Wast Water and Wasdale

Wasdale is remote, tranquil, and a truly beautiful area in the Lake District National Park. On 9th September 2007 Wast Water was voted the best view in the UK in the ITV programme 'Britain's Favourite View', beating 15 other nominated locations.

Although remote, Wasdale can be reached by car. The road terminates at Wasdale Head, starting point for climbers attempting to climb Great Gable, Scafell Pike, Pillar, Kirkfell, Lingmell and other mountains in the area.

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Wasdale and Wast Water Spring time daffodils at Wast Water Great Gable viewed from Wast Water Lake District National Park logo

Other routes from here, not negotiable by car, include the pack horse route over Sty Head Pass to Borrowdale and the coffin route over Burnmoor to Eskdale. Wasdale and Wast Water are used symbolically in the The Lake District logo, picture 4 above. Great Gable is in the centre, Yewbarrow Fell on the left with Lingmell to the right.

Looking towards Wasdale Head Wast Water, England's deepest lake Blue skies all the way! Scree slopes on the far shore

Wast Water is England's deepest Lake. At its deepest it is below sea level. Scree comes right down to the shore on the far side of the lake. Much of the practical work involved in maintaining the area's beauty is carried out by the landowners, the National Trust.

Wast Water - remote and beautiful The mountains beckon at Wasdale Head Spring time sheep and lambs St. Olaf's Church among the yew trees

St. Olaf's Church - Wasdale Head, is surrounded by yew trees (image 4 above) It is England's smallest church. The grave yard has graves of climbers killed in climbing accidents. The roof trusses may have come from Viking ships.

St. Olaf's Church - Wasdale Head The interior of England's smallest church Ancient routes lead over the mountains The Packhorse Bridge behind the Wasdale Head Inn

A stained glass window in the church is in memory of members of the Fell & Rock Climbing Club who died in the 1st World War. The inscription reads 'I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills from whence cometh my strength'. The Packhorse Bridge at Wasdale Head is behind the Wasdale Head Inn, home of the original ' World's biggest liar!' The local climbing shop has an impressive array of fell walking and climbing accessories.

Many people venture no further than Bowness or Ambleside and return home with jaundiced views of how the Lake District is being destroyed by its very popularity. They've obviously never visited Wast Water and Wasdale!

Impressive scenery and an impressive list of record breakers:- Home to England's highest mountain, its deepest lake, smallest Church, and the original 'World's biggest liar!'

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