Join
Enjoy access to more than 500 places with National Trust membership. Join today and help protect nature, beauty and history – for everyone, for ever.
Wasdale
Towering mountains and the deepest lake in England
Lake Head car park, near Seascale, Cumbria, CA20 1EX
Important notice
Contractors will be in Overbeck car park starting 24 November 2023 as improvement works begin on the site. Please use Lake Head car park until works are completed. We apologise for any inconvenience and look forward to welcoming you soon.
Opening times for 8 December 2023
Asset Opening time Countryside Dawn - Dusk Wasdale Campsite Dawn - Dusk MTWTFSS2728293012345678910111213141516171819202122232425262728293031OpenPartially openClosedCar park
National Trust car parks at Lakehead, Overbeck and Nether Wasdale. These are pay and display car parks, free for members. When you scan your membership card, general funds get re-directed to help us look after the valleys, mountains and paths in Wasdale. We don't allow overnight parking due to the impact on nature and wildlife, staff resource and visitors.
Toilet
National Trust toilet block at our Lakehead car park.
Dogs
Dogs are welcome to our outdoor properties but please keep them under close control to protect stock and wildlife. Take a look at our Canine Code and enjoy a great day out with your pup!
Much of the countryside is steep and rugged. Accessible toilet at Lakehead car park
Accessible toilet
The toilet block at our Lakehead car park is accessible.
By road
Wasdale 5 miles east of A595, turning at Gosforth.
Parking: Lake Head (OS: NY 182075) and Overbeck (OS: NY 168068) for Wasdale small car park (OS: NY 127038) for Nether Wasdale. Please ensure social distancing. You can find up to date information at www.saferlakes.co.uk
By train
Nearest train station is Seascale.
By bicycle
The nearest Sustrans national cycling route is route 72 along the Cumbrian coast from Kendal to Silloth. There are a number of mountain biking opportunities in the Wasdale area and around Gosforth and Nether Wasdale.
Planning your visit
Article
Visiting Wasdale with your dog
Wasdale is a one pawprint rated place. Find out all you need to know about bringing your furry side-kick on an adventure around the lake shore, in the valleys and up the fells.
Article
Car parks in Wasdale
There are 3 National Trust car parks in Wasdale. Find out parking costs and how to find each of the car parks.
Highlights
Wastwater
The deepest lake in the Lake District, designated a special area of conservation and surrounded by spectacular fells and dramatic wilderness.
Things to see and do
Article
Things to see and do in Wasdale
Explore Wasdale to discover England’s highest mountain peak and its deepest lake, and everything else that this area of the Lake District has to offer.
Top trails
Trail
Greendale and Middle Fell walk
Enjoy a quieter walk from Wasdale into the Western Fells, exploring above Wastwater on a circular route to Greendale Tarn and the summit of Middle Fell.
Trail
Pillar trail from Wasdale Head
Few places in the Lake District have views to compete with those from the Pillar summit, but this route there involves a ascent of over 800m so a high level of fitness required.
Trail
Nether Wasdale and Hollow Moor by mountain bike
This route offers a great mix of biking terrain from valley bottom and lakeside lanes, to a steep bridleway climb and high-level cruising – all with magnificent views.
Places to stay
Wasdale Hall Lodge
A stone cottage with traditional furnishings located in the remote valley of Wasdale.
Bird How
A remote cottage in the Eskdale valley offering a peaceful retreat in the Lake District.
About Wasdale
Wasdale is a remote farming community surrounded by spectacular fells and dramatic wilderness. The fells have been an inspiration for mountaineers, climbers and poets for decades and remain a magnificent setting for an adventure to suit everyone.
The Wasdale fells are also home to important wildlife habitats and the lake of Wastwater is so special it has been designated a special area of conservation.
So, come and see for yourself - climb a fell, take your dog for a walk in Low Wood or explore the shores of Wastwater. You can even come and volunteer with our Rangers and help improve our wildlife habitats.
However you chose to enjoy Wasdale please spare a thought for the people, animals and plants that live here. Please take your litter away with you – there are no bins in the wild.
History
Article
The history of Wasdale
Discover the diverse history of the valley of Wasdale, one of the most significant sites in the National Trust’s Lake District portfolio, from Mesolithic times up to the present day.
Our work
Article
Our work in Wasdale
Discover more about our restoration projects at Wasdale and Scafell Pike and how hydro power in the West Lakes is making a difference to our fossil fuel usage.
Foundation for Commons Land and the Upland Commons Project
Did you know that along with farmers and other commoners, we look after approximately 16,000 hectares of common land in the North and West Lake District? This includes parts of Kinniside, Stockdale Moor and Nether Wasdale commons. Click here to learn more about the Upland Commons Project, the history of commoning and what we are doing to make sure these important stretches of land continue to support people, livestock and wildlife as they have done for centuries.
Support us
Fix The Fells Appeal
The Lake District is a popular place to visit, but this means the footpaths become eroded which, along with weather events and climate change means the fells are in need of repair. Money from this appeal will directly improve this unique UNESCO World Heritage landscape.
Volunteer with us
Search for live volunteering opportunities, or register your interest with Wasdale.