Car Parking: Car parking is available at the village green at Wasdale Head (grid reference NY 186084), although if this is full there is a National Trust car park at Brackenclose (grid reference NY 182074 – this car park also has port-a-loos).
Start / Finish: At the village green, just outside of Wasdale Head village. Grid reference NY 186084.
Meet Time: 09.45 am
Start Time: 10.00 am
Description: Although a very bulky hill, Kirk Fell is often overlooked – figuratively and literally – by its near neighbours Yewbarrow and Great Gable. Despite this, Kirk Fell offers a nice walk with some great views and is one not to be missed.
Route: From the car parking area at Wasdale Head village green, our route goes through the village itself and follows a bridleway that takes us along the eastern side of Mosedale Beck. After passing Ritson’s Force (waterfall) and then another one, we continue deeper into the secluded valley of Mosedale itself.
Our route now begins to climb and after crossing Gatherstone Beck it is a steep stroll to the top of Blacksail Pass, where the view of the wild and untamed end of the Ennerdale Valley comes into view.
From here the path goes to the south and we have a short – but rocky – amble over Kirkfell Crags. After this we will soon be at Kirk Fell summit (802 m).
After taking in the view, we continue, past the Kirkfell Tarns, to Kirk Fell’s other but slightly lower summit (787 m). The views from here are excellent, and include the dominant Great Gable, as well as seeing the jagged side-profile of Lingmell.
Beckhead Tarn is arrived at after descending Rib Head, and from here we follow the path down Gavel Nase, alongside Gable Beck and its series of waterfalls.
Once back on the valley floor, our route follows the Moses Trod path back via Wasdale Head, where we can stop for a drink before returning to the start point a few hundred yards away.
Distance: Approx. 6 miles (9.5 km)
Height Gain: 800 m (2600 ft)
Time: Approx. 5 ½ to 6 hours
High Point: Kirk Fell summit (802 m)
Grade: Moderate
Dogs: Dogs are welcome on this walk (please keep them under close control).
Leader: Wayne
Please let Wayne know in advance by 6.00 pm on Saturday if you are coming on this walk (text 07753 121 168).
If weather conditions are bad I may alter the route or cancel the walk for safety reasons.
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