Explore 25 magnificent Lake District summits in the wild western valleys of Wasdale, Eskdale and Ennerdale. These valleys are quieter, wilder and more remote than the popular eastern fells, yet are home to some of the most dramatic mountain scenery in England. From the iconic bulk of Great Gable and the commanding ridgelines of Pillar and Yewbarrow to the hard-won summit of Scafell Pike, England's highest mountain, this corner of the Lake District rewards those prepared to venture further with an unmatched sense of solitude and achievement.

Whether you're a seasoned Lakeland fell walker ticking off summits or a keen hillwalker ready to take on a classic Lake District challenge, this trusted Cicerone guidebook gives you everything you need to walk in Wasdale, Eskdale and Ennerdale with confidence. It combines complete step-by-step route descriptions with HARVEY mapping and hand-drawn topos, along with clear guidance on difficulty and experience level, so you can plan each ascent thoroughly, no matter how remote the starting point.

• Complete fell-by-fell coverage across all 25 Wasdale summits, with every ascent, descent and ridge connection described, not just the main path, so you can choose the route that's best for you.
• HARVEY mapping, hand-drawn topos and panoramas are included for each fell, so you can identify your line of ascent and know exactly what views to expect from the top.
• Ridge route combinations, including classic horseshoes and remote high-level traverses, let you link fells into longer days with no two outings the same.
• Practical valley base information for Wasdale Head, Nether Wasdale, Eskdale and Ennerdale Bridge, with guidance on difficulty, seasonal conditions and access.
• Summit tick lists to log all 25 fells, part of a series covering all 230 Lake District summits, a lifetime of Lakeland exploration in eight volumes.

Author Mark Richards, encouraged to begin outdoor writing by Alfred Wainwright himself, brings expert knowledge and fresh perspectives to the famous summits and hidden corners of the Lake District's UNESCO World Heritage landscapes. Climb the western fells with the knowledge, confidence and inspiration to make every ascent memorable with this Lake District fell walking guide.

Wasdale is just the beginning: the full Walking the Lake District Fells series covers all 230 Lake District summits across eight volumes, giving dedicated fell walkers a complete companion from first ascent to final top.

Walking the Lake District Fells - Wasdale - Quick Facts

Series: Walking the Lake District Fells  
Area: Wasdale, Eskdale, Ennerdale, Lake District, Cumbria, England  
Designation: Lake District National Park, UNESCO World Heritage Site  
Summits covered: 25 fells  
Valley bases: Wasdale Head, Nether Wasdale, Eskdale, Ennerdale Bridge  
Highlighted summits: Scafell Pike, Scafell, Great Gable, Pillar, Yewbarrow, Great End  
Highest summit: Scafell Pike (978m) — England's highest mountain  
Route format: Fell-by-fell description, with multiple ascent, descent and ridge route options per summit  
Navigation: Step-by-step route descriptions with HARVEY mapping and hand-drawn topos  
Difficulty: Straightforward to moderate — navigational skills required; some routes demand careful planning due to remote valley access  
Best season: Year-round, though winter walking on higher fells requires experience and appropriate equipment

Author Top Tip

“The three valleys of Ennerdale, Wasdale and Eskdale could not be more different in character — yet all are surrounded by fine mountain scenery. Take time to explore each on its own terms, and you will find a wilder, quieter Lake District that rewards the effort of getting there.”

- Mark Richards, author of Walking the Lake District Fells - Wasdale and the complete Fellranger series

Map keys
Area covered by this guide
Author preface
Starting points

Introduction
Valley bases
Fix the Fells
Using this guide
Safety and access
Additional online resources

Fells
1    Buckbarrow
2    Caw Fell
3    Crag Fell
4    Eskdale Moor
5    Great End
6    Great Gable
7    Great How
8    Grike
9    Haycock
10    Illgill Head
11    Iron Crag
12    Kirk Fell
13    Lank Rigg
14    Lingmell
15    Middle Fell
16    Pillar
17    Red Pike
18    Scafell
19    Scafell Pike
20    Scoat Fell
21    Seatallan
22    Slight Side
23    Steeple
24    Whin Rigg
25    Yewbarrow

Ridge routes
1    The Roof of England
2    The Mosedale Round
3    The Nether Beck Horseshoe
4    The Upper Ennerdale Round

More to explore
Useful contacts
A fellranger's glossary
The Lake District fells

Seasons

Year-round walking. Winter walks, even on the lower fells, are not for the inexperienced or under-equipped.

Centres

Wasdale Head, Nether Wasdale, Santon Bridge, Gosforth, Boot, Eskdale Green, Black Sail Hut youth hostel, Ennerdale Bridge, Lamplugh

Difficulty

Straightforward ascents on sometimes clear, sometimes faint paths, and occasionally pathless terrain, to be used as a basis for readers' own walks. Navigational skills are needed but no specialist equipment. Any scrambling is easy and non-scrambling alternatives are always provided.

Must See

A fresh perspective on classic summits in the Lakes including Scafell Pike, Scafell, Great Gable, Pillar, Great End, Kirk Fell, Lingmell and Yewbarrow, and an inspiring introduction to lesser-known Lakeland fells such as Haycock and Slight Side

December 2019

Corrections

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