Walk Nether wasdale – Lake District, Cumbria England

Low level circular walk from Nether Wasdale to Wastwater shore. Gorgeous views of the surrounding valley, summits and Wastwater lake. Possible to stop for a swim in the lake.

Nether Wasdale walk information:

  • Distance: 8km
  • Duration: 2h
  • Ascent: 102m
  • Level: Easy
  • Car park: Free at Nether Wasdale, CA20 1ET
  • Dog friendly: Yes- small section on the road

We chose this hike because we wanted to go swimming in Wastwater Lake after walking. It is the deepest lake in England and is surrounded by the highest mountains in the Lake District: Red Pike, Kirk Fell, Great Gable and Scafell Pike. It is one of the most beautiful lakes to swim freely but one of the coldest.

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This hike starts from the village of Nether Wasdale which is located south of the lake. It goes towards the lake, then follows the banks for a moment before leaving through the valley and towards the village. This hike is easy and quite feasible with children. There is just a small part on the road at the end.

Here are the key steps to do this hike:

  • From the parking, turn right on the road towards Santon Bridge. Cross the small river and take the path on the left towards Easthwaite Farm. Continue on the path until you reach the farm. Cross the farm and continue straight to the pumping station. From this place the view is absolutely superb.
  • Walk back in the opposite direction following the path along the river until you reach a stone bridge.
  • Cross the bridge then turn right on the path. Continue on this trail for a while. You will arrive at the foot of the lake, then at Wasdale Hall until you reach the main road. At the level of the road turn left. Walk on the road for a little while until you see a path on the right that goes through the forest.
  • Follow this path, pass the first gate and continue straight on the path. You will have to pass several gates and you just have to continue straight on the main path, until you get back on the main road. At the level of the road turn right and follow it until the parking.
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At the pumping station

After the hike, we took the car and parked at Wasdale Hall where it is possible to access the lakeshore easily. There is like a small beach with picnic tables. An idyllic place to spend the afternoon with family. That day the lake was so warm that we did not need a wetsuit. It was really nice to swim in this lake after hiking I highly recommend it.

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I enjoyed this hike because it is easy, accessible, the trail is well indicated and especially because it offers magnificent views of the peaks. The small bathing session at the end is a pleasure.

Do you know this place?

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Find all our dog friendly walks in the Lake District National Park in this page. To read our adventures in the UK it is here.

16 thoughts on “Walk Nether wasdale – Lake District, Cumbria England

      1. Je n’ai passé qu’une semaine à Wastwater. La rando au sommet de Yewbarrow est top, avec un très beau panorama du lac (il fait pratiquer de l’escalade pour accéder au sommet, mais c’est pas trop difficile). Bien sûr il y a Scafell Pike aussi, j’imagine que quand le ciel est dégagé les vues sont magnifiques, mais il y avait trop de brouillard quand nous y étions! Près de Boot (au sud de Wastwater) il y a Eskdale Mill et aussi quelques chutes d’eau; c’est une rando tranquille pour un aprèm/une soirée en été.

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