Lakes - Wasdale, Mosedale horseshoe 2

Mosedale is a typical glacial hanging valley with Ritson's Force at the entrance. (The waterfall was named after the founder of the Wasdale Head Inn).

The route shown omits Kirk Fell as doing so makes it a more acceptable day hike. It is also a pleasanter hike in both views and the easier ascent to Black Sail Pass

1 Park in the car park at Wasadale Head and make for the Wasdale Head Pub/Hotel. Go through the buildings to reach the stream

2 This is where the more difficult High Level Traverse route via Robinson's Cairn drops off to the right. Only for the adventures as there is also a narrow shelf that slopes away, and only in good weather too! It is a steep climb up from Pillar Rock to Pillar summit. The alternative easier route to the top of Pillar is straight on at point 2 and holds no difficulties


3  Straight ahead and up for the short but difficult Stirrup Crag, which should only be done in good weather. It also requires some fitness and physical height to extend the hands to the holds. The alternative is to go right and down the valley alongside and on the right of Over Beck (stream),, which is quieter than the usual left. Having ascended Yewbarrow the top is an easy place to be but the descent off Yewbarrow via Gt Door is a pain (!)
Mosedale Valley flanked by Kirk Fell on the right and Yewbarrow on the left

4 Go over the wall to be on the Lake side for better views