Wast Water – View of Wast Water loop from Wast Water

Hiking trails & Routes

Wast Water – View of Wast Water loop from Wast Water

Hard

3.6

(16)

hikers

Wast Water – View of Wast Water loop from Wast Water

03:14

12.0km

110m

Hiking

Hard hike. Good fitness required. Sure-footedness, sturdy shoes and alpine experience required.

Last updated: August 8, 2026

Tips

Includes a segment that may be dangerous

A part of this route comprises technical, difficult, or hazardous terrain. Specialist equipment and prior experience may be required.

After 9.53 km for 392 m

Waypoints

Start point

Hostel

Get Directions

1.20 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

1.55 km

Wast Water, Lake District

Highlight • Viewpoint

1.88 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

3.51 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

3.63 km

Wast Water

Highlight • Natural Monument

Great Gable & Scafell Pike.

Tip by

5.42 km

View of Wast Water

Highlight • Lake

The views at the top of Scafell Pike are worth the sacrifice of climbing this mountain.

Translated by Google •

Tip by

7.26 km

Wast Water

Highlight (Segment) • Lake

You can walk all the way round Wast water, if the mountains are more daunting than you thought. A nice stroll, occasionally having to be sure of foot.

Tip by