Routes

Planner

Features

Updates

App

Login or Signup

Get the App

Login or Signup

Discover
Places to see
Natural Monuments
United Kingdom
England
North West England
Cumbria
Copeland
Eskdale

Illgill Head

Highlight • Viewpoint

Illgill Head

Hiking

5.0

(44)

Running

5.0

(1)

This Wainwright is most commonly known for its breathtaking western face, part of the Wastwater Screes. While the fell tumbles down into the lake below, hikes up Illgill Head provide an altogether different vantage point. With a summit at 1,998 feet (609 m), there are plenty of outstanding views to be had on the very edge of Lakeland.

Approaching from the north, hiking trails up Illgill Head are straightforward with its grass and bracken-covered shoulder. Looking west, the fell crumbles suddenly down to Wastwater, opening up the views to the opposite fells and the eye-catching Yewbarrow. To the north east, the impressive Sca Fells dominate the horizon. To the south west, gaze across farmland to the Irish Sea, just a stone’s throw away.

Snow and ice do descend on Illgill Head sometimes in winter and great care should be taken in such conditions if attempted. Always take the appropriate equipment and don’t underestimate the changeable weather.

This Highlight is in a protected area

Please check local regulations for:

Lake District National Park

Save

Share

  • More

  • Location: Eskdale, Copeland, Cumbria, North West England, England, United Kingdom

    Save

    Share

  • More

  • Take Me There

    Tips

    June 11, 2021

    Hiking

    Illgill Head is a Wainwright Fell that I've hiked 3 times. Once in beautiful sunshine, once in the dark and most recently in a glorious summer haze. It never disappoints. The walk between Illgill Head and Whin Rigg offers wonderful views down to Wast Water, and I particularly love the view to Great Gable, Kirk Fell and Yewbarrow from here. A great 609m mountain!

    October 7, 2020

    Hiking

    For ease we walked along the lakeside road on the oppisite side to Whin Rigg and Illgill Head in order to avoid the screes. Brilliant views of the Scafell Pike range and Burnmoor Tarn on the way down.

    June 30, 2021

    Hiking

    Set out from the National Trust car park at 7.30am in the morning on a blue sky day and by 8.30am we were on the top and couldn't see 50m in front....bummer!
    guide_signup

    In the know? Log-in to add a tip for other adventurers!

    Sign up for free

    Nearby routes

    Best routes near Illgill Head

    placeholder

    4.8

    (21)

    181

    hikers

    #1.

    Illgill Head & Wast Water loop from Wasdale Head — Lake District National Park

    17.0km

    05:48

    700m

    700m

    Hard hike. Very good fitness required. Mostly accessible paths. Sure-footedness required.

    Navigate with device

    Send to Phone

    Hard
    placeholder

    4.5

    (17)

    184

    hikers

    Hard hike. Very good fitness required. Mostly accessible paths. Sure-footedness required.

    Hard
    placeholder

    Hard hike. Very good fitness required. Sure-footedness, sturdy shoes and alpine experience required.

    Hard

    Details

    Informations

    Elevation 600 m

    Good to know

    Family Friendly

    yes

    Wheelchair access

    no

    Dog Friendly

    yes

    Weather

    Powered by Foreca

    Saturday 13 June

    18°C

    9°C

    -- %

    Additional weather tips

    Max wind speed: -- km/h

    Most visited during

    January

    February

    March

    April

    May

    June

    July

    August

    September

    October

    November

    December

    Location: Eskdale, Copeland, Cumbria, North West England, England, United Kingdom

    Other Popular Places to Check Out

    View of Wast Water

    Explore
    RoutesRoute plannerFeaturesHikesMTB TrailsRoad cycling routesBikepackingSitemap
    Download the app
    Follow Us on Socials

    © komoot GmbH

    Privacy Policy