Illgill Head and Whin Rigg (Wasdale)
2 Wainwrights in the central and western Lake District, climbed together from Wasdale Head.
- Distance
- 15.2 km
- Ascent
- 720 m
- Time
- 4.5–6.5 h
- Grade
- Moderate
- Route
- Circular
- High point
- 609 m
Drag along the profile to see where you are on the map.
Offline navigation is coming in the TRXO app. Hear when it launches.
Route mapped on from OpenStreetMap paths, with heights from EU-DEM terrain data; not yet checked on the ground by TRXO. Added to TRXO on . For planning only: always navigate with an up-to-date map such as OS Explorer or Harvey. How we make our routes.
About this walk
Illgill Head and Whin Rigg (Wasdale) is a moderate 15.2 km circular walk with 720 m of ascent, taking 4.5 to 6.5 hours. It starts at Wasdale Head (grid reference NY 181 078). It climbs 2 listed hills, the highest Illgill Head at 609 m.
This round takes in 2 Wainwrights in the central and western Lake District: Illgill Head and Whin Rigg (Wasdale). Illgill Head is the highest at 609 m (1,997 ft). It stands well clear of its neighbours, so the summit view is a wide one.
From Wasdale Head, paths lead most of the way to the top. It links the summits by the easiest line between them, then returns to the start.
Route
-
1
The approach
From Wasdale Head, follow the path towards Illgill Head.
-
2
The summits
Climb Illgill Head, then continue to Whin Rigg (Wasdale).
-
3
Return
Descend and return to the start.
Summits
609 m
537 m
Questions about this walk
- How long does Illgill Head and Whin Rigg (Wasdale) take?
- Most walkers take 4.5–6.5 hours for the 15.2 km route, which has 720 m of ascent. That allows for short stops; give yourself longer in winter, in poor weather or with a group.
- Where does the walk start, and where can I park?
- It starts at Wasdale Head (grid reference NY 181 078). Use a car park if there's one nearby; otherwise park considerately and don't block gates, passing places or farm tracks.
- Can I get there by public transport?
- Not easily: there's no regular bus or train to the start, so you'll need a car, a lift or a long walk in.
- How hard is it?
- It's graded moderate. Fell paths for most of the way: steep, stony or boggy in places.
- Which hills does it climb?
- Illgill Head (609 m, Wainwright); Whin Rigg (Wasdale) (537 m, Wainwright).
- Can I take my dog?
- Yes, dogs are welcome on this walk. Before you go: Sheep graze the lower slopes: keep dogs on a lead, especially during lambing (April and May).
Walked this? Tell the next walker
No reviews, condition reports, walkers' photos or trip reports for this walk yet. Yours would be the first.
