Wasdale - valley

This route starts in the lovely little village of Nether Wasdale in the Wasdale valley, near the River Irt and just over a mile to the west of the Wastwater Lake. This busy little village has 3 Inns, church stile farm shop (which sells delicious ice cream), 2 churches and a maypole that is now a listed structure. It was built originally to celebrate Queen Victoria's diamond jubilee 1897 and it is still used on Mayday. 

The route takes you from the village of Nether Wasdale along the Wasdale Valley to the hamlet of Wasdale Head where you can stop for some refreshments and admire the view. The Wasdale Head Inn serves food and drink but why not have a picnic by the river if you have brought your own lunch.

Wasdale Head (so called as it is at the Head of the Wasdale Valley) Valley is surrounded by some of the highest mountains in England, including Scafell Pike, Great Gable and Lingmell which makes for some stunning lunch time scenery.

Within the hamlet, is St Olaf's Church, which is claimed as being the smallest church in England. Some of the grave stones make an interesting read if you have a little time to spare! The south window of the church has a small pane within it containing 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. 

The route retraces its tyre tracks along the Wasdale Valley which gives you a second chance to admire Wastwater, named as Britain’s favourite view in 2007. The lake is almost 3 miles (4.8 km) long, with a maximum width of 0.49 miles (788.58m) and it is the deepest lake in England at 258 feet (79 m).

Don’t forget to treat yourself to an ice-cream and a refreshing drink on your arrival back to Nether Wasdale, you deserve it!