Illgill Head and Whin Rigg

This is a closed circular loop from the head of Wastwater, and the stored distance of 9.8 miles (15.8 km) is the whole circuit, not a one way figure. Expect about 674 m of ascent and, in honest walking terms, 5.5 to 6 hours including stops, stiles and photo time. Faster times exist on paper, but they assume you never pause.

From the Lake Head and Brackenclose access you cross the bridge over Lingmell Gill and take the bridleway through fields, then climb steadily beside a wall onto the broad grassy back of Illgill Head at just over 600 m. From there the path runs south west along the top of the Wastwater Screes, passing small tarns and a run of viewpoints, to Whin Rigg at around 535 m. The descent is steep beside Greathall Gill, then it is field and track work to the River Irt, Lund Bridge and Low Wood, before the road carries you back around the head of the lake to the start.

Treat this as hard. The climb is sustained, the Greathall Gill descent is steep and can feel loose, and the ground in between is rough and boggy in places. Walkers regularly report mud, slippery rock in wet weather and loose stone on the steep sections.

• The crag-top path is a narrow trod in places with unprotected drops. It is walking, not scrambling, but it asks for sure feet and a steady head.
• Stiles, gates and cattle fields feature on the lower half.
• There is running water in the dip between the two summits if you need to top up.
• The scree path along the lake foot is loose, slippery when wet and full of leg traps. The road return is the sensible way home and is what this loop uses.

Start from the large National Trust car park at the head of Wastwater, which has a toilet block and welcome centre and serves as the jumping off point for the surrounding fells. Parking here is paid and overnight parking is not permitted. No route-specific permit requirement was established for this walk. Dogs are welcome across Wasdale, but this is working farmland and open fell with ground-nesting wildlife, so carry a lead, keep close control, use a short lead near stock and follow local signs. The cattle fields and stiles on the lower loop are worth thinking about in advance if your dog is not used to them.

If the full circuit is too much for the day, the National Trust's Greendale and Middle Fell walk nearby is a separate route of about 3.5 miles (5.6 km) and gives you Wasdale scenery in a much shorter outing.