Illgill Head

Illgill Head

Illgill Head rises to 608.8 metres above the eastern side of Wastwater, at the higher end of the ridge it shares with Whin Rigg. From the lake the fell presents a steep wall of crags and scree. Above it, grassy ground gives walkers room to follow the ridge without staying close to the drop. It is one of Wainwright’s Southern Fells and a natural partner for Whin Rigg on a full day’s walk.

Finding the summit

Three features deserve attention around the top. The highest point is a small rock outcrop at NY1689804924. Nearby stands a stone windshelter, while the larger cairn on the ridge farther southwest, around NY165048, marks the Wainwright top. The cairn and shelter are useful landmarks, but neither is the highest point. Visiting both tops makes sense if you are working through the Wainwrights as well as seeking the true summit.

There are wide views towards the mountains surrounding Wasdale Head, including Yewbarrow, Kirk Fell, Great Gable and Lingmell. The changing angle of Wastwater below is a reason to continue along the ridge. Choose a secure place to stop rather than moving towards a cliff edge for a clearer photograph.

A circuit from Brackenclose

A substantial circuit starts at Lake Head car park near Brackenclose, climbs Illgill Head, continues over Whin Rigg and descends beside Greathall Gill. The return crosses the River Irt at Lund Bridge and follows the western side of Wastwater back to the start. This route avoids the lakeshore scree traverse, but includes a long road section with traffic.

WalkLakes gives its complete circuit as 15.8 km with 674 metres of ascent and a minimum walking time of 4 hours 17 minutes. Allow additional time for rests, navigation and slow ground. Its plotted line uses the narrow path near the crags; a broader path also follows the middle of the ridge, away from the edge. The precise distance will depend on which line you choose.

The ascent approaches from the north, initially sharing the way towards Burnmoor Tarn before turning onto Illgill Head. Expect a sustained climb and wall stiles. Beyond Whin Rigg, the descent alongside Greathall Gill is steep and needs care, particularly when wet. Plan the whole return before setting out, rather than treating the lake below as an easy way back.

The ridge and the Screes

The Wastwater Screes beneath the ridge are a separate, demanding undertaking. Wasdale Mountain Rescue identifies the southern boulder field beneath Whin Rigg as a frequent place for walkers and dogs to become stuck. Large gaps between loose rocks, difficult footing and a faint line through the boulders can make progress much slower than expected.

Do not try to bypass that boulder field by climbing above it, or take a direct shortcut from the ridge down towards the lake. These choices can lead into dangerous crags and gullies. For a summit walk, stay with your planned ridge route and recognised descent. Keep dogs under close control around livestock and steep drops.

Volcanic rock

Illgill Head belongs to the Borrowdale Volcanic Group. Its geology includes welded volcanic deposits of the Airy’s Bridge Formation and the overlying Lingmell Tuff Formation. The latter contains tuff and coarse breccia, preserving material from ancient eruptions and associated flows and falls of rock. The British Geological Survey also describes the scree below Illgill Head as postglacial, with bare sections still active. The loose slopes are part of a landscape that continues to change.

Getting there

The National Trust’s Lake Head car park, NY182075, serves the Brackenclose approach. Parking charges apply, and the site has toilets and a welcome centre. Space in Wasdale is limited, so leave access clear and use designated parking. Carry the food, water, clothing and navigation equipment you need for the full walk.

Public transport into the valley is seasonal. The Wasdale Explorer has linked Ravenglass, Gosforth and Nether Wasdale with Wasdale Head, but its 2026 summer season ended in August. Check the National Park’s current service information before relying on a bus for either end of your walk.

This is exposed fell country despite the grassy ridge. Check the mountain forecast, allow for poor visibility and short daylight, and carry a headtorch. Snow or ice can make the steep sections much more serious. Mobile coverage is patchy in Wasdale, so have your route available offline and a map and compass you can use.