'Wasdale'

Location : Wasdale Head / Nether Wasdale / Gosforth
Map - Ordnance Survey - NY 165060

The ancient packhorse bridge behind the Wasdale Head Hotel

Wasdale, the wildest of the valleys in the Lake District, is the remote and beautiful area between Gosforth in West Cumbria, past Wastwater, England's deepest lake, and up to the mountains Great Gable and Scafell Pike, England's highest mountain.

The ancient field patterns at Wasdale Head, and the little Church in the Yew Trees, (lower centre right) Photo by Ann Bowker

Set amidst yew trees in the Viking fields at the head of Wasdale, near the deepest lake and the highest mountain in England, is the little St Olaf's Church, possibly the smallest church in England. The church is roofed with massive slate tiles over beams that are claimed to come from wrecked Viking ships.

Wastwater and Wasdale Head from the viewpoint cairn south of Kirk Fell summit. Photo by Ann Bowker.

At the edge of Wasdale is the picturesque village of Gosforth. St Mary's Church dates from Norman times, and in its churchyard is England's tallest ancient cross, and a cork tree, planted in 1833, the most northerly in Europe.

There is a National Trust campsite at the Wasdale Head end of the lake. At the other end is the Wasdale Hall Youth Hostel, also owned by the National Trust.

Places to Stay :