Great Gable from Wasdale Head
Cumbria
Great Gable stands at 899m above the head of Wasdale, a near-perfect pyramid of scree and crag that is one of the most beloved summits in the Lake District. The direct ascent from Wasdale Head follows Gavel Neese and the steep slog above Beck Head before a final rocky scramble to the cairn, with a memorial plaque to the fell walkers lost in the First World War. This is a dog friendly hill in the sense that dogs on lead are welcome throughout, but the terrain is steep and stony and not suitable for every four legged companion.
Park at the National Trust car park at Wasdale Head, pay and display and free for members, where Herdwick sheep graze right up to the wall and dogs must be on a short lead from the off. The ascent is relentlessly steep with loose scree in the upper section, demanding good paws and a dog who will not pull on exposed ground. There are no facilities on the mountain and no reliable water once above the valley floor. The Wasdale Head Inn and nearby Barn Door Shop are the only refreshment options at the trailhead.
At a Glance
- Distance
- 7.0 km (4.3 miles)
- Difficulty
- Challenging
- Duration
- 5 hr
- Walk Type
- Peak, Moorland
- Route Type
- Out and Back
- Off Lead Potential
- None
- Livestock Risk
- High
- Facilities
- Wasdale Head Inn and Barn Door Shop at the trailhead; nothing on the fell.
- Parking
- National Trust pay and display car park at Wasdale Head, free for members, busy in summer.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Great Gable from Wasdale Head dog friendly?
Great Gable is dog friendly in that dogs on lead are welcome throughout the route, earning it a 6 out of 10 on our dog friendly rating. That said, the terrain is steep, stony and demanding — this is a mountain rather than a moorland stroll, and it's best suited to dogs who are confident and steady on rough ground.
Can dogs be off lead at Great Gable from Wasdale Head?
Dogs need to be kept on a lead for the entirety of this walk. Herdwick sheep graze right up to the car park walls, so a short lead is required from the moment you arrive, and the steep, exposed upper section makes on-lead walking a sensible and necessary precaution throughout.
What should I know before visiting Great Gable from Wasdale Head with my dog?
The ascent involves loose scree, a steep relentless climb and a rocky scramble near the summit at 899m, so your dog will need good sure-footedness and shouldn't be a puller on exposed ground. There are no facilities or reliable water sources once you leave the valley floor, so bring plenty of water for both of you. At the trailhead, the Wasdale Head Inn and the Barn Door Shop are your only options for refreshments before or after the walk.
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