The Wastwater Screes and Wasdale Head

Distance10km / 6.2 miles

Ascent160m / 520ft

Difficulty★★

Price£45 pp

Spaces8

Don't let the short distance fool you! We take on the legendary Wastwater Screes path — huge, often slippery boulders demanding care and confidence — before wandering up to Wasdale Head.

Don't let the small ascent and short distance of this walk fool you! We take on the legendary — and at times infamous — 'screes path' that runs along the southeastern shore of Wastwater. The scene of many an epic, this path demands care, and we'll take our time to traverse it safely.Walking up the valley towards the towering giants of Lingmell, Great Gable and Yewbarrow, the route begins gently enough, but the trickier sections soon arrive. You'll learn how to negotiate the huge, often slippery boulders with confidence and calm.After completing the traverse, we wander up to the tiny hamlet of Wasdale Head before catching the free shuttle bus back to the start — conveniently located right beside an excellent café!

Is this walk for me?

A short but tough walk on slippery and loose scree with huge boulders which you will need to use your hands to traverse. Some walking experience will be beneficial (but it doesn't have to be mountain walking), and a reasonable level of fitness will make it much more enjoyable.If you like the sound of this walk but cannot make the date, please get in touch — I can organise a bespoke day for you.

The Wasdale Screes reflected in Wastwater in the Lake District

Clear river flowing into Wastwater in Wasdale in the Lake District

The Wasdale Screes above Wastwater in the Lake District

Wastwater boathouse with the Wasdale Screes reflected in the lake in the Lake District

Still water and mountain reflections on Wastwater in Wasdale

Ros

Mountain Leader

Having lived in Cumbria for more than two decades, I've come to know the Western Lake District in all its moods — from the hidden corners and winding fell paths to the quirks of its ever-changing weather. I'm endlessly eager to explore these landscapes, but always with a healthy respect for the conditions they present.

With a background in Geology and Geography and a deep love for the outdoors, I enjoy bringing the fells to life for others — interpreting the rocks beneath your feet, the landforms that shape our views, and the flora that thrives in this rugged environment. With me, a day in the hills is not just a walk but an experience: informative, rewarding and full of interest.

My professional life has been shaped by more than 20 years as a Geography teacher and over two decades leading the Duke of Edinburgh's Award at Bronze, Silver and Gold levels. I've organised and led hundreds of fieldtrips — from local adventures in the Lakes to UK-wide excursions and international trips, including ski trips and a self-planned expedition to Kenya. These years of guiding, teaching and adventuring have shaped my approach: safe, knowledgeable, enthusiastic and always committed to giving people the confidence to enjoy the mountains at their own pace.

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