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 …

This Highlight is in a protected area

Please check local regulations for:

Lake District National Park

Save

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

Save

See nearby routes

Take Me There

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.

Nearby routes

Best routes near Kirk Fell Summit

4.9

(19)

193

hikers

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.

Navigate

Send to Phone

Save

Hard

4.7

(6)

171

hikers

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.

Navigate

Send to Phone

Save

Hard

4.0

(4)

hikers

3. Great Gable summit – Green Gable loop from St Olaf

13.6km

06:17

1,000m

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

Navigate

Send to Phone

Save

Hard

Details

Informations

Elevation 790 m

Good to know

Family Friendly

yes

Wheelchair access

Dog Friendly

yes

Weather

Today

Sunday 15 March

7°C

2°C

72 %

Additional weather tips

Max wind speed: 28.0 km/h

Most visited during

January

February

March

April

May

June

July

August

September

October

November

December

See nearby routes

Take Me There

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

Other Popular Places to Check Out

Innominate Tarn

Great Gable Summit

Brandreth Summit

Dubs Hut Bothy

Sprinkling Tarn

Sty Head Stretcher Box

Dubs Quarry Tramway

Honister Slate Sculptures and Café

Mosedale Valley

Burtness Wood

Bowfell

Black Sail Pass

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 – Green Gable loop from St Olaf

Other Popular Places to Check Out

Sign up or log in to keep exploring this route

We value your privacy ⛰️

We value your privacy ⛰️