Yewbarrow

Yewbarrow

Yewbarrow rises above the head of Wast Water, its long ridge ending in crags at both ends. At 628.7 metres it is lower than many of the mountains around Wasdale, but the height alone gives little sense of the walking. The approaches through Great Door and over Stirrup Crag involve steep rock and scrambling, while a path on the western side offers a way onto the ridge without tackling either end.

The main summit is marked by a cairn at NY173084. It belongs to the Western Fells and is a Wainwright, Hewitt, Nuttall and HuMP, as well as a sub-Marilyn. Summit details.

The ridge and its views

The southern approach gives a changing view back along Wast Water towards the Screes. Great Door is the striking cleft near the southern end of the ridge, with a sudden view down towards the lake. It deserves care as well as a pause: the ground beyond the opening drops steeply.

Above this rocky section the ridge becomes more open, with grass between outcrops and further rises before the summit cairn. The outlook takes in Scafell and Scafell Pike across Wasdale, with Great Gable and Kirk Fell beyond the valley head. There is a dip north of the main summit before the ridge rises again towards the North Top and Stirrup Crag. Andrew's Walks describes the ascent and the return that avoids the northern crag.

Choosing a route

Great Door with the western return

Overbeck Bridge is the usual starting point for this circuit. A path climbs beside the wall on Yewbarrow's southern slopes before reaching the much rockier ground around Bell Rib and Dropping Crag. The ascent towards Great Door includes scree, rocky steps and places where hands are needed. After reaching the crest, continue along the ridge to the main summit.

The return can leave the ridge at the dip beyond the summit, descending west on the path that traverses below the crags. This joins the lower route in the Over Beck valley and returns to the starting point without descending Stirrup Crag. Finding the correct path matters; the steep fellside is not a place to improvise a shortcut.

Get Lost Mountaineering's circuit is described as 5 km and about 3 to 4 hours. Other published variations are longer: Andrew's route is 4.2 miles, about 6.8 km. Choose a complete route and follow its particular return rather than treating these figures as interchangeable.

Continuing over Stirrup Crag

A full ridge traverse carries on towards the North Top and descends Stirrup Crag to Dore Head before returning through the Over Beck valley. This adds a separate, consequential down-scramble after the main summit. It suits walkers already comfortable choosing a line and moving on exposed rock.

The Great Outdoors' circuit is approximately 6.4 km, with 601 metres of ascent and a suggested 3 to 4 hours. These are planning figures for that circuit, not a promise of how quickly a group will complete it. Allow time for the scrambling and for each person to negotiate awkward steps.

Approaching from the west

The western path can also be used for the ascent. From Overbeck Bridge, continue along the valley below Yewbarrow's western crags rather than turning up towards Great Door. A steep path through a break in the crags reaches the dip between the two main tops, from which the higher summit lies to the south.

This avoids both end scrambles, but still involves steep mountain ground and careful route-finding. The published western approach includes a visit to Dore Head and exploration of the ridge, returning by the western path. Its stated 6 miles, about 9.7 km, and 2,000 feet of ascent describe that extended outing, not a direct return to the main summit.

Rock and landscape

Yewbarrow is part of the Lake District's volcanic landscape. The British Geological Survey describes coarse breccia on the fell within the Lingmell Formation, together with tuffs and other deposits associated with ancient volcanic activity. Breccia contains broken rock fragments; tuff formed from volcanic ash. The fell preserves deposits from several different stages of this volcanic history. BGS geology.

Conditions and preparation

Treat Yewbarrow as a serious fell walk with route-dependent scrambling. Wet slabs reduce grip, loose material needs care, and a slip near the crags can have severe consequences. Stirrup Crag has been the scene of serious falls, including an incident attended by Wasdale Mountain Rescue.

Choose the route for the experience of the whole group. Check the mountain forecast, carry a map and compass and allow enough daylight for the descent. Snow or ice changes the demands of the rocky sections substantially. If conditions or confidence are unsuitable, choose a lower walk.

Getting there and facilities

The National Trust's small Overbeck car park, at NY168068, is the convenient start for the routes above. Bring cash for its pay-and-display machine and check the current parking information before travelling. Toilets and a welcome centre are at Lake Head, a separate car park farther up the valley. National Trust parking information.

Road access to Wasdale is from the A595 at Gosforth. Keep dogs under close control around livestock and take litter home. Wasdale visitor information.

Public transport into the valley is seasonal. The 2026 Wasdale Explorer served Overbeck from Ravenglass via Gosforth and Nether Wasdale, but its season finished at the end of August. Check the National Park's service page for future dates before planning a car-free visit.