Wasdale & Eskdale Walks

The western valleys of Wasdale and Eskdale are the wildest and most remote part of the Lake District. Wasdale is a dead-end valley reached by a single narrow road along Wastwater, England's deepest lake, beneath the highest mountains in the country. Neighbouring Eskdale is greener and gentler at its foot, but just as wild at its head. It is home to waterfalls, Roman remains and the narrow-gauge Ravenglass & Eskdale Railway.

Why walk here

This is where you come for England's highest ground. Our Scafell Pike walk from Wasdale Head takes the shortest and steepest route to the 978-metre summit, climbing the stone staircase of Brown Tongue into the rocky bowl of Hollow Stones. It is a serious mountain day that needs good weather, fitness and navigation skills.

In Eskdale, the Stanley Ghyll Force walk is a short but adventurous route from Dalegarth Station. It climbs through a steep, fern-hung gorge to a 60ft waterfall seen from a viewing platform. Further up the valley are the remains of Hardknott Roman Fort, dramatically sited below one of the steepest road passes in England.

Getting there and around

These valleys feel remote because they are. There is no regular bus into Wasdale, fuel is scarce and mobile signal is patchy, so arrive with a full tank and your route downloaded. Eskdale is reached car-free on the Ravenglass & Eskdale Railway ("La'al Ratty") from Ravenglass, which connects with trains on the Cumbrian Coast Line. From the central Lakes, the drive over Wrynose and Hardknott passes is spectacular but very steep. Only attempt it in good conditions.

Where to base yourself

Wasdale Head has a historic inn, a small outdoor shop and a National Trust campsite at the foot of the fells, and there are inns and a youth hostel down the valley. In Eskdale, the village of Boot has two traditional pubs and the historic Eskdale Mill, with a café at Dalegarth Station. The coast at Gosforth, Seascale and Ravenglass offers more choice.

When to visit

For Scafell Pike, late spring to early autumn gives the safest conditions and longest days. Always pick a settled forecast, as there is no view and real danger when the cloud is down. In winter the high fells are full mountaineering terrain. Stanley Ghyll Force is at its best after rain, and the Eskdale woods are lovely in autumn.

More to explore

Great Langdale lies over the passes. See our Langdale guide. Buttermere and Crummock Water are to the north in our Buttermere guide. Browse all our summit routes in the Wainwright walks collection.