Kirk Fell

Kirk Fell

Kirk Fell Group Walks | Join a Walk

802m Elevation
183m Prominence
England Country

Join group walks, find walking companions and friends, or organise your own!

Classifications

Marilyn Sim Hewitt Nuttall Wainwright Birkett Sy Fellranger

Looking for walking companions?

Don't walk alone! Find friendly walkers to explore Kirk Fell together. Join scheduled group walks or start your own.

Elevation

802m

2,631 ft

Prominence

183m

Coordinates

54.4833, -3.2441

NY194104

OS Map

89 90

Explorer: OL4S OL6N

At the Summit

At the summit, there's a prominent stone cairn that serves as a waypoint for hikers. On a clear day, look out for the dramatic views of the surrounding fells and valleys.

Terrain & Geology

Rugged rocky with grassy patches and some boggy areas near the footpaths.

Kirk Fell is primarily composed of Skiddaw slates, which are ancient sedimentary rocks, giving the area its characteristic rugged terrain. The steep faces of the fell display striking rock formations that tell the geological history of the region.

Views & Scenery

From the summit, one can see the stunning Wastwater, the steep crags of Pillar, and the vast expanse of the Lakeland fells. If you're particularly lucky, you might even spot the Isle of Man on a clear day!

History & Heritage

Name Origin

The name 'Kirk Fell' derives from the Old Norse 'kirkja' meaning church, possibly referring to the nearby Church of St. John in Wasdale.

Historical Significance

Kirk Fell is a popular destination for walkers and climbers due to its striking scenery and the challenge it presents, making it a staple in the Lake District hiking community.

Popular Routes

Ennerdale via Black Sail Pass

Moderate

A popular route that takes you through beautiful valleys and offers stunning views as you ascend towards the summit. This route offers a mix of easy pathways and moderate scrambling sections.

9.5 km 4.5 hours

The Icy Path from Wasdale Head

Challenging

Starting at Wasdale Head, this route climbs steadily with a few steeper sections, rewarding climbers with spectacular views of Wastwater, the deepest lake in England. Be prepared for varied terrain!

8 km 4 hours

Getting There & Facilities

Parking

Parking is available at Wasdale Head, but it's limited in size. Alternatively, there are spaces at the Black Sail Youth Hostel, though it may require a longer approach.

Public Transport

The nearest bus service operates to Wasdale Head, but options are limited. Be sure to check the timetables!

Nearby Facilities

There are no facilities at the summit, but the Wasdale Head Inn offers refreshments and toilets for before and after your hike.

Safety Information

Known Hazards

  • Beware of loose rocks and slippery paths, particularly after wet weather. Some sections may require scrambling; take care if you're not confident. The weather can change quickly, so always be prepared!

General Safety Tips

  • Check weather conditions before setting out
  • Carry appropriate clothing and equipment
  • Let someone know your planned route
  • Take a map, compass, and GPS device
  • Carry emergency supplies: food, water, first aid kit, torch

Find Walking Companions

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Hills

Some common questions about the hills answered

Are there group walks up Kirk Fell?

Many walkers use Walkmates to join or organise walks with others. You can check for group walks around Kirk Fell through the maps

Are there other walkers around Kirk Fell?

Activity varies by location and time, but Walkmates lets you see whether others have shared walks or shown interest in this area. Find other people through the walking friends search walking friends for Kirk Fell search or of course create your own walk for Kirk Fell

Can I organise a walk to Kirk Fell?

Yes. If there aren’t any walks listed already, you can create a walk and make it available for others to join.

If you're signed up to Walkmates, you can create a walk to Kirk Fell.

How do I find a walk up this hill?

There are often multiple ways to walk this hill, depending on experience and route preference. Walkmates helps you explore walks and routes that others have shared.

Can I suggest a new route up Kirk Fell?

Yes. You can suggest or create routes to share with others. Walkmates focuses on the social side of walking, so routes are used to help people organise walks and explore areas together, rather than as detailed navigation tools or route libraries.

Other uses really appreciate knowledgeable walkers sharing their routes. Share your favourite route to Kirk Fell here

The is an error or something incorrect about this hill. How do I let you know?

We always strive to keep the information on Walkmates as accurate as possible. If you find an error, please let us know through the contact form and we'll aim to correct it as quickly as possible