The Wasdale Screes Walk

Difficulty
This reflects the 10Adventures difficulty rating for each route. We aim to keep ratings consistent across regions.
Hard
Duration
This reflects the estimated time the majority of users will take on this trail. If you are slower, add time to the top-end figure. If you are fast, then you may complete this route faster than this time range.
5.5-7.5h
Distance
This reflects the return distance of this route as measured by the GPS file.
17.5 km
Elevation
This reflects the total elevation gained throughout this route as measured by the GPS file. This includes all ascents and descents, and is higher than what is quoted in most route guides, which simply measure the distance between the starting-point and high-point of the route.
868 m
User Ratings
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Directions to Trailhead
The Wasdale Screes Walk

The Wasdale Screes Trail is a long and physically demanding walking route that will lead you up to the summit of several fells for some stunning Lake District views. While out on the trail, you will climb to the summit of Whin Rigg and Illgill Head before walking along the length of Wast Water while traversing several rugged scree slopes. Walkers should note that this route is challenging and will require some route finding abilities.

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Route Description for The Wasdale Screes Walk

Walking the Wasdale Screes Trail is a challenging undertaking that is popular with Lake District walkers looking for a rugged and rocky trail with beautiful views over Wast Water. The trail sets out from the car park opposite The Sawmill Wasdale and climbs uphill to the southeast. From here, you will work your way across the summits of Whin Rigg and Illgill Head for some stunning views over the water and surrounding Lake District terrain. After working your way down the hillside, you will turn to the southwest and traverse the most difficult stretch of trail that passes through several scree slopes. To make things even harder, portions of this trail have been damaged by a landslide, making the going even more rough and navigation a real challenge. Even still, this is a fantastic walk if you are up for a bit of route finding.

Getting to the The Wasdale Screes Walk Trailhead

To reach the car park for the Wasdale Screes Trail from The Old Post Office Campsite in Santon Bridge, make your way to the north along the road for 3.1 km and you will find the car park on the left hand side.

Route Information

  • When to do

    March-November

  • Backcountry Campsites

    Wasdale Campsite

  • Pets allowed

    No

  • Family friendly

    No

  • Route Signage

    Poor

  • Crowd Levels

    Moderate

  • Route Type

    Circuit

The Wasdale Screes Walk Elevation Graph

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The Wasdale Screes Walk Reviews

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