Netherbeck Skyline Walking

For most people, getting to Wasdale is a journey so epic it may require assistance from grey wizards with staffs. The temptation is strong, having got there, to throw yourself at the big hills around the dalehead, with Scafell Pike standing in for Mount Doom. But the flanking fells are also well worth exploring, with knobbly summits, deep gullies and no fewer than three tarns tucked into their folds. This route takes a clockwise circuit of the Nether Beck drainage basin, with an excellent finish on the rocky escarpment of Red Pike and the upturned boat of Yewbarrow.

The Wastwater Screes above an inversion from Yewbarrow  © Norman Hadley
The Wastwater Screes above an inversion from Yewbarrow
Fetching Map

Detailed description

1
NY1510105411 From the road junction, take the road signposted towards Gosforth

2
NY1443805594 Turn right at Greendale (a very good place for yellowhammers, incidentally) and head up the obvious path by the stream.

3
NY1429206112 Don't get into the stream bed itself, but head up the broad ridge to Middle Fell. The views get better and better with height.
The Scafells from Middle Fell  © Norman Hadley
The Scafells from Middle Fell
© Norman Hadley, Jul 2022
Amble anticlockwise round the skyline circling Greendale Tarn, to Seatallan.

4
NY1396808400 From Seatallan, there's a surprisingly long and steep drop to the northeast, to the col of "Pots of Ashness". You can ponder what the quality of ashness might be, and how one might pot it, on the steep climb to Haycock. Difficulties can generally be turned on the left.

5
NY1447910708 The wall heading east-north-east is now your guide to Scoat Fell. The option is presented of a quick out-and-back to Steeple if you want to add a seventh Wainwright to your day's tally.

6
NY1611011400 Head south on the dramatic escarpment over Red Pike (the Wasdale one, obviously) and descend to the col of Dore Head.

7
NY1750809510 Scramble sportingly up the rocks of Stirrup Crag to reach the gorgeous crest of Yewbarrow. The Scafells look utterly sensational from here.
The Scafells from Yewbarrow  © Norman Hadley
The Scafells from Yewbarrow
© Norman Hadley, Jul 2021

8
NY1757609133 The traverse of the ridge is not too difficult; I've never found Great Door a significant obstacle. Just make sure you don't go straight on over the nose of Bell Rib without a wingsuit or a jetpack.
The Wastwater Screes above the glassy lake from Yewbarrow  © Norman Hadley
The Wastwater Screes above the glassy lake from Yewbarrow
© Norman Hadley, Jul 2021
Instead, veer right down scree and awkward little rock-steps, then contour back onto the bracken-covered nose of the fell to descend to Overbeck Bridge.
Scafells Symmetry  © Norman Hadley
Scafells Symmetry
© Norman Hadley, Jul 1921

9
NY1680506810 The way back is along the road but you absolutely will not mind a bit of tarmac if you have a clear day. Trust me.
Gable dancing behind veils  © Norman Hadley
Gable dancing behind veils
© Norman Hadley, Jul 2021

This has been viewed 1,178 times

Loading Notifications...
Facebook Twitter Copy Email