A challenging 10.7 km fell walk in the Western Fells, taking in 2 Wainwrights including Pillar and Kirk Fell. Starting from Wasdale head, the route climbs 1075 m. Allow around 3h 56m by Naismith's Rule.
The Western fells are the most remote and least visited in the Lake District, making them a favourite for those seeking genuine wilderness. The Wasdale and Ennerdale valleys below offer classic Lakeland scenery, and routes here carry a real sense of adventure.
At 10.7 km with 1075 m of ascent, this route is rated Challenging. This is a demanding route requiring good navigational skills, a strong level of fitness, and full mountain kit. Start early and monitor the weather closely.
The route takes in 2 Wainwrights, covering 10.7 km from Wasdale head. Using Naismith's Rule, allow around 3h 56m of walking time, plus extra for rest stops, navigation, and photos. Fine-tune your estimate with the Naismith Calculator.
The walk starts at Wasdale head. Check parking availability before you go as popular Lake District car parks fill quickly on weekends. The Lake District National Park Authority website has up-to-date car park information.
Download the GPX file to your device before setting off. The map shows the route and Wainwright summit positions. In poor visibility, always use a physical OS map and compass. Do not rely solely on a phone GPS in mountain terrain.
Late spring through early autumn (May to October) gives the best conditions. Winter walking on the fells requires additional skills and daylight planning. Always check the Mountain Weather Information Service before heading out.
A serious day on the high fells. Kit choice matters — I wouldn't leave any of this behind on a route like this.
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