The Wasdale head round at its longest — 26.8 km and 1,743 m over twelve tops, from Yewbarrow out to Steeple, Haycock and Caw Fell and back over Seatallan and Middle Fell. One stage climbs 546 m in 2.1 km, averaging 26%, and the whole day is rated severe for both length and steepness: about 8.3 hours of steady walking.
A planned line is a suggestion, not a guarantee — conditions change. Navigate independently and carry a map & compass. How to use this guide.
Difficulty profile
LengthSevere26.76 km — a long day out.
SteepnessSevereSteepest sustained pull about 55% around the 1.1 km mark.
TerrainHardGraded on the ground.
NavigationHardGraded on the ground.
ExposureModerateGraded on the ground.
Five independent axes, not one score — all field-checked on the ground here, with nothing left as a desk estimate.
Conditions on this route
We score every Lakeland Wainwright each morning on cloud, wind, rain and underfoot, and this route crosses 9 of them. The worst summit governs the verdict — a route is only as kind as its roughest top.
Not one for the bus. On a steady pace this finishes about 19:59 — after the last Wasdale Explorer (opens in new tab) leaves Overbeck Bridge at 19:00. Drive, or split it.
Daylight is short from October to February — check today’s sunrise and sunset before you set off, and carry a head-torch and spare batteries. On short days, decide your turn-back time before you start.
This walk covers about 26.76 km with around 1743 m of ascent, taking in 12 summits. The map above shows the line; the elevation profile and stage notes are below.
Access & barriers
Can a dog, a buggy or dodgy knees manage this route? A quick read from the gates and stiles mapped along the way.
Dog
Mostly gates
Buggy
Not buggy-able
Knees
Tough descent
Dog: A stile of unmapped type — a dog may need lifting over.
Buggy: Stiles or rough going on the route.
Knees: A long, steep ~40% drop around the 13.6 km mark — hard on the knees.
On the line: 5 gates · 1 step-over stile · 2 stiles (type unmapped)
Naismith-based estimate — a fast/steady range. Your pace will vary. These use Naismith’s textbook constants (5 km/h, 600 m of ascent an hour). Measured against a pace fitted to 41 recorded Lakeland walks they run about 8% slow, and we have left them that way deliberately: a slow estimate strands nobody.
The walk, stage by stage
1
Start → Yewbarrow (2.1 km, 546 m)
Climb of about 546 m over 2.1 km (around 26% average).
Starting from the Overbeck Bridge parking area in Wasdale, this route offers absolutely zero warm-up. You cross the road and immediately begin a relentless, breathless pull up the southern nose of Yewbarrow. The 26% gradient is brutal, routing you steeply up through bracken and heather before hitting the rockier upper slopes. The ascent culminates in a famously steep, hands-on scramble up the gullies of Great Door and Dropping Crag to finally reach the main ridge
Waypoints
Overbeck Bridge (approx. 70m): The valley-bottom starting point by the shores of Wastwater. Great Door: The dramatic, deeply cut rocky notch on the ascent. Yewbarrow South Top (628m): The true summit of the fell, offering an unparalleled, straight-down-the-barrel view of Wastwater
Decision point
Overbeck: The deep ravine of the Overbeck stream bounds the fell to your left (west). Keep this strictly to your left as you climb. Line of Ascent: The ridge is narrow and steep; the topography naturally forces you upwards along the path of least resistance
Easy to get wrong
The Scramble: The climb through the crags near Great Door requires minor rock scrambling. It is highly exposed and intimidating for beginners, becoming dangerously slick in the rain. Physical Shock: Gaining nearly 550 meters in just 2 kilometers right out of the car will immediately test your pacing and lung capacity
If you need to get off
Before you commit to the scrambling at Great Door, you can turn around and carefully descend the steep grass back to the car park. Once on the crags, going down is often harder than pushing up
2
Yewbarrow → Yewbarrow North Top (Stirrup Crag) (0.9 km, 8 m)
Descent of about 91 m over 0.9 km.
