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 …

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Lake District National Park

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Location: Wasdale, Copeland, Cumbria, North West England, England, United Kingdom

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Tips

Adventurer Nic

May 10, 2021

Hiking

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!

David Howells

July 11, 2021

Hiking

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.

Sockpan

June 13, 2021

Hiking

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.

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Best routes near Kirk Fell Summit

4.9

(19)

193

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#1.

View of Wast Water – View of Wast Water loop from Great Gable

15.8km

08:14

1,510m

1,500m

Hard hike. Very good fitness required. Sure-footedness, sturdy shoes and alpine experience required.

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4.7

(6)

171

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#2.

View of Wast Water – View of Wast Water loop from Great Gable

13.8km

07:43

1,380m

1,370m

Hard hike. Very good fitness required. Sure-footedness, sturdy shoes and alpine experience required.

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4.0

(4)

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#3.

Great Gable summit – Sty Head Stretcher Box loop from Wasdale Head

12.9km

06:03

990m

Hard hike. Very good fitness required. Mostly accessible paths. Sure-footedness required.

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Hard

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Elevation 790 m

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Tuesday 5 May

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Max wind speed: 10.0 km/h

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Take Me There

Location: Wasdale, Copeland, Cumbria, North West England, England, United Kingdom

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Kirk Fell Summit

#1.

View of Wast Water – View of Wast Water loop from Great Gable

#2.

View of Wast Water – View of Wast Water loop from Great Gable

#3.

Great Gable summit – Sty Head Stretcher Box loop from Wasdale Head

Other Popular Places to Check Out

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