Wainwright summit: GR: NY19495 10486 2630′ True height: 2631′ 802m
Summary: Kirk Fell is one of the major hills that sit at the top end of Wasdale, it is located between Yewbarrow and Great Gable. It is a huge bulk of a mountain but it is often overlooked by walkers as the near neighbours can be said to have more character and qualities. In general the flanks of Kirk Fell are steep but uniform in gradient. Only its northern flank has areas of pronounced crags in the form of Kirkfell Crags and Boat How Crags. There are really only three angles of approach to the summit, from the east from Beck Head via Rib End, from the north-west climbing up the steep and rough route from Black Sail Pass or from the south-west, the direct route from Wasdale Head to the summit, an almost straight line of attack up the notoriously unrelenting steep path. Tackling the fell by this route is almost a rite of passage for Wainwright “baggers”. I should add that there is also an alternative route from Black Sail Pass to the summit on a lesser used path which climbs up alongside Sail Beck though Baysoar Slack, this can provide a good alternative to the Kirkfell Crags route. The upper reaches of the fell are mostly covered by exposed scree and small boulders. The summit itself is comprised of two areas of high ground with a good sized tarn(s) in the middle. The south-west top being the true summit from where there a wonderful views of the Wasdale giants, Great Gable and the Scafell range. Many fells can be identified further afield, especially to the north-east.
Topographical details: There is a large wind shelter at the top of the fell. This is both the Wainwright summit and the true summit.
Points of interest:
Tarns:
Waterfalls:
Adjoining fells: Great Gable, Pillar
Nearest facilities: Car Parking
Star rating:
Check walks on this fell:
