“the summit is the only really satisfactory viewpoint for Wasdale Head - a finely proportioned scene, with gaunt mountains soaring up suddenly from the level strath of this grandest of all daleheads”

A Wainwright

The Wasdale Screes must be one of the most famous scenes in the Lake District, the view across Wastwater is stunning, especially on an evening when the screes almost seem to glow as the sun sets, but fewer people climb the fells above the screes and look down on the view from above.

This route combines the two summits of Illgill Head and Whin Rigg above the screes with a wonderful walk along the Mitredale Valley, a hidden gem of the Lake District, a secluded narrow valley climbing up to a secret amphitheatre.

Summits included on this route:
Illgill Head609 metres / 1998 feet
Whin Rigg535 metres / 1755 feet

“Visitors will, of course, walk across to the rim of the escarpment for the view down the screes into Wast Water far below; an impressive scene indeed”

A Wainwright

From the car park in Mitredale we will follow the track to the north east, following the valley past Low Place and Bakerstead too follow the stream as it emerges from the trees into the narrow valley.

We will continue to climb gently alongside thee stream until the had of the valley is reached, a crag filled amphitheatre and a wonderful secluded place hidden from almost all above.

We will climb out of the amphitheatre to meet a good path above, traversing above Burnmoor Tarn and crossing too a good path climbing the north eastern slopes of Illgill Head. The easy slopes continue to the summit of Illgill Head.

The views from the summit are spectacular, but a short walk to the west of the summit will bring us an even better view, dropping steeply over the screes down to Wastwater.

The ridge continues to the south west, crossing a broad col, as we climb towards the summit of Whin Rigg the views to our right will be pointed out, steep cliffs above Wastwater filled with gullies.

As we descend the ridge to the south west of Whin Rigg we will drop down onto Irton Fell before turning off the ridge into the woods to the south and following the forest path back to Mitredale.

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

Where to meet: Mitredale, Eskdale
Postcode: CA19 1TL
Grid Reference: NY 146 011

Directions

From Gosforth: Follow the road through the village, taking the right fork at the junction and follow past Santon Bridge. Continue towards Eskdale Green until the Bowerhouse Inn is seen to the right, shortly after the inn a lane will be seen to the left, by the school (it looks more like a private lane than a public road), follow this lane until a car park is found in a clearing at the far end of the lane. We will meet here.

Bus Services

There are no bus services to this location.

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

Write Your Own Review

Only registered users can write reviews. Please, log in or register

Use spaces to separate tags. Use single quotes (') for phrases.

Questions:

1 Answer

What is the minimum age for children on this event?

Posted by , Thursday, 12 October 2017 on product The Wasdale Screes

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.

Have a Comment to Add? Create an Account to Reply to this Question.

1 Answer

What happens if the weather is bad?

Posted by , Thursday, 12 October 2017 on product The Wasdale Screes

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

Have a Comment to Add? Create an Account to Reply to this Question.

1 Answer

Are dogs allowed on this walk?

Posted by , Monday, 18 September 2017 on product The Wasdale Screes

Question:

Are dogs allowed on this walk?

Answers:

Posted by John Scadding on Monday, 18 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.

Have a Comment to Add? Create an Account to Reply to this Question.

View all related questions.

Please login to your account to post a question