This route takes us up the easiest approach to Kirk Fell, a fell that is defended by uncommonly steep slopes or crags on every side. Here we follow the valley of Gable Beck to Beck Head and then take the simple path up Rib End onto the sizable summit plateau.
Ascent: 2,440ft
Length: 3.5 miles
Map: Lakes North West
Last Walked: July 2013
We start at the triangular village green car park at Wasdale Head.
Follow this track to Burnthwaite Farm. Follow the signposted footpath through the farm buildings and out onto another track. Turn right here.
Although there are two other main routes off the fell I recommend retracing your steps to get back down. The Kirkfell Crags route down to Black Sail Pass is an exceptionally steep clamber down a crag, the southern route down the nose of the fell is one endless steep drop with few chances to rest. The route back down Rib End is trouble free apart from one moment towards the eastern end of the summit where the path splits - take the right-hand branch which heads down towards the Rib End path and not the left-hand branch which heads up to the crags above. Once down at Beck Head head across the pass then back down the grassy slope to the right to return to the valley bottom path and from there retrace your steps down the valley, through Burnthwaite and back to the village green.