1. Ravenglass to Wasdale Head

Your Ravenber Way adventure begins in Ravenglass, a village with a rich history, on the West coast of Cumbria. Sheltered from the sea by a natural harbour Ravengalass sits at the heart of the estuary where three rivers, the Irt, Mite and Esk, join. It is largely unspoilt and provides a wonderful backdrop for the start of your coast to coast walk.

Don’t forget the coast to coast custom of dipping your toe in the sea before setting off!

The route leaves Ravenglass beside Walls Castle, a Roman Bath House and passes Munster Castle before heading along Eskdale to Eskdale Green. Passing Miterdale and into the Mitedale Forest the route climbs to reach Irton Fell and then proceeds along the top to Whin Rigg and Illgill Head. From here it’s downhill to Wasdale Head with an Inn, toilets and an outdoor shop.

The guidebook provides an alternative route from Rabbit How, missing the Whin Rigg section, to travel further up Eskdale to the attractive hamlet of Boot. From Boot it’s a direct route, pass Burnmoor Tarn, to re-join the main route before Wasdale Head. Or higher level alternative routes include Boot to Great Langdale, via Three Tarns and The Band or from Boot to Wasdale Head via Scafell.


Distance: 13 miles (20.9 km)
Total distance: 13 miles (20.9 km)
Ascent: 928 metres
Descent: 853 metres
Highest elevation: Illgill Head: West Cairn 603m. Summit Cairn 609m
Terrain: Low undulating fells. Woodland, and a high level grassy ridge with magnificent views.

Places of interest:
Accommodation:

Start of the route
Along the main route
End of Section 1 on the main route
Along the alternative routes
End of Section 1 on the alternative route to Langdale

Get the Guidebook


Download file for GPS

OS Map: Lake District South Western Area OL6