Once on the summit of Yewbarrow, the terrain transitions into a spectacular, undulating ridge walk. You traverse the grassy, rocky spine of the fell, which drops slightly into a shallow saddle before rising to the subsidiary prominence of the North Top, heavily defended by the sheer rock face of Stirrup Crag
Waypoints
The Ridge Spine: The narrow, airy traverse connecting the two ends of the fell. Yewbarrow North Top (approx. 616m): The rocky prominence sitting directly above the notorious descent to Dore Head
Decision point
The Valleys: The massive trench of Wasdale is to your right, and the Mosedale valley is to your left. Stay on the crest
Easy to get wrong
Wind Exposure: Yewbarrow is essentially an island in the Wasdale valley. The ridge takes the unmitigated force of any wind blowing down the lake. The Impending Descent: While the ridge walk itself is straightforward, you must mentally prepare for the descent off Stirrup Crag, which begins immediately after the North Top
If you need to get off
There are no safe, quick descents off the lateral sides of Yewbarrow. If the weather turns, you must retrace your steps to the South Top and descend your ascent route, or push forward to Dore Head
3
Yewbarrow North Top (Stirrup Crag) → Red Pike (Wasdale) (2.3 km, 341 m)
Climb of about 341 m over 2.3 km (around 15% average).
This stage begins with one of the most infamous descent bottlenecks in the Lake District: the Grade 1 down-scramble off Stirrup Crag to the saddle at Dore Head. It requires facing the rock, using handholds, and careful route-finding. Once you survive the drop to Dore Head, the route immediately tackles the grueling 15% ascent up the southern flank of Red Pike. This is a punishing slog up heavily eroded, loose red scree, eventually flattening out onto the stony summit plateau
Waypoints
Stirrup Crag: The near-vertical rock face dropping off Yewbarrow. Dore Head (475m): The vital crossroads saddle between Yewbarrow and Red Pike. Red Pike Summit (826m): A sprawling, rocky plateau offering a majestic view of the Scafell massif across the valley
Decision point
Mosedale Edge: As you ascend Red Pike, the sheer crags dropping into the Mosedale valley will be on your right (east). Keep a safe distance, but use the rim as a visual guide
Easy to get wrong
Stirrup Crag Descent: This is dangerous in wet or icy conditions. Take your time, test your handholds, and allow space for walkers ahead of you. The Red Scree: The climb from Dore Head up Red Pike acts like a treadmill. The path is deeply scarred, and the loose rocks slide away under every step, making it deeply frustrating on tired legs
If you need to get off
At Dore Head: This is your best early escape route. You can turn left (west) and follow the path down Overbeck back to your car, or turn right (east) to descend the brutally loose Dore Head Screes into Mosedale (only recommended if you have strong knees and trekking poles)
4
Red Pike (Wasdale) → Scoat Fell (Little Scoat Fell) (1.2 km, 85 m)
Climb of about 85 m over 1.2 km (around 7% average).
From Red Pike, the route joins the legendary Mosedale Horseshoe. This is a magnificent, high-level ridge walk arcing north-west around the head of the valley. The terrain here is highly rocky and shattered, but the gradient eases to a manageable 7%. You traverse the rim of the Black Crags before making the final, rocky pull up to the broad plateau of Scoat Fell
Waypoints
Black Crags: The sheer, vertical cliffs plunging off the eastern side of the ridge. Scoat Fell (Little Scoat Fell) (841m): The highest point on this section of the ridge, marked by a cairn sitting atop a section of the old drystone boundary wall
Decision point
The Boundary Wall: As you approach Scoat Fell, you will intercept an old, dilapidated drystone wall. This wall is the ultimate navigational handrail for the Ennerdale fells
Easy to get wrong
Lethal Drops: The right-hand (eastern) side of this ridge is an absolute precipice. In winter, massive cornices form here; stay well back from the edge at all times. Ankle-Rolling Rock: The plateau of Scoat Fell is heavily littered with broken stone
If you need to get off
There is no safe descent from this high ridge. You must either retreat to Dore Head or push forward to the descent routes beyond Haycock. Do not bail east into Mosedale
5
Scoat Fell (Little Scoat Fell) → Steeple (0.4 km, 3 m)
Descent of about 53 m over 0.4 km.
