Explore Eskdale and Wasdale

If you make the journey round to the west coast of Cumbria you will come to the magical valleys of Eskdale and Wasdale. It takes time to get to this corner of the Lake District, but it is worth the effort!

Views over Eskdale

Starting in the seaside village of Ravenglass you can take the small gauge railway known as “La’l Ratty“. This is a great way to explore the Eskdale Valley with many small stations to stop at and get off and walk. You can combine this train ride with the Eskdale Trail which can be walked or biked.

La'l Ratty Railway

Close to Ravenglass is Muncaster Castle home to the Pennington family since the 13th century. This is considered to be one of the most haunted homes in Britain. Also here is the World Owl Centre with over two hundred birds and 70 acres of gardens and grounds.

Muncaster Castle

The Eskdale valley offers the walker a number of options with low level walks as well as giving access on to the higher fells.  Explore hidden gems such as the waterfall at Stanley Gill, or the old Roman Fort at the foot of Hardknott Pass.

Stanley Gill

Hardknott Roman Fort

For those looking for some adventure then Eskdale has lots to offer. Eden Outdoor Adventures offers two days of adventures. Have a go at orienteering or rock climbing at Fell End or bridge jump or undertake the challenging ghyll scramble up the River Esk.

Orienteering

Rock Climbing Eskdale

Bridge Jump into River Esk

Eskdale has a range of accommodation to suit all budgets. Camp at Fisherground, stay at the Youth Hostel or enjoy one of the Inns or B&B’s.

Wasdale is home to the Lake District’s deepest lake, Wast Water. Framed in this lake’s reflection are the famous Wasdale Screes. At the head of the valley are the peaks of Yewbarrow, Great Gable and Lingmell which make up the symbol of the Lake District National Park.

Wasdale

For the walker this valley has so much to offer from a walk across the screes to the ascent of England’s highest peak Scafell Pike standing at 978m.

Wasdale Screes

For those looking for more adventure then why not head out on to Wast Water in a canoe, or scramble over rocks to the summits of Buckbarrow or Middle Fell. An easier ghyll scramble can be found in Nether Beck.

Canoeing on Wast Water

Ghyll Scrambling Nether Beck

Scrambling on Middle Fell

Climbing up Great Gable allows the adventure seeker to scramble along the climber’s path and scramble behind|Napes Needle “threading the needle”. Climbers can indulge their passion on Kern Knotts, or ascending Napes Needle itself.

Napes Needle

At the end of the valley is Wasdale Head. Here you will find the famous Wasdale Head Inn – a great place to have a drink after a good day out exploring. There is also the small church of St Olaf’s which dates prior to the Reformation. The roof beam is thought to come from a Viking long boat. The south window is a memorial to those members of the Fell and Rock Climbing Club who died in the First World War.

St Olaf's Church

Wasdale offers camping opposite the Inn as well as at the National Trust campsite. There is also a Youth Hostel and close by in the village of Nether Wasdale you will also finding camping and B&B/Hotel accommodation.

Wast Water

So if you are looking for somewhere different to explore in the Lake District, away from the tourist hot spots, then head to these two valleys. Eden Outdoor Adventures can help you make the most of your time here and have some memorable adventures of your own.