Yewbarrow. April 2016

PLEASE NOTE: The GPX trace on this route is for use as a guide only, its accuracy may change depending on the scale of map you are using. Use in combination with judgement and a paper map. We have taken all reasonable steps to ensure these walks are safe and correctly described. However things do change and all outdoor activities involve a degree of risk. The publishers accept no responsibility for any errors or omissions or for any injuries or accidents that occur whilst following this walk. Trail magazine, Copyright Bauer Media Limited.


Yewbarrow is a fell that is well known but maybe not often climbed. From Wasdale its shape is striking, being that of an upturned boat hull, and it features on the Lake District National Park logo, no less. Its steep sides make it appear unassailable and it stands alone circled by higher and grander fells; few happen across Yewbarrow as part of a longer walk. It does offer a great deal: the vista from the top is fabulous and perhaps gives the best views of all to the Scafells and Great Gable, and certainly of Kirk Fell. All four of the Lakeland 3,000-footers can be seen from its summit. Yewbarrow may appear impenetrable from Wasdale, but there is a great way to climb it that misses out the imposing Bell Rib (a definite ‘no-go’ area for walkers). The way up is a mild scramble but the sudden exit at Great Door is a truly memorable event and worthy of the ascent for this moment alone. By way of contrast, the climb and walk along the ridge is almost as easy as can be with the very top section being a straightforward stroll along finest Lakeland turf. Contrast this again with the descent; it is steep and certainly not for the faint-hearted. There are a series of cracks in the rock face that most certainly require care – and hands – when descending. Following the line of descent the correct route can just be made out, giving hope that you are not the only person ever to have come this way! After the initial section, the descent becomes easier as it turns into a typical rough and loose path. After taking in the magni cence of the surroundings down at Dore Head, it is once more an easy walk along the grassy lower slopes of Yewbarrow to reach the car park at Overbeck.

Distance 6.2km (3¾ miles)

Total ascent 585m

Time 2½ hours

Start/Finish Overbeck car park, Wasdale (NY167068)

Nearest town Gosforth

Terrain typical Lake District terrain with grassy and rocky sections; the ascent and descent are Grade 1 scrambles and extra care is needed; some of the route is pathless and is not recommended in poor weather conditions

Accommodation The Strands Inn, Nether Wasdale (01946) 726237 www.thestrands inn.com; The Wasdale Head Inn (01946) 726229 www.wasdale.com; Wasdale Head National Trust Campsite (01946) 726220 www.nationaltrust.org.uk

Public transport trains to Seascale; Bus 6/6s Whitehaven – Muncaster to Nether Wasdale (no service into Wasdale) www.stagecoachbus.com

Tourist info www.lakedistrict.gov.uk

NY167068 Head north-west from the car park on the narrow path alongside Over Beck. Pass through a kissing gate and climb stone steps up to the right to another gate. Bell Rib looms impressively above but do not be alarmed, the way is around this not over it. Rise to the fence and keeping to the right of it, climb steeply up alongside it to a wall stile. Cross it and follow the slanting path for a short way until it forks.



NY168074 Follow the path, climbing more steeply to the right, firstly up a stone stairway before it turns to loose scree hugging the base of the crag. When the angle eases, cross a wide scree run to a plateau above a short section of stone wall on Dropping Crag. 10m beyond the way up climbs steeply up to the right, following a gully full of loose stones. An easier way is to keep left on the easier rocks and heather. At the top of the gully keep to the left for a memorable moment climbing out suddenly and dramatically at Great Door.



NY170077 Great Door is an impressive narrow rock cleft high above Wast Water. Bear left to climb the narrow ridge; after a short distance there there is another, wider cleft to cross. The safest option is to descend left before climbing back to the ridge. Continue the climb to the large cairn that marks the summit of Yewbarrow.

NY173084 Yewbarrow summit offers fine views of some of its higher near neighbours such as Great Gable and the Scafells. It is perhaps more notable for the fact that all four of the Lakes’ 3,000-footers can be seen from here on a clear day. Continue along the easy ridge to climb to another cairn marking a subsidiary summit. Beyond is a dip rising to a third cairn which marks the top of Stirrup Crag and the descent.



NY176092 The descent begins steeply with a couple of tricky sections to negotiate and where care needs to be taken as this is firmly a ’hands-on’ descent. When the tricky section has been safely negotiated, the severity lessens and the rocky clamber makes way for a loose path which heads directly to Dore Head.

NY174095 From Dore Head, descend to the south-west along a sketchy path sticking to the contour of the western side of Yewbarrow. The descent becomes steeper and crosses through a gate in the wall before joining the path left earlier in ascent. Descend once more alongside the wall to head back to the car park at Overbeck Bridge.