Terrain Overview
Walk Overview
AW noted in the Kirk Fell section of Book 7 that the climb directly up the nose is the
straightest and most direct climb in Lakeland. It is also the steepest -
"a relentless and unremitting treadmill, a turf clutching crawl, not a walk"
Having seen this potential way of ascent up close and personal, he wasn`t joking.
It seems impossible and on such a boiling hot day like today, it wasn`t surprising
that we didn`t see anyone attempting this route.
We opted for one of two possible solutions to reach the summit .. via the Gavel Neese
flank (on Great Gable) to Beck Head, then a short scramble over Rib End which
is a less steep option.
The free car parking just before you reach the Inn at Wasdale Head is the start point
for this walk. It`s very busy, especially in weather like this, so you may not always be
guaranteed space. However, road side parking in various wider spots on the approach
road can be used. Kirk Fell and the direct path up its nose can be clearly seen and
from this angle looks nothing too strenuous. Wait until you get closer before deciding
to opt for this route !!!
As we walk towards the Inn, the highlighted route shown up Gavel Neese
is the ascent we will take
Looking towards Pillar
From the car park keep right past the Inn and make a sharp right turn
at the signpost towards St. Olaf`s Church
Following the path to the Church
St Olaf`s Church
Turn left through the gate and head towards Burnthwaite Farm
Heading towards the farm
Looking across to the steep face of Stirrup Crag on Yewbarrow and Red Pike
Passing through Burnthwaite Farm swing left
Through the gate and turn right
The path heads out towards a footbridge that crosses Gable Beck
Cross Gable Back and keep left to get to the obvious path to Gavel Neese
The start of the climb up Gavel Neese
Through the hand gate in the retaining wall and turn right
The path up to Beck Head skirts the base of the White Napes on Great Gable
Looking back to Wast Water
The steep Eastern face of Kirk Fell scarred by the trough of Ill Gill
I started the blog by saying the nose of Kirk Fell is steep. This shows how steep
The climb up Gavel Neese basically comprises of 2 parts, the very steep grass path
at the start, followed by the steep scree path. Fortunately the grass part has been
stepped so as to avoid erosion and assist with the climb
Looking East across to Broad Crag and Lingmell
We now reach the scree section of the climb. It`s steep, but by and large not
too slippy. There are the odd areas where extra care is required but nothing too onerous
As Beck Head is approached, the scree path levels out a little. The route of
ascent to Kirk Fell via Rib End is seen on the left
Looking over the steep Southern flank of Great Gable across to Scafell and Lingmell
We reach the col at Beck Head and some of the North Western fells
peep over the horizon
The path up through the crags of Rib End is a lot easier than it looks.
There are some parts that require a small amount of rock handling
Sue pauses for a short while before the final push to the summit
After passing through the initial band of rock, a grass path leads up to the
North top of Kirk Fell, but this can be bypassed by keeping left on a decent
grass track that leads to the true summit on the South top
Looking back to Great Gable and Green Gable from the track to the summit
Looking East to Broad Crag, Scafell Pike, Lingmell and Scafell
Fairly soon the South top summit comes into view
Looking South to Wast Water and Burnmoor Tarn
The final few yards to the summit lies across a boulder field.
The shelter cairn can be seen in the centre of the shot
Made it !! Sue tries to find some shade in the shelter cairn
Click here for a 360 degree view
Looking across to High Crag - High Stile - Red Pike ridge
Looking across to the Mosedale Horseshoe
Scafell Pike and a misty Scafell
The magnificent Great Gable
A close up of Napes Needle on Great Gable
Team selfie on the summit
I venture over to the summit cairn about 20 yards away from the shelter,
whilst Sue strikes her "Christ the Redeemer" pose
Looking down on to Haystacks
As we journyed back down we saw a couple who had somehow got lost coming down
from Great Gable and ended up sliding down the steep scree face.
Nor recommended !!!
Heading back down to Wasdale Head
Almost back down as the sun starts to drop behind Red Pike and Yewbarrow
