Great Gable and Kirk Fell Walk
Table of contents
The Great Gable and Kirk Fell Walk is an amazing adventure that will take you up to the summit of two of the Lake District’s most well-known fells, so much so that Great Gable serves as the emblem of Lake District National Park. The trail will see you set out from Wasdale Head to first summit Great Gable for some of the best views that can be found anywhere in Lakeland before descending slightly to the summit of Kirk Fell. Arrive early, as this area is very popular with walkers and parking may be limited.
Route Description for Great Gable and Kirk Fell Walk
The Great Gable and Kirk Fell Walk is a very popular walking route because of the iconic Lake District imagery that it provokes. Views of Great Gable from Wast Water are often considered to be some of the best in the entire region, and the peak itself is considered to be on par with both Scafell Pike and Helvellyn. From the trailhead, the route will take you east along Lingmell Beck before turning sharply to the northwest to scale the steep slopes of Great Gable. From the summit viewpoint, you will be able to spot a number of stunning peaks close by, with Lingmell, Scafell Pike, Great End, and many more directly to the south, as well as Wast Water to the southwest. From here, you will descend slightly to the summit of Kirk Fell before heading down the backside of the mountain to return to the trailhead alongside the waters of Mosedale Beck.
Getting to the Great Gable and Kirk Fell Walk Trailhead
To reach the car park for the Great Gable and Kirk Fell Walk from The Strands Hotel in Nether Wasdale, drive east for 0.5 km and turn left, following the road for 8.0 km. Here, you will find the car park on the right.
Route Information
When to do:
March-October
Backcountry Campsites:
Wasdale Head Campsite
Pets allowed:
Yes - On Leash
Family friendly:
Older Children only
Route Signage:
Average
Crowd Levels:
High
Route Type:
Circuit
Great Gable and Kirk Fell Walk Elevation Graph
Weather Forecast
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