iKnow Lake District
- Ambleside
- Near Ambleside
- Bowness on Windermere
- Windermere
- Coniston
- Grasmere
- Hawkshead
- West Lake District
West Lakes Western Fells Lake District Tourist Information
The Western Fells, some have said, are the most striking in the Lake District. Here you'll find England's highest mountain, Scafell Pike. Scafell is an enormous circular cairn which is now crumbling and has a boulder-ridden summit. Spectacular views of course to be found at the top! Also in the Western Fells are eleven of the 28 National Nature Reserves in Cumbria.
Each valley has its own 'look' and atmosphere, from the austerity and moods of Wasdale and the welcoming green of Eskdale, to the peace and quiet of the Buttermere Valley and hidden gems like Crummock Water and Loweswater.
Wastwater and Scarfell Pike. England's Deepest Lake and Highest Mountain
The water in Wastwater is rather cold and not much lives in this Lakeland lake, except of course the famous arctic char which have thrived here since the Ice Age. They spawn between November and March.
Wastwater is the deepest lake in Britain, at a depth of 86 metres; Scafell Pike is England's highest mountain, at a height of 977 metres, and both are near St Olaf's Church, believed to be England's smallest church.
The glacial sculpting of the Wasdale valley has formed an amphitheatre with the views back down the valley stretching to the coast and beyond, right to the Isle of Man across the Irish Sea.
Eskdale and the Eskdale Valley
This beautiful valley in the Western Lakes is a prize. The River Esk runs down to the sea from the fells, running through Great Moss past Scafell Pike. Along it's route you'll discover numerous waterfalls.
The river Esk starts it's journey to the sea from high in the fells at Esk Hause, passing through Great Moss at the base of Scafell Pike then tumbling down through a narrow gorge and a series of waterfalls. The stream swelled by many becks becomes a rive
Within the valley lie the villages of Boot, Eskdale Green and Ravenglass, a Narrow Gauge Railway, a Castle, 2 Corn Mills, several Galleries, 3 Campsites, 7 Inns and much much more.
Buttermere, Wainwright and Hay Stacks!
Buttermere is steeped in the spirit of Wainwright, his ashes are scattered on the surrounding peaks. Wainwright's favourite hills surround Buttermere, just over a mile in length. It is possible to walk all the way around the lake at Buttermere. Red Pike, at Buttermere is a challenging yet inspiring 2479 feet high. Sourmilk Gill waterfalls are also in the Buttermere area.
The two and a half miles of Crummock Water is located near to Scale Force, the Lake District's highest waterfall at 120 feet. Ennerdale Valley is two and a half miles in length. Perhaps the most peaceful of the English Lakes, Ennerdale nestles among forest and fells, Ennerdale Water is crystal clear water with no public road running round its shores.
Hay Stacks, the old shaggy terrier itself and geologically created for the 'man' trying to get a persistent problem out of his head, get to the top and away with those cares and worries you poor old souls!!!! Wainwright clearly had a particular affection for Haystacks, set within the Buttermere and Ennerdale mountain range.
From the way he writes about Hay Stacks, watch the spelling - two words!, it seems to be the surprises around every corner of this fell which really grab him! Tarns with and without islands, sharp peaks, crags, screes, heather, marshes and more. (See Hay stacks 2-12, The Western Fells, Book 7)
Walking Buttermere, Crummock Water & Loweswater
There are many forest trails and public paths to reap the benefits of this isolation. Anglers Crag appears to be standing guard to the entrance to the Ennerdale and provides a superb view into the valley and towards the famous mountains Haycock, Steeple and Pillar at the valley head. Loweswater is about a mile in length and nearby Holme Wood has a lovely waterfall.
Three lakes, Buttermere, Crummock Water and nearby Loweswater together with surrounding lakeland peaks provide great walking in this easily reached valley, it's just fifteen minutes from Keswick and Cockermouth. Magnificent nature predominates with little to disturb it apart from the hamlet of Buttermere, a small church, two hotels and a number of small B and Bs, a campsite and a youth hostel.
The walking can be tough if you head for the high tops or much more gentle if you so prefer. Little bits of Buttermere have found their way around the world, especially in the form of roofing slate. Green slate is mined at the head of the valley at the Honister Slate Mine.
