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Whinn Rigg, Illgill Head and Mitredale
Distance18km / 11.2 miles
Ascent760m / 2,490ft
Difficulty★★
Price£45 pp
Spaces8
Wainwright Ticks✓✓

A walk with a bit of everything — airy fell tops, sweeping views over Wastwater, a tranquil tarn and the remote valley of Mitredale. Finishing conveniently next to an excellent café!

This varied walk has a bit of everything — airy fell tops, sweeping views, a tranquil tarn, a remote valley and quiet woodland. There's truly something for everyone. Starting in Nether Wasdale, we follow the far shore of Wastwater before climbing beside the impressive Greathall Gill onto Whin Rigg, where stupendous views open back down to the valley.With most of the ascent behind us, we amble along the grassy ridge to Illgill Head, enjoying its famous outlook over Wastwater, passing some paraglacial landforms along the way. A steep descent then leads us past Burnmoor Tarn and into the peaceful, secluded valley of Mitredale, where we follow the beck towards the forest.From here, a short rise over the shoulder of Irton Fell brings us to a steep and sometimes boggy path that returns us to the start — conveniently located right beside an excellent café!
"No mountain in Lakeland, not even Great Gable nor Blencathra nor the Langdale Pikes can show a grander front than Whin Rigg." — AW

Is this walk for me?

A long walk on grassy and stony paths. 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.
Ros
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.

Qualifications: Mountain Leader Award | 16 Hour First Aid Award | Mental Health First Aid Award | Wellness Walks Leader | Degree and PhD in Geology | Fully insured

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Ros and Blea look forward to seeing you on the hills very soon!
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