Why Beautiful Wasdale is Known as a Place of Extremes - Wasdale is one of the most remote parts of the Lake District, yet thousands make their way here every year to visit this place of extremes where the rugged landscape boasts the widest valley, deepest lake and highest peak in England. A holiday in the Wasdale valley will leave you with life-long memories of unique sights and experiences. Hardy Cumbrian sheep thrive in fields separated by ancient dry stone walls, and the pace of the rural community follows the seasons. Visitors who appreciate period properties with bags of character will love the choice of Wasdale cottages to rent, many of which are tucked away on family-run farms with views that have changed little over the last millennia. Read more
A spacious farmhouse providing holiday accommodation in spectacular Wasdale within the Lake District National Park. An ideal self-catering base from which to explore the quiet Western Fells and lakes, and perfect for walkers and outdoor enthusiasts who want to be out and about amongst stunning scenery.
In a truly spectacular position with views over Wast Water, this holiday apartment is ideal for lovers of the 'great outdoors' and provides a comfortable retreat from which to explore the Lake District's many attractions. Superb for walkers and those who want to relax amongst stunning Lakeland scenery.
A comfortable holiday home in Greendale within the spectacular Wasdale Valley in the Lake District National Park. Ideal for those who enjoy outdoor activities with fabulous walking and Wastwater just half a mile away.
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Walking in the Wasdale Valley - The scenery in the Wasdale Valley is incredibly dramatic. As visitors arrive via the single road that leads into the village, they are greeted by the sight of Yewbarrow and Kirk Fell, which are 628 metres and 802 metres above sea level respectively. Pair these behemoths with the plummeting depths of Wastwater, which is England’s deepest lake at 74 metres, and you are about as far removed from the gentle side of Cumbria as you can imagine. This land is rugged and unforgiving, yet immeasurably beautiful.
As the nearest community to England’s highest peak, many visitors come to Wasdale to scale Scafell Pike. This challenging climb is not for the inexperienced climber, but there are plenty of other paths that cater for all abilities. From Wasdale Head, it is possible to reach Yewbarrow via Dore Head and Mossdale Beck, or to Hollow Stones and Mickledore via Lingmell Gill and Brown Tongue. The peaks around here can be covered with snow from as early as November to as late as April.
Climbing in the Wasdale Valley - Visitors who crave more excitement than the beaten path can offer can always climb their way to the top. The Wasdale Valley stakes a claim as being the birthplace of rock climbing in England. The Wasdale Head Inn was a favourite pub for Victorian mountaineers including Walter Parry Haskett Smith, and it is still widely regarded for the atmosphere as much as for the quality of the food.
Wastwater Activities - The fells and mountains are only part of the appeal of staying in Wasdale. Wastwater’s smooth surface beckons with West Lake Adventures providing equipment and tuition for those who want to go canoeing, kayaking, canyoning and paddle-boarding. They also offer guided rock climbing and mountain bike rides. There is a beautiful walk through Low Wood to the lakeshore where there are benches, picnic spots and breathtaking views.
Day Trips from Wasdale - Although Wasdale is away from the well-trodden Lake District tourist route, it does not mean that visitors can’t still explore the national park to their heart’s content. Within easy reach for a day trip are places like Eskdale, which is the closest town and where you can stock up on food for the duration of your stay, as well as the Duddon Valley and the lovely coastal area of Ravenglass. St Bee’s Heritage Coast is a beautiful spot on a sunny day, and Cockermouth is always interesting. Closer to home is St Olaf’s, one of the tiniest churches in England with seats for fewer than 40 worshippers. The name of the church is not the only nod to the Scandinavian settlers that arrived in the valley as the beams are said to be wood salvaged from Viking longboats.
Wasdale is the perfect place for people who want to get up with the sun, spend a full day in pristine surroundings then retire to a cosy seat to enjoy a spectacular night sky with more stars than you could ever hope to count. On the west side of the Lake District, it is close to the coast, with a community of people who recognise and appreciate the unique and beautiful place in which they live.
