Walks around Wast Water Lake

Q. I understand there is a walk completely around this Lake [Wast Water]. I cannot find a walk/map that is obvious. In particular I have been told the walk along the scree slopes takes some doing. I don't want to start this walk and then find it is impossible. If you have any help or a guide to which map I should use, it would be appreciated. I don't want the walk that goes up the mountainside, just a circular walk around the lake shore.

Jojo ,

A. There is indeed a walk around Wast Water that goes along the south western shore at the foot of the Wast Water Scees below Illgill Head and Whin Rigg. It then crosses The River Irt via Lund Bridge to run through Low Wood before joining the road that runs along the north western shore back to Wasdale Head.

At 13km (just over 8 miles) it is quite a long walk - but relatively flat with little ascent so within most people's capabilities.

One word of caution though. While the majority of the route is on clear paths or small roads, the section immediately below Whin Rigg at the southern end of Wast Water involves about 200m of loose scree and clambering over car sized boulders where the path disappears. Whilst I thought this was the best bit I appreciate not everyone enjoys this sort of walking.

We hope to have full details of the walk on the site very soon. In the meantime you can see photos of Wast Water from this link - Wast Water Pictures and Photos

Hope this helps . . .

Mike (Editor)

Add your answer to THIS question | Ask a NEW question

Return to the main list of Walking and Hiking Questions

Search for an existing Walking and Hiking Question or Answer