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Wast Water

Wast Water is a stunning lake located in the western part of the Lake District National Park, United Kingdom. It's one of the deepest lakes in England and boasts breathtaking views that attract tourists from all over the world.

4.1  (225 Ratings and reviews)

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Attractions in Wast Water


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Maps and trails
Hiking Trail · North West England
Scafell Pike
Premium content Difficulty T4 difficult
Distance 13.5 km
Duration 6:30 h
Ascent 1,350 m
Descent 1,350 m

To England's highest peak, Scafell Pike in the Lake District National Park

No ratings (yet)
from Matthias Schopp,   Matthias Schopp
Hiking Trail · North West England
Whin Rigg and Illgill Head
recommended route Difficulty moderate
Distance 14.6 km
Duration 4:35 h
Ascent 617 m
Descent 617 m

A walk from Wastwater in the southern Lake District, climbing up the 'Wasdale Screes' of Whin Rigg and Illgill Head, returning via the lakeshore

4.7
from Andrew Locking,   Community
Long Distance Hiking · North West England
The Richard Mountain Way Day One
recommended route Difficulty moderate
Distance 19.1 km
Duration 5:15 h
Ascent 360 m
Descent 305 m

The Richard Mountain way is a Unofficial trail that i have made up using existing routes. You will need navigation skills and a good level of fitness.

5
from Richard smith 4seasonbackpacking,   Community
Hiking Trail · North West England
Yewbarrow via Bell Rib
recommended route Difficulty moderate
Distance 5.6 km
Duration 2:13 h
Ascent 540 m
Descent 540 m

From Overbeck Bridge Wasdale in the western Lake District, a steep and exciting climb up Yewbarrow via Bell Rib, with views along Wast Water

4.5
from Andrew Locking,   Community
Hiking Trail · North West England
The Richard Mountain Way Day Two
recommended route Difficulty difficult
Distance 13.5 km
Duration 5:30 h
Ascent 1,242 m
Descent 830 m

Day Two The Richard Mountain way is a Unofficial trail that i have made up using existing routes. You will need navigation skills and a good level ...

No ratings (yet)
from Richard smith 4seasonbackpacking,   Community
Hiking Trail · North West England
Nether Wasdale
recommended route Difficulty moderate
Distance 6.7 km
Duration 1:43 h
Ascent 48 m
Descent 48 m

A walk from Nether Wasdale in the Southern Lake District passing through Low Wood to the head of Wastwater and returning through open countryside

5
from Andrew Locking,   Community
Mountain Hike · North West England
Scafell Pike circular - NT Wasdale campsite
recommended route Difficulty difficult
Distance 14.4 km
Duration 7:30 h
Ascent 1,016 m
Descent 1,008 m

Scenic loop to summit and back to camp/car park.

No ratings (yet)
from Paul Crouch,   Community
Hiking Trail · North West England
Red Pike, Scoat Fell, Haycock and Caw Fell
recommended route Difficulty difficult
Distance 16.2 km
Duration 5:39 h
Ascent 996 m
Descent 996 m

From Overbeck Bridge Wasdale in the west Lake District, a 12 mile walk visting 4 Wainwright fells - Red Pike, Scoat Fell, Haycock and Caw Fell

No ratings (yet)
from Andrew Locking,   Community
Hiking Trail · North West England
Nether Wasdale
recommended route Difficulty moderate
Distance 6.4 km
Duration 1:38 h
Ascent 35 m
Descent 35 m

A low level walk in Nether Wasdale, visiting the foot of Wastwater and its classic view along the lake

5
from Andrew Locking,   Community
Hiking Trail · North West England
Pillar, 892 m, and Red Pike, 821 m
Premium content Difficulty T3 difficult
Distance 15.6 km
Duration 6:15 h
Ascent 942 m
Descent 942 m

An alpine circuit away from the tourist crowds Slightly off the main flow of hikers lies Mosedale, enclosed by a semicircle of rugged mountains.

No ratings (yet)
from Sabine Gilcher,   Rother Bergverlag
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Maps and trails
The most beautiful spot at Wast Water is undoubtedly its southern end known as Wasdale Head. Here you'll find towering peaks like Scafell Pike and Great Gable which provide an impressive backdrop to this already picturesque location.

Although swimming isn't recommended due to cold temperatures, visitors can still enjoy various water activities such as kayaking or fishing. The lake itself is approximately 3 miles long and 260 feet deep with several species of fish including brown trout, pike, perch, and eels.

For those interested in cultural highlights and events, there are plenty of opportunities to explore local history through museums like Eskdale Mill or attend traditional festivals such as Cumbria Steam Gathering held annually nearby.

