
|
Ascent: 2,700ft We start from the village green car park at Wasdale Head. 1: NY 186 084
2: NY 192 090
Follow the path through the farm-yard, obeying any right-of-way signs. After passing through a small gate we reach the path that runs along the foot of Kirk Fell. Turn right and follow this path as it runs up the valley.
3: NY 199 092
After a short distance we cross a footbridge over Gable Beck. On the far side of the bridge turn left and follow the path that climbs up the south-west ridge of Great Gable.
4: NY 202 098
5: NY 207 107
6: NY 211 103
Our route on takes us straight over the summit, heading south-east from the cairn onto the path that runs down to Sty Head. The line of cairns takes us a little to the north of the right of way marked on OS maps, and provides great views towards Styhead Tarn. A clear path soon develops, which takes us to the left of Dry Tarn, hidden just off the path, and then down to Sty Head. 7: NY 218 095
A number of very busy paths meet at Sty Head, but we are going to ignore all of them. Our path down Great Gable passes to the side of a box of rescue equipment and reaches a crossroads. Turn right at this junction, but then after a very short distance turn left onto a very minor path (looking more like a swamp) at the start. This path quickly develops into a very clear path that runs down a small gully, and then zig-zags its way down into the upper reaches of Wasdale. A number of different paths run down the valley - the clearest runs around the upper slopes, crosses one beck and then runs down the valley towards a junction between Lingmell Beck and Piers Gill. Cross from the left to right bank of Lingmell Beck, and then follow the increasingly clear path as it runs back down the valley, rejoining our original route at the bridge over Gable Beck. After that we retrace our steps back to the car park. Home - Photos - Guide - Links |