Car parks in Wasdale

Family preparing for a day out on the trails in the Lake District with children getting their wellies on while sitting in the open boot of the car. — Getting ready for a day out on the trails | © National Trust Images/James Dobson

Wasdale offers a wide range of terrain to suit every adventurer's perfect day out and has 3 car parks as ideal starting points. Find out parking costs and how to find each of the car parks.

How much does it cost to park in Wasdale?

National Trust members can scan to park for free, but if you’re not a member don't forget some change as due to our rural location there is very limited mobile signal which means we can't take card or phone payment in all the car parks.

Every scan and every penny directly funds our work in the valley to care for wildlife, walls, paths, cottages and farms.

The costs for Lakehead car park are:

£5 up to 2 hours
£7 up to 4 hours
£9 all day

Charges apply at all times.

Both Overbeck and Nether Wasdale car parks do not have a pay and display machine. Please leave a donation in the box provided to help us look after the paths and landscape in Wasdale.

Pay by phone in our car parks

If you don't often carry cash with you, many of our car parks have the option to pay by phone. To do this, you must first download the app to your phone which then allows you to pay for your parking remotely. You can find more information and download the app here: Pay by Phone

We recommend dowloading before you head out in case connection is poor on location.

Check car parking availability in the Lake District

We're working with our partners in the Lake District to safely manage our car parks. You can find the most up to date information and a guide to how busy car parks are today using the Safer Lakes car park tool.

No Overnight Parking

We don't allow overnight parking due to the impact on nature and wildlife, staff resource and visitors. However, motorhomes and campervans are very welcome and well served at our Wasdale campsite which is open year round.

A member of staff at Tarn Hows, Cumbria — A member of staff welcomes visitors to Lake Head car park in Wasdale | © National Trust Images/Paul Harris

Don't always believe the satnav

Please note that in rural locations post codes often cover a wide area so don't always believe the satnav; look for the signs.

Lake Head car park

North of Wastwater, Lake Head car park is a popular starting point for accessing the route to Scafell Pike and the surrounding fells. Our largest car park in the area, it has a large toilet block and welcome centre where you can get information on local trails and mountain safety. Why not stop and talk to our friendly welcome team? We also have maps, compasses, route cards and whistles you can borrow free of charge to keep you safe on your day out.