This is a thrilling, highly exposed out-and-back detour. From the main plateau of Scoat Fell, you branch strictly north, dropping down a narrow, rocky arête to reach the subsidiary peak of Steeple. The path is narrow, requiring minor rock-hopping, with plunging drops into the Ennerdale valley on both sides
Waypoints
The Arête: The sharp, rocky ridge connecting Scoat Fell to Steeple. Steeple (819m): A tiny, sharply pointed summit that feels like the prow of a ship jutting out over the valley
Decision point
Line of Sight: Steeple is impossible to miss—it is the sharpest, most prominent feature jutting north off the main ridge
Easy to get wrong
Exposure: This is not for those with severe vertigo. The drops into Windgap Cove and Mirk Cove are sudden and immense. Wind: The narrowness of the arête makes it highly dangerous in gale-force winds
If you need to get off
Simply turn around and carefully retrace your steps back up the arête to the broad safety of Scoat Fell
6
Steeple → Haycock (1.8 km, 150 m)
Climb of about 150 m over 1.8 km (around 8% average).
After returning to Scoat Fell from Steeple, the route resumes its traverse, heading south-west. You drop down into the wide, rocky saddle of Great Scoat Fell before beginning the long, boulder-strewn ascent up the eastern flank of Haycock. The gradient is a moderate 8%, but the terrain is rugged, requiring constant high-stepping over shattered rock
Waypoints
The Saddle: The stony depression separating the two peaks. Haycock Summit (797m): A boulder-strewn summit plateau featuring a prominent cairn and the continuation of the boundary wall
Decision point
The Ennerdale Wall: Rejoin the dilapidated boundary wall on Scoat Fell and use it as an infallible handrail all the way across the saddle and up to the summit of Haycock
Easy to get wrong
Fatigue: The cumulative elevation is beginning to mount. The rocky terrain here is unforgiving on the soles of the feet
If you need to get off
Do not attempt to drop north into Ennerdale. If you need to bail, you must push over Haycock to access the descent via Pots of Ashness, or retreat all the way back to Dore Head
7
Haycock → Little Gowder Crag (0.6 km, 1 m)
Descent of about 76 m over 0.6 km.
From Haycock, the route descends the high ridge connecting to the Caw Fell plateau. The terrain here transitions dramatically from the boulder fields of Haycock to a slightly narrower, highly exposed rocky spine dropping toward Little Gowder Crag
Waypoints
Little Gowder Crag: A rocky prominence sitting squarely on the ridge line
Decision point
The Wall: The drystone boundary wall traces the crest of the ridge. Follow it closely
Easy to get wrong
Boulder Hopping: The ridge is uneven. The stones become incredibly slick in the rain, requiring careful footwork and making trekking poles a liability if they get trapped in the gaps
If you need to get off
If you need to retreat, re-ascend Haycock and drop south toward the bogs to pick up the Greendale Tarn descent path
8
Little Gowder Crag → Caw Fell (0.8 km, 21 m)
Undulating section of about 0.8 km.
A straightforward, undulating walk along the crest of the ridge. After the rocky descent from Haycock, the terrain flattens out into a stony, wind-blasted plateau leading to the remote summit of Caw Fell
Waypoints
Caw Fell Summit (698m): The westernmost outpost of the high fells, marked by a cairn sitting tight against the boundary wall
Decision point
The Wall: Continue keeping the boundary wall on your right (if facing west)
Easy to get wrong
Remoteness: You are now at the furthest point of the route, highly exposed to incoming weather fronts from the coast with no quick way down
If you need to get off
Retrace your steps east back over Haycock. Bailing west or south from Caw Fell drops you into the incredibly remote and pathless Bleng valley—a very long, exhausting walk out that ends far from your starting point
9
Caw Fell → Middle Fell (7.2 km, 293 m)
Climb of about 293 m over 7.2 km (around 4% average).
