The Western Lake District and Coast
Places to go in Wasdale, Eskdale and the West
There’s a brooding drama to Wasdale, with the imposing bulk of Great Gable, Kirk Fell, Limgmell and Yewbarrow at its head and the spectacular sight of The Screes plunging into the valley lake.
England’s highest mountain, Scafell Pike, looks down on Wastwater. The valley runs south west, to a gentle, wooded, pastoral landscape including large country houses, gardens and parkland. The scene opens out further as the valley runs into the estuary where the rivers Irt and Mite meet the sea.
Nether Wasdale
The tiny village of Nether Wasdale is to the west of the lake and has two pubs, a campsite and a café.
Eskdale
The beautiful Eskdale valley includes villages like Santon Bridge and Boot. There’s also the Ravenglass and Eskdale steam railway. There are several pubs and a few local shops.
Ravenglass
On the west coast of Cumbria, Ravenglass is the only coastal town in the National Park. There is a shingle beach and fishermen’s cottages looking out over the estuary as well as two pubs.
- Ravenglass and Eskdale Railway goes through beautiful Eskdale valley to Dalegarth
- There are many walks from the various stations
- From Dalegarth you can walk to Stanley Ghyll waterfall with its new viewing platform
Ennerdale Water
Ennerdale Water is the only lake which does not have a road running along its full length. Ennerdale Bridge is the gateway to the valley and has two pubs and a community cafe.
Getting to and around Wasdale and Wastwater
From coastal views to dramatic fell landscapes, taking public transport around the West Coast and into Wasdale is not only stress-free, but part of the adventure.
The Wasdale Valleys is a popular location and is busy year round. If you do decide to visit by car, please park in one of the many designated car parks, don’t park in front of gates or down lanes.
Wasdale Explorer
Travel stress-free to Wasdale and and take in the spectacular views
Take the Wasdale Explorer from Nether Wasdale to avoid the drive down narrow roads, making your Wasdale visit easier. Wasdale gets very busy with parked cars in the summer holidays, so taking the shuttle bus makes it easier for you and reduces the pressure on the small valley roads, as well as our climate.
Routes around Wasdale, Wastwater and the West Coast
There is a route for everyone in the Western Lake District.
Visitors to the area range from experienced fell hikers to users of our Miles Without Stiles accessible routes. Join a free guided walk or discover a route to walk, run or cycle.
Miles without Stiles routes, easy access routes
The Wasdale and Eskdale areas have easy-access routes suitable for those with limited mobility, wheelchairs, trampers, pushchairs, visual impairments, young children and legs that need care. The routes have no stiles and are graded for some, many or all with descriptions on length, terrain, path type and facilities.
There are also walking routes from stations on the Ravenglass to Eskdale Railway and Dalegarth station along the River Esk loop (an easy route, roughly 2.5 hours).
Hiking routes
For a more challenging climb, Wasdale offers scenic hiking routes.
- If you are climbing Scafell Pike, arrive with a plan and be prepared
- Pillar Trail from Wasdale Head – challenging 4.5 hours
- Greendale and Middle Fell walk – moderate, 3 hours
