Wastwater Circular 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.
3-4.5h
Distance
This reflects the return distance of this route as measured by the GPS file.
12.7 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.
328 m
User Ratings
These ratings are completed by users who have completed this trail and not subject to reviews by 10Adventures.
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Directions to Trailhead
Wastwater Circular Walk

The Wastwater Circular Walk is a beautiful, yet frustrating trail in the Lake District that will lead you around the edges of Wastwater Lake. Due to a landslide wiping out part of the trail, sections of this route have become fairly rocky and difficult to traverse. Even still, if you are up for a bit of a challenge and are confident in your route finding skills, feel free to give this tough walk a try before a new trail is established.

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Route Description for Wastwater Circular Walk

While the Wastwater Circular Walk used to be a popular route around the scenic shores of the lake, foot traffic has declined following a landslide that wiped out a portion of the trail. For those adventurous walkers that don’t mind trekking through a bit of rocky terrain, this route still makes for a fun - if rugged - day out on the trails. Setting out from the trailhead, the path will lead you to the southeast through Low Wood to cross over the River Irt. Here, you will continue along the river towards the east to meet back up with the edge of the lake, following closely alongside the shoreline. This portion of the walk is flanked by a steep hillside on your right and is the portion of the trail that was affected by the landslide. Take your time navigating this rocky area and enjoy the scenic views of nearby fells across the water before looping around the northeastern corner of the lake for a much easier return leg through the valley.

Getting to the Wastwater Circular Walk Trailhead

To reach the trailhead for the Wastwater Circular Walk from Nether Wasdale, drive east for 0.5 km and make a left turn, following the road for 1.6 km. Make a slight right here and you will arrive at the trailhead in 0.2 km.

Route Information

  • When to do

    March-October

  • Backcountry Campsites

    Wasdale National Trust Campsite

  • Pets allowed

    No

  • Family friendly

    No

  • Route Signage

    Poor

  • Crowd Levels

    Moderate

  • Route Type

    Circuit

Wastwater Circular Walk Elevation Graph

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Wastwater Circular Walk Reviews

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