LUOAC - Wasdale

Wasdale is one of the Lake District's remotest valleys, extending in towards the central fells from the west coast. The valley's lake, Wast Water, is England's deepest natural lake. In contrast, the head of the valley is only about 3km from England's highest mountain, Scafell Pike.

Wasdale Head and Yewbarrow from Mickledore

Wasdale is used as the Lake District National Park emblem - Wast Water in the foreground, and Great Gable at the head of the valley.

Great Gable from Wasdale Head

Wasdale's location is an ideal spot for some of the western fells, including Pillar, Seatallan, Yewbarrow, Kirk Fell, Great Gable and the Scafells.

Mosedale and Pillar from Wasdale Head

Scafell, although right next to Scafell Pike, is usually difficult to climb because of its location - from the east, you would probably have to descend the same way you ascended. However, there is a path directly from Scafell's summit to Wasdale Head, which gives a variation on the usual route onto England's highest peaks.

For low-level walks, a walk alongside Wast Water on the road is decent enough - high mountains all around, and the well-known view onto Great Gable and its surrounding peaks.

Pubs

There is one pub in Wasdale - the Wasdale Head Inn (also a hotel). Because of the remoteness of Wasdale, it's a long drive until you find any more pubs, so in wet weather this place gets crowded!

Maps

Wasdale and its surrounding fells are covered by:

OS Outdoor Leisure (scale 1:25,000) 6 : South West Lakes
OS Outdoor Leisure (scale 1:25,000) 4 : North West Lakes
OS Landranger (scale 1:50,000) 89 : West Cumbria