The Screes - Whin Rigg to Illgill Head

Joe Jackson

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This is a great walk that takes in two Wainwrights, views of the highest mountains in England and also a full-length walk of the deepest lake. The walk starts from the National Trust Car Park near Wasdale Head. The route passes Wasdale Head Hall Farm and joins the only path along Wast Water's southern shores. The first few kilometres along this stretch is easy going, but as soon as you reach The Screes towards the southern end of the lake the route becomes considerably harder! The path disappears and you need to scramble your way across the large boulder-fields, which can take quite some time in cold or wet weather, so take extra care!

Once on the other side of the lake the route turns sharply uphill to the south, up to the 395m summit of Irton Fell. This can be avoided if you want to, but is listed as a Birkett Fell Top and the views south are great. The route turns north-east to the first Wainwright of the day, Whin Rigg, which is a good place to stop for lunch as the next stage is easy going. The path stays away from the very edge of The Screes, but I must say if the weather allows for it, do go to the edge and have a good look down the gullies and scree slopes to Wast Water, as they are truly breathtaking! The second Wainwright along this ridge is Illgill Head, which offers the best view towards Sca Fell to the north-east and also Wasdale Head, before starting the descent along Straighthead Gill back to the car park.

England - North England - Cumbria - Lake District - South West