This is the crucible of the route. From the high, rocky outpost of Caw Fell, you must abandon the ridges and plunge south-east into the vast, trackless wilderness of Stockdale Head and the upper Bleng valley, contouring all the way around Seatallan to eventually reach the slopes of Middle Fell. This is 7.2 kilometers of pathless, undulating, brutally boggy moorland. It is a grueling test of mountain navigation and mental endurance, crossing peat hags, hidden streams, and deep tussock grass before finally making the climb up Middle Fell
Waypoints
Stockdale Head: The sprawling, trackless plateau south of the Haycock ridge. Upper Bleng Catchment: The sprawling, saturated river source you must contour around. Pots of Ashness / Greendale Tarn (approx. 400m): The marshy saddle you must intercept before climbing Middle Fell. Middle Fell Summit (582m): A rocky peak that feels like a massive victory after the bogs
Decision point
Seatallan: The massive, grassy dome of Seatallan sits to your right (west/south-west) for much of the traverse. Use its bulk to maintain your contouring line until you reach the Greendale Tarn depression
Easy to get wrong
The Slog: 7.2 km on this terrain takes twice as long as it would on a path. The ground actively fights your forward progress. Expect wet boots and deep fatigue. Clag Navigation: This area is a notorious black spot in low visibility. There are no paths, no walls, and no distinct terrain features to guide you. A compass or reliable GPS is mandatory
If you need to get off
If you are exhausted when you finally reach Greendale Tarn, bail here. Follow Greendale Gill south directly down to the valley road at Greendale, skipping Middle Fell and Seatallan entirely
10
Middle Fell → Seatallan (1.9 km, 234 m)
Climb of about 234 m over 1.9 km (around 12% average).
If you choose to continue the punishment, drop off Middle Fell back into the boggy saddle near Greendale Tarn, and turn west to face the massive, grassy eastern flank of Seatallan. The 12% gradient here is relentless and trackless. It is a sheer, thigh-burning slog straight up deep alpine grass to reach the wide, domed summit plateau
Waypoints
The Saddle: The wet depression acting as the launchpad for the climb. Seatallan Summit (692m): Marked by a white OS trig pillar and a wind shelter
Decision point
The Trig Pillar: Once on the plateau, the white pillar is an excellent visual anchor
Easy to get wrong
Lactic Acid: Hitting a trackless 12% grassy climb with nearly 20 kilometers and 5 massive peaks already in your legs is a profound physical challenge. False Summits: The dome of Seatallan is incredibly broad; the trig pillar will not reveal itself until you are almost on top of it
If you need to get off
Retreat back down the grass to Greendale Tarn and take the valley path south to the road
11
Seatallan → Glade How (2.4 km, 5 m)
Descent of about 257 m over 2.4 km.
From the summit of Seatallan, the route finally turns definitively toward home. You descend the fell's massive, grassy southern shoulder. The walking here becomes significantly easier, transitioning from the hostile bogs of the plateau to a broad, gently sloping grassy ridge offering fantastic views down toward the coast
Waypoints
Seatallan Trig Pillar: The starting point of the descent. Cat Bields: Minor rocky outcrops along the ridge line. Glade How (approx. 423m): A minor, grassy bump marking the approach to the Buckbarrow crags
Decision point
Ridge Line: The ridge is broad but well-defined. Keep the steep drop into the Bleng valley well to your right (west)
Easy to get wrong
Slippery Grass: While technically easy, the steep grassy descent can be slick, especially after rain, putting a lot of strain on tired knees
If you need to get off
You are now on the descent funnel back to the start. The safest option is to simply continue forward along the ridge toward Buckbarrow and the valley floor
12
Glade How → Buckbarrow (0.3 km, 1 m)
Undulating section of about 0.3 km.
A very brief, undulating stroll across the grassy plateau connecting Glade How to the summit of Buckbarrow. The terrain is flat and grassy until it suddenly terminates at a series of dramatic, sheer crags overlooking the Wasdale valley
Waypoints
Buckbarrow Summit (423m): A cairn sitting precariously close to the edge of the southern crags
Decision point
Line of Sight: The summit cairns are obvious, but navigate strictly by sight and avoid the sheer southern edges
Easy to get wrong
Crag Edges: Buckbarrow is effectively a series of sheer cliffs hiding behind a grassy dome. The drops here are vertical and fatal. Extreme caution is required
If you need to get off
Turn east away from the crags to intercept the descent path heading down toward Gill Beck
Buckbarrow → Finish (4.9 km, 56 m)
About 4.9 km with 56 m of ascent.
