Wasdale is home to England's highest mountain, and deepest lake. However, when we travelled there for the day I had every intention of a simple wander ander along the lakeshore, a few photos and a picnic. Instead we did a 4+ mile hike; and you know what? It was so worth it. Read on to discover why.

About Wasdale

If you plan to do a Wainwright or two during your stay in Cumbria, you can't go wrong with a visit to Wasdale. There are numerous walks including England's highest peak (Scafell Pike), as well as up to Pillar and also Middle Fell. In addition it's home to England's deepest lake - Wastwater.

Where can I park?

We parked in the Wasdale National Trust Lake Head car park, near Seascale. This is a great spot for both the lake and mountain walks, including Scafell Pike. This does mean, however, that the spaces fill up fast. Don't worry, it is a decent size car park, and we managed to find a space at lunch time as someone was leaving.

To find the car park, use this post code: CA20 1EX.

If you are a NT member, you will need to scan your membership card in order to park for free. If you need to pay and display, you can pay with cash or card.

Alternatively if you simply want to sit on the lakeshore there are some parking spots off the road, but arrive early as these fill up fast. Please take care to park off the road, not obstructing traffic or blocking passing points.

What's available in Wasdale?

Stunning views

You don't have to climb to the top of the mountains here to find amazing views. The path travels parallel to the South Eastern edge of Wastwater and all the way up you have amazing views over the lake, and on a clear day like we had you'll see across to Seatallan and the fells beyond.

Wastwater

The Western, Southern and Northern sides can be walked, but take care as some parts of the walk are on the road. The views all around Wastwater are absolutely stunning. No matter which way you look, there is towering fells and beautiful scenery. The Lake Head car park is at the North Eastern end of Wastwater.

Numerous Wainwright routes

Walking 3209ft up Scafell Pike was never going to be an option with the children, so instead we walked about half a mile up to this bridge for a photo before heading up Illgill Head instead.

Bear in mind that hikes like these require proper preparation. Plan your route, take a map and compass and always check the weather conditions.

Illgill Head (which we walked up!)

At around 2000ft, this Wainwright route is a bit of an smaller choice than some others in the area. If you want to tick it off your list the route is easy to follow up from Lake Head car park. Some areas of the walk goes through private land, so it's always important to ensure you're following the designated path at all times, keep dogs on leads and try not to scare the sheep!

Burnmoor Tarn

We didn’t quite make it down to Burnmoor Tarn. We decided to stop at the crest, take some photos and head back as we were running low on water and the first rule of any walks like this is to ensure you do it safely.

How far is the walk?

This depends where you want to go. The full walk to the top of Illgill Head will probably take you 2-3 hours. We did just over halfway in little over an hour. Other walks will take different amounts of time based on ability and distance walked.

FAQs about our family days out

Is it suitable for children?

Whilst you could potentially do this walk with an all-terrain buggy or stroller; the scree and rocky terrain could make it difficult to maneuver at points, and you are likely to need two adults to lift it over some sections of the path. I took Munchkin in a carrier which I think would certainly be preferable for this route.

Crossing streams on the way up Illgill Head

You won't find any designated stopping points, there are plenty of places to pause for a breather. Whether it's the derelict buildings on the left as you walk up, or the bridge over a cascade, or even just boulders along the route you’re bound to find somewhere in the shade to sit, breath and take on water.

We walked up over 1000ft (only half of Illgill Head!) and did over 4 miles in total. Our girls did very well, but the walk was hard. This walk needs you to wear walking boots, bring lots of water and take plenty of care. We’re very lucky to be raising our children here. They have done many long walks like these, so it’s normal to them. If you have young children, or those who aren't used to hiking, this is not the walk for you.

At this time of year (July) it is so green and full of life; with sheep and lambs on the fells, birds nesting and more.

Are there facilities available?

There are toilets in the main car park. Once out on the walk however, you won't find anything (unless you fancy a wild wee in a bush!).

Is there anywhere to eat nearby?

The area around Wastwater has dotted villages where you're sure to find a café or two. However I recommend packing a picnic like we did.

Our original plan was to walk to the tarn and picnic there but instead we decided to stop off about a mile and a half from the tarn near one of the cairns. As far as picnic spots go, this has to be one of the best we've been to, over 1000ft up with Scafell Pike in the background!

N.B. If you do the same, please take your rubbish away with you. Always leave the area as you would expect to find it.

All in all, we had the most amazing day together as a family. Although it wasn't quite as we planned it, I still think it was a perfect day.

For more blog posts about exploring the beautiful places we have on our Cumbrian doorstep check out my Lake District category here. Have you found somewhere amazing to visit in the Lake District? We love to explore new spots, so feel free to share in the comments below.