Kate W
06 April 2021
Set in the quieter, western side of the national park, Wasdale is one of the Lake District’s most tranquil and remote valleys. Stretching for over 10 miles from Wasdale Head down to Gosforth Village this is one of the big mountain valleys of the Lakes.
Here are our top 10 reasons why you should visit Wasdale:
1) Mountain challenges
If you’re seeking a mountain adventure the choices are endless! Hike up Scafell Pike, the highest mountain in England at 978 meters or tackle the challenging fells of Great Gable, Kirk Fell and Yewbarrow.
For a gentler way to explore this beautiful area, try this easy walk around Wasdale.
2) Go climbing
Wasdale was the birthplace of English rock climbing. Why not do one of the classic Lakeland climbs or scrambles with Carol Climb! Carol and Richard are highly experienced and knowledgeable instructors and they are based in the Wasdale Valley, close to Scafell Pike.
3) Visit an iconic pub
The Wasdale Head Inn is integral to Wasdale’s history and one of Britain’s most famous mountaineering pubs. You’ll find Lakeland ales and a hearty menu, perfect after a day out on the fells.
4) Head to Wastwater Lake
Escape the crowds and tourists and enjoy a relaxing picnic on the shores of Wastwater, marvelling at the humbling scenery.
5) Take in the views!
Take your dog for a walk in Low Wood and experience Britain’s favourite view over Wastwater, England’s deepest lake, and take in the immense Wasdale Screes.
6) See England’s smallest church
St Olaf’s Church at Wasdale Head is an intimate, working church with a stunning setting. The earliest record of the church is from 1550 and the beams are thought to come from a Viking longship. The church has long been associated with British climbers and the south window has a small pane within it with an etching of Napes Needle on Great Gable serving as a memorial to members of the Fell & Rock Climbing Club who lost their lives in the First World War.
7) Meet the locals
The Wasdale Head Shepherd’s Meet and Show event is held every October and has run for over 100 years. This is a great family day out with all sorts of entertainment and activities on offer at the show. Enjoy fell racing, Cumberland wrestling, stalls featuring local crafts and gifts, vintage machinery, children's sports, Herdwick sheep, hound trails and more! There’s free parking in the car park field all day too.
8) Find out who the biggest liar is!
The Santon Bridge Inn is just beyond the bottom of the valley and is home to the annual ‘World’s Biggest Liar’ competition.
9) Mountain biking
There are several bridleways for mountain biking and some of the most popular routes are Styhead Pass and Blacksail Pass. You can also enjoy cycling trails on quiet lanes and in the adjoining valleys.
10) Go diving!
Experienced divers will love exploring the depths of Wastwater. There are dive routes marked out from the shore which lead to points of interest in the water, including the Pinnacles Wall.
Discover more about Wasdale with a stay in one of our cottages in Wasdale.
We also have a number of cottages near Scafell Pike for those planning a holiday hike up iconic Scafell - do your research/training and ensure you are well prepared with navigation equipment, food rations and appropriate footwear/clothing if you decide to tackle England's highest mountain!
Disclaimer: Whilst every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information at the time of writing,
please ensure you check carefully before making any decisions based on the contents within this article.