The final stage begins with a steep, winding descent down the fellside alongside Gill Beck, weaving through rocky outcrops and heavy bracken to reach the road at Greendale. Once on the valley floor, the rugged mountain terrain ends, and the endurance test begins. You must walk approximately 4 kilometers north-east along the Wasdale valley road (or parallel lakeshore paths), shadowing the dark expanse of Wastwater all the way back to the Overbeck Bridge parking area
Waypoints
Gill Beck: The waterway guiding your descent off the fell. Greendale (approx. 70m): The hamlet marking your return to the valley floor tarmac. Wastwater: England's deepest lake, which you will shadow on the walk out. Overbeck Bridge: The finish line
Decision point
Wastwater: Once you hit the road at Greendale, turn left (north-east). The massive lake on your right is your infallible handrail all the way back to the car
Easy to get wrong
The Tarmac Trudge: Walking 4 kilometers on hard tarmac with 25+ kilometers of mountain terrain in your legs is a brutal psychological and physical finish. Expect severe foot fatigue. Traffic Hazard: The Wasdale road is narrow and winding. Stay alert for passing traffic, especially near the blind corners by the lake
If you need to get off
The descent to Greendale commits you to the valley floor. Once on the road, you are completely safe—it is simply a matter of gritting your teeth and walking back to the start
In the order you walk them — the same numbers the elevation profile, the stage notes and the pacing table use.
🅿️ Getting there & parking
⛽ Nearest fuel to this start: Holmrook, A595, 14.5 km by road (06:00-20:00 daily). Nearest shop: Budgens, 13.1 km. Both measured along the road from the parking we publish at Wasdale Head, checked 8 August 2026. Coming in from a particular direction you may pass a closer one — the last petrol before each valley →
Overbeck Bridge, Wastwater (NT, paid) — 0.1 km from the start (straight line)
Small NT pay-and-display car park at the foot of Yewbarrow on the lakeshore road. Fees: £7 up to 2 hours; £8 up to 4 hours; £9.50 all day. Charges apply at all times (NT, checked Aug 2026). Free for NT members (checked Aug 2026). No overnight parking (National Trust, checked Aug 2026).
Lake Head, Wasdale (NT, paid) — 1.5 km from the start (straight line)
Walking base for Great Gable, Kirk Fell and Scafell Pike — the 'Great Gable & Kirk Fell' route starts 10 m away. Also serves 'Scafell Pike from Wasdale, by Lingmell Col'. National Trust's access statement records a pay-and-display machine here (National Trust, January 2024) but does not say which payment methods it takes; the same document notes mobile reception is poor across Wasdale, so carry coins as well as a card. Compacted surface (OSM-tagged). Toilets on site.
Wasdale Head (NT car park) — 1.5 km from the start (straight line)
National Trust, pay & display (free for members). The classic base for Scafell Pike, Great Gable, Kirk Fell, Yewbarrow. Fills very early. Fees: £7 up to 2 hours; £8.50 up to 4 hours; £10 all day. Charges apply at all times (NT, checked Aug 2026). Free for NT members (checked Aug 2026).
🕑 Typically full before 10:00 on fine weekends, Apr-Oct — Lee McCoy, local observation, 2026-08-09.
Vehicles are left entirely at their owner’s risk. We list places people park; we cannot vouch for any of them. Judge it on the day: take valuables with you, leave nothing on show, and if a spot feels wrong when you get there, park somewhere else.
We don’t know yet. Wasdale Explorer (seasonal) serves this area, but we don’t hold its stop positions, so we can’t measure the walk from it — and we won’t tell you to drive on the strength of a gap in our own data. Check the operator’s timetable.
There is a fallback here, but it is a weak one. Some of the 3 below tend to fill for the same reasons at the same time. Treat the list as one-and-a-bit options rather than 3.
Car park for Middle Fell (paid)
Greendale, Nether Wasdale (roadside, free)
Whin Rigg, north (layby 2)
Worked out from the parking we hold within walking reach of this route and the other walks each place serves — two places that serve the same walks fill for the same reasons. We are not saying whether anywhere has spaces today, and we never will: this is what exists, not what is free.
When the sun reaches the tops
Not sunrise — the moment the sun clears the skyline from that summit, which on a fell with high ground to its east can be a good deal later. The two equinoxes are shown because they fall in the walking season, and late December too wherever a top keeps you waiting then; the clock gap between the equinoxes is British Summer Time, not the hill. Rounded to the nearest quarter hour and meant as a general idea, not a schedule.