Culinary specialities include locally sourced produce such as Cumberland sausages or Herdwick lamb which can be enjoyed at quaint village pubs scattered throughout the area.

Outdoor enthusiasts will find no shortage of activities here either - hiking trails lead up into surrounding mountains offering unparalleled views while cycling routes along quiet country roads offer a more leisurely alternative.

In summary, Wast Water offers visitors an opportunity to experience some truly remarkable natural beauty set against a rich cultural backdrop making it an ideal destination for anyone looking for adventure combined with relaxation in equal measure!

Trip planning


Weather

10-day forecast

Reviews

  • September 06, 2025
    Iwein
    Beautiful
    ...Show more
    Written September 06, 2025
    Hiking Trail
    Wainwrights 20 days
  • May 30, 2025
    Annika Pinkawa 
    May 29, 2025
    Sehr schöne und kurzweilige Wanderung. Der Rückweg über die Schaafweiden kann bei Nässe sehr matschig werden. Gummistiefel sind hier die richtige Wahl :)
    ...Show more
    Photo: Annika Pinkawa, Community
    Photo: Annika Pinkawa, Community
    Photo: Annika Pinkawa, Community
    Photo: Annika Pinkawa, Community
    Photo: Annika Pinkawa, Community
    Written May 30, 2025
    Hiking Trail
    Nether Wasdale
  • May 18, 2025
    Philipp Maaß 
    Schöne Tour um Waste Water. Gute Eingehtour. Bei schlechtem Wetter wie immer auf die Orientierung achten. Herrliche Aussichtspunkte. Am besten man geht die Tour von der anderen Seite um Illgill Head, dann muss man nicht entlang der vielbefahrenen Straße laufen. Wir haben das so gemacht.
    ...Show more
    Photo: Philipp Maaß, Community
    Photo: Philipp Maaß, Community
    Photo: Philipp Maaß, Community
    Photo: Philipp Maaß, Community
    Written May 18, 2025
  • September 19, 2023
    Paul Kimber 
    September 05, 2023
    I did this exact route and it was fabulous. I captured all of the same photos as well. Very hot morning on the 5th Sept 23
    ...Show more
    Written September 19, 2023
    Hiking Trail
    Yewbarrow via Bell Rib
  • July 09, 2023
    Heather Palmer 
    Lovely walk steep climb up to the summit, gorgeous scenery, long walk back on the road but very quiet and scenic
    ...Show more
    Written July 09, 2023
  • May 30, 2023
    Leanne Gill 
    May 29, 2023
    This is a great circular route offering woodlands, lakeside and mountain views all at an easy, low level. We did this with children and a small dog. The dog was kept on a short lead as there was lots of livestock around. The last field we went through did have cows and their young. We were followed by the cows so something to keep in mind if you are taking your dog or are nervous. There's also the added bonus of The Sawmill cafe on the return and Wasdale Hall half way through if you need refreshments.
    ...Show more
    Photo: Leanne Gill, Community
    Photo: Leanne Gill, Community
    Photo: Leanne Gill, Community
    Photo: Leanne Gill, Community
    Photo: Leanne Gill, Community
    Written May 30, 2023
    Hiking Trail
    Nether Wasdale
  • May 02, 2023
    Leeroy Emm
    Great hike, 2 walkers and a dog.
    ...Show more
    Photo: Leeroy Emm, Community
    Written May 02, 2023
  • October 14, 2022
    Roland BROOKS 
    October 13, 2022
    Great walk, we started from the next car park round at Bowderdale to save so much road walking at the end. The path up the side of Greathall Gill is a killer but take your time and the views from the top are more than worth it.
    ...Show more
    Written October 14, 2022
  • July 22, 2022
    Maggie B
    fantastic hike
    ...Show more
    Written July 22, 2022
  • March 21, 2022
    Dave Sykes 
    Pick the right day and it’s a great hike. I mean what’s not to like about Wasdale?? Once you get to the fork in the path and the hoards bear left to Scafell Pike, you have the place pretty much to yourself. Be mindful of Lords Rake in Winter conditions but without snow it’s an easy and pleasurable scramble up
    ...Show more
    Written March 21, 2022
  • February 28, 2022
    Nikki Howarth 
    What a beautiful walk on a lovely clear Winters day . Quick steep ascent and decent ,great views over Wastwater, thankyou
    ...Show more
    Written February 28, 2022
  • January 22, 2022
    keith hassell 
    Hard
    ...Show more
    Written January 22, 2022
    Hiking Trail
    Route 31 - The Mosedale Horseshoe

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