Illgill Head and Whin Rigg from Wasdale – Sunday 29th April
Start time: 9:45
(Estimated finish time: 15:00)
Moderate – approx.10 miles
Start point – Wasdale Head National Trust Car Park, CA20 1EX. Grid Ref: NY182074
Parking Facilities: National Trust Car Park
Time: Meet at 09:30
Set off: 09:45
Miles: approx. 10
Classification: Moderate
Walk description:
The screes of Whin Rigg (535m) and Illgill Head (609m) are a dramatic feature of Wasdale, but a pleasant grassy ridge to walk along and includes these two Wainwrights.
From the car park we cross the bridge and walk up the bridleway heading to Eskdale, which involves crossing a few small fords. As the path steepens we bear right onto a footpath and ascend alongside a rubble wall, crossing through a stile nearer the top.
We follow the grassy path to the ridge and a small cairn marks the top of Illgill Head (609m). From there we head along the ridge to Whin Rigg. There are two paths along the ridge – one that follows the edge of the screes and the other through the grass. Wainwright notes two viewpoints along this ridge and hopefully the weather holds out to enjoy these.
After reaching the top of Whin Rigg (535m), we descend by the relatively steep footpath which zigzags alongside Greathall Gill. At the bottom of the gill, we cross the River Irt and follow a footpath through woodland area for a small section.
We will follow the road back to the car park, however there are lots of areas of grass along the shores of Wast Water to walk along the way.
This walk is partly reccied
Approx. finish 15:00
Please contact Megan on number removed by 6pm on Saturday 28th April if you are coming on this walk. There are some stiles on the ascent which may be difficult for dogs.
The leader reserves the right to cancel the walk or modify the route dependant on conditions.