Hiking Highlight
Recommended by 35 hikers
This Highlight is in a protected area
Please check local regulations for: Lake District National Park
The huge bulk of Kirk Fell rubs shoulders with two of the Lake District’s most dramatic mountains in Great Gable and Pillar. Whilst it might not have the same aesthetic appeal as its shapelier neighbours, hikes to Kirk Fell’s broad summit plateau reveal oodles of charm and sensational vistas of Lakeland’s mountainous heartland.
Walking routes to Kirk Fell usually begin from Wasdale where campsites and a famous inn offer accomodation. Once you arrive at Wasdale Head the fell is hard to miss, such is its presence above the upper part of the valley. It rises steeply, in one 2,300-foot (700 m) swoop to the summit. If you’re feeling hardy, it is one of the Lake District’s most punishing, direct ascents.
Discover adventure in the mountainous southwest Lake District
However, there are plenty more amenable paths that make use of passes between the giant fells. It is possible to link Kirk Fell with Great Gable and Pillar, though the standalone nature of these peaks mean that this would entail more descent and ascent than most linkups in the national park. Expeditions from Ennerdale, Seathwaite, Honister and Gatesgarth are long, adventurous but possible.
Once you’ve earned the summit, it will be the bristling, bulbous summit of Great Gable that first draws the eye; it’s a startlingly impressive sight. To the right of this rise the buttresses of the Scafells: the highest land in England.
There are two high points on the summit plateau, separated by a small, scenic tarn: lovely foreground interest for those views. In winter conditions, Kirk Fell becomes the preserve of equipped and skilled mountaineers only.
Kirk Fell is one of Alfred Wainwright's 214 fells of Lakeland. The summit offers brilliant views down Wasdale to Wast Water, but my favourite view from here has to be towards the unmistakable profile of Great Gable.
I've once hiked 'up the nose' of Kirk Fell, a relentless steep walk from the valley at Wasdale Head to the summit at 2,631 feet (802 m). Many people say you should try it just the once, but you'll probably never do it again. You'd probably need a knee replacement if you decided to descend that way!
May 10, 2021
Kirk Fell is a great fell at the end of the Wasdale Valley. If you don't want to do the steep nose of it and want to vary your route up then acending via Black Sail Pass and then going up the Chockstone Gulley to the left of Kirkfell Crags (if you face South) is a great outing. See my route link for more info/photos/gpx track: komoot.com/tour/416618055
Kirk Fell and Kirk Fell East top are both UK designated Nuttalls.
July 11, 2021
Kirk Fell stands at 802m (2631ft) it falls into the following main summit classifications: Wainwright, Nuttall, Hewitt, Birkett, Fellranger, Marilyn. And forms part of the Mosedale Horseshoe route, being the first summit. The ascent is very steep and a tough upwards climb, with many false summits. The path is mainly grass, until the top section, where you encounter scree, rocks and fine stone/grit. This section can be quite slippy and care is required to gain good footing. Make regular stops on the way up, to rest your legs and admire the views down the valley towards Wasdale and Wast Water.
June 13, 2021
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