Wast Water – View of Wast Water loop from Illgill Head (summit)

Hiking trails & Routes

Wast Water – View of Wast Water loop from Illgill Head (summit)

Hard

4.3

(4)

hikers

Wast Water – View of Wast Water loop from Illgill Head (summit)

08:02

27.6km

660m

Hiking

Hard hike. Very good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

Last updated: August 27, 2026

Tips

Your route passes through a protected area

Please check local regulations for:

Lake District National Park

Waypoints

Start point

Get Directions

2.34 km

Burnmoor Tarn

Highlight • Viewpoint

Pass by Burnmoor Tarn on one of the many tracks across Eskdale Moor.

This unassuming tarn is one of the largest completely natural tarns in the Lakes, which flows into the River Esk. You can find the former fishing lodge of Burnmoor Lodge nearby on the southern shore.

Believe it or not, the tarn has a maximum depth of 43 feet (13 m).

Tip by

5.74 km

Eskdale Mill

Highlight • Structure

Eskdale Mill is a historic watermill dating back to the 16th century, making it one of the oldest working watermills in the Lake District. The mill has now been restored and is a popular visitor attraction showcasing the traditional milling techniques and workings of a watermill.

Tip by

6.72 km

St Catherine's Church, Lake District

Highlight • Historical Site

16.5 km

High Scales Wood

Forest

17.8 km

Wast Water

Highlight • Viewpoint

It is from the western and southern banks of Wast Water that a view, often cited as England's favourite, will enchant anyone who visits. Framed perfectly by the lake below, Yewbarrow on the left and Lingmell on the right, is the striking squat pyramid of Great Gable. It is this view, above all others in the national park, that the Lake District chose as their logo.

Wast Water is England's deepest lake and forms the centrepiece of, arguably, its most spectacular valley. Around this spot are numerous places for a picnic or for a dip in the lake. The view of the Wast Water Screes to the east is not bad either! The prow-like rise of nearby Yewbarrow makes for an enticing ascent.

Tip by

18.4 km

View of the Wasdale Screes

Highlight • Viewpoint

There are many tremendous viewpoints for Wast Water and the famous north west-facing aspect of the Illgill Head and Whin Rigg ridge. This is known as the Screes and it is a familiar sight to anyone who has ever ventured to Wasdale Head.

Tip by

20.1 km

View of Wast Water and Yewbarrow

Highlight • Viewpoint

Yewbarrow is steep but worth the effort. Brilliant views of Wast Water and the surrounding fells. I ascended Yewbarrow via Bell Rib which is a grade 1 scramble. I then descended via another grade 1 scramble Stirrup Crag. Both of which are straight forward during dry conditions with care exercised.

Tip by