Yewbarrow — in late March the sun reaches it around 06:30, about a quarter of an hour later. In late September, about 07:15. It waits longest in midsummer — about a quarter of an hour after sunrise. In late December, not until about 08:45.
Red Pike (Wasdale) — in late March the sun reaches it around 06:15, with the sunrise. In late September, about 07:00. It waits longest in late December — about a quarter of an hour after sunrise.
Scoat Fell (Little Scoat Fell) — in late March the sun reaches it around 06:15, with the sunrise. In late September, about 07:00.
Steeple — in late March the sun reaches it around 06:15, with the sunrise. In late September, about 07:00.
Haycock — in late March the sun reaches it around 06:15, with the sunrise. In late September, about 07:00.
Caw Fell — in late March the sun reaches it around 06:30, about a quarter of an hour later. In late September, about 07:15. It waits longest in late September — about a quarter of an hour after sunrise.
Middle Fell — in late March the sun reaches it around 06:30, about a quarter of an hour later. In late September, about 07:15. It waits longest in late September — about a quarter of an hour after sunrise.
Seatallan — in late March the sun reaches it around 06:30, with the sunrise. In late September, about 07:15. It waits longest in midsummer — about a quarter of an hour after sunrise.
Buckbarrow — in late March the sun reaches it around 06:45, about a quarter of an hour later. In late September, about 07:30. It waits longest in midsummer — about an hour after sunrise. In late December, not until about 08:45.
Modelled from a 30 m elevation model against each summit’s own skyline — the same figures the fell pages carry, never observed. Cloud is not in it.
At about 3.4 km: descend to Car park for Yewbarrow (free) (1.6 km SE, 407 m down) (cuts ~23.4 km) — This takes you down to the south of Great Knott and along Gosforth Crag Moss. Will take you out of the current weather but may be difficult going if boggy.
At about 5.8 km: descend to Car park for Yewbarrow via Scoat Tarn (cuts ~21.0 km) — It's a steep descent so walker discretion is advised if you can't make it around the ridge to Scoat Fell and descend before you reach Haycock.
At about 6.8 km: descend to Ennerdale Forest (away from Yewbarrow) (cuts ~20.0 km) — If you've parked near Was Water this will take you away from that, but will take you off the fells.
At about 8.2 km: descend to Car park for Middle Fell (paid) (4.5 km SE, 636 m down) (cuts ~18.6 km) — Will take you along Nether Beck so will be difficult in wet conditions.
Bail-out lines verified on the ground. In poor visibility a marked descent can be safer than retracing a ridge.
Make it easier or harder
Short version: turn back at about 16.2 km (drop to Start) — roughly half the distance.
Ranked above the nearer campsite on usefulness, per rule 2. For a party coming off Scafell Pike wet at 6pm this is the only bed within 3 miles of this start that its own page proves has a drying room, parking, a cot, a highchair, a served breakfast from 07:30 and evening meals until 20:00 - the campsite 1.7 km closer has none of drying, breakfast or any food service. Reception is open 17:00-22:00 so a late arrival is expected rather than a problem. Dogs are the one hard no for an ordinary booking.
Worth knowing: “Pets - including dogs - are not permitted in our hostels when staying in a dorm or a private room.”
The lounge fire surround was salvaged from York Minster. The hall was built in 1829 for Stansfield Rawson, a Yorkshire banker, was a lakeside summer home before the National Trust took it on, and only became a hostel in 1969 - it was called YHA Wastwater until 2015.
Drying room“Shared drying room”
Family rooms“What our private rooms offer Bed linen Central heating Cot available Heating Hot water Lock on doors”
Evening meal“Meals are also available from 17:00”
Packed lunch“With tasty breakfasts, packed lunches and evening meals, groups are sure to find something tasty to eat at YHA Wasdale Hall”
Parking“Parking: There is parking at the hostel.”
Children“Under 12s are not permitted in dorm rooms. Children under 3 can stay with us for free.”
What each place says about itself, quoted from their own site. We have not stayed at any of them, and there are no prices, no booking and no affiliate links. Distances are straight lines from the route start, never walking times. Properties found via OpenStreetMap (opens in new tab).