Wainwrights in 21 Days
Southern Wainwright Fells - Wastwater S&E
29km & 2376m (18miles & 7793ft)
Predicted Walking Time 9hr 17m
To download the gpx file click on the button below.
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A big day of big hills in the Southern Wainwright fells. There are two out-and-backs, so you could easily shorten it if you wanted an easier challenge.
From Wasdale, the route shown to Lingmell is good if you start early enough. Otherwise, it will be best to turn left in Lingmell Gill and go straight up the nose. But that's pretty unrelenting.
After Lingmell, try to find a minor shortcut to the Corridor Route, but it's not essential. The route East up Greta Gill is not marked on OS maps, but is fairly clear on the ground. On Great End the cairns lead to a "summit" that is North West of the highest point shown on OS maps.
The out-and-back to Bow Fell is a joy in good weather, though the descent to Ore Gap will test your skills descending gravel slopes. Then back to the boulder path to Scafell Pike, remembering to detour off the track to "summit" Broad Crag (who invented that word!)
From Scafell Pike to Scafell the route shown via Foxes Tarn involves a bit of a scramble up the gulley and then a short struggle up a scree slope. The alternative route up Lord's Rake is shorter but needs more care and has some exposure.
Once on Scafell, it's a section along the ridge to Slight Side, with good views to the West. You then need to go a short distance NNW to avoid rocks on your left, before descending a lovely grassy slope NW. Aim slightly above the junction of Long Gill and Hardrigg Gill, so that you cross two small gills rather than the combined, potentially deeper version lower down.
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The path up to Illgill Head is clear, but you may have to wander about a bit to avoid boggy group around Maiden Castle. Illgill Head to Whin Rigg is a lovely run, but you will then have to reverse it before descending on the long slopes to eventually return to Wasdale. You'll have some stunning views of Wasdale, if you are able to appreciate them at this stage of a long day.