Whin Rigg is one of two Wainwrights on a wonderful linear ridge above Wast Water, England’s deepest and, arguably, most spectacular lake. The fell is most famous for the dramatic Wastwater Screes, which tumble abruptly down from the ridge’s northwestern flanks to the shores of the lake. Incredibly, one of the Screes’ near-vertical gullies contain the remains of a crashed airplane.

This Highlight is in a protected area

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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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Adventurer Nic

June 11, 2021

Hiking

Whin Rigg is a 1,755-foot (537m) fell in the South Western Lake District. It forms part of a stretch of high ground that hugs the south-eastern edge of Wast Water which is the deepest body of water in the Lake District. Walking the full ridge to Illgill Head in both directions is recommended so you can fully appreciate the jutting cliffs that curve in and out from the main ridge. Spectacular!

David Howells

June 30, 2021

Hiking

Set out from the National Trust car park at 7.30am in the morning on a blue sky day and by 8.30am we were on the top and couldn't see 50m in front....bummer!

Richard

April 27, 2024

Hiking

Check out the view of the end of the lake and Wasdale Youth Hostel from here

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Best Hikes to Whin Rigg

4.8

(17)

174

hikers

1. Illgill Head & Wast Water loop from Wasdale Head — Lake District National Park

17.0km

05:48

700m

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

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Hard

4.6

(16)

183

hikers

2. Whin Rigg – Illgill Head loop from Eskdale

16.0km

05:38

640m

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

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Hard

4.6

(17)

183

hikers

3. Whin Rigg – Illgill Head loop from Holmrook

17.3km

05:53

610m

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

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Hard

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Informations

Elevation 590 m

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Family Friendly

yes

Wheelchair access

Dog Friendly

yes

Weather

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Wednesday 28 January

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Max wind speed: 9.0 km/h

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

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Whin Rigg

1. Illgill Head & Wast Water loop from Wasdale Head — Lake District National Park

2. Whin Rigg – Illgill Head loop from Eskdale

3. Whin Rigg – Illgill Head loop from Holmrook

Other Popular Places to Check Out

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