experienced hill walkers or very fit people. The route can be completed over a few separate walks via Pillar from Wasdale, Great Gable from Wasdale and Scafell and Scafell Pike. Please feel free to Contact Us to discuss your suitability to this walk.
Each participant will be required to bring suitable equipment for their chosen event, please see Kit List tab above.
Where to meet: Outside the Wasdale Head Inn
Postcode: CA20 1EX
Grid Reference: NY 186 087
Directions
Gosforth can easily be found on the A595 road south of Egremont (An easy drive south from Cockermouth and Workington). Follow the road through the village, turning left as the road forks on the High Street.
Follow this road taking the left hand fork (avoiding Nether Wasdale) and follow the road signs for Wasdale Head and Wastwater.
When a junction is reached near the lake (Wastwater) turn left and follow this lane past the end of the lake until after two sharp bends a car park is seen on the right of the road, a short distance away from the Wasdale Head Inn. Park here and we will meet outside the Wasdale Head Inn.
Bus Services
There are no bus services to Wasdale Head.
Stagecoach bus timetables can be viewed here
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