Wast Water is a region in the western Lake District National Park, defined by its dramatic glacial landscapes and rugged terrain, making it a prime location for outdoor activities. England's deepest lake is cradled by some of the country's highest mountains, including Scafell Pike, and features the distinctive Wastwater Screes. This unique geography provides varied environments for several sports like hiking, touring cycling, mountain biking, road cycling, and more.
Wast Water offers more than…
140
Routes
4.5
(527)
Average rating
9184
People visited

3.0
(2)
1,971
riders
30.4km
01:58
390m
390m
Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

4.6
(5)
62
riders
38.3km
02:22
330m
330m
Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

4.5
(2)
720
riders
59.8km
04:28
1,360m
1,360m
Hard bike ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

5.0
(1)
470
riders
19.4km
01:12
180m
180m
Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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5.0
(2)
11
riders
15.8km
01:22
250m
240m
Moderate mountain bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Advanced riding skills necessary.

4.5
(6)
24
riders
25.7km
02:23
600m
590m
Moderate mountain bike ride. Good fitness required. Advanced riding skills necessary.

5.0
(1)
19
riders
35.0km
02:49
640m
640m
Moderate mountain bike ride. Good fitness required. Advanced riding skills necessary.

5.0
(1)
9
riders
19.2km
01:42
350m
350m
Moderate mountain bike ride. Good fitness required. Advanced riding skills necessary.
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4.7
(66)
237
hikers
8.52km
02:14
60m
60m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

4.6
(38)
366
hikers
9.28km
04:31
740m
740m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Mostly accessible paths. Sure-footedness required.

4.7
(55)
200
hikers
9.16km
02:27
110m
110m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

4.9
(44)
257
hikers
4.69km
01:21
110m
110m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
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4.8
(8)
83
hikers
8.52km
05:00
890m
890m
Hard mountaineering route. Very good fitness required. Sure-footedness, sturdy shoes and alpine experience required.

4.0
(2)
36
hikers
17.5km
06:21
880m
880m
Hard mountaineering route. Very good fitness required. Sure-footedness, sturdy shoes and alpine experience required.

7
hikers
10.1km
04:59
760m
760m
Hard mountaineering route. Good fitness required. Sure-footedness, sturdy shoes and alpine experience required.

5
hikers
12.2km
05:37
890m
890m
Hard mountaineering route. Very good fitness required. Sure-footedness, sturdy shoes and alpine experience required.
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5.0
(1)
72
riders
32.9km
01:31
400m
400m
Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.

41
riders
Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.

33
riders
60.9km
02:50
610m
610m
Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Some segments of this route may be unpaved and difficult to ride.

27
riders
76.1km
04:21
1,720m
1,720m
Hard road ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.
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53
runners
26.7km
04:33
1,640m
1,640m
Hard run. Very good fitness required. Sure-footedness, sturdy shoes and alpine experience required.

5.0
(1)
48
runners
15.7km
02:48
890m
890m
Hard run. Very good fitness required. Sure-footedness, sturdy shoes and alpine experience required.

3.0
(1)
19
runners
12.8km
02:22
800m
810m
Hard run. Very good fitness required. Sure-footedness, sturdy shoes and alpine experience required.

13
runners
9.61km
01:02
130m
130m
Moderate run. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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Wast Water is known for being England's deepest lake, plunging 258 feet (79 meters). It is surrounded by some of England's highest mountains, including Scafell Pike, and features the dramatic Wastwater Screes. The region's rugged, glacial landscape contributes to its unique character.
Wast Water offers a variety of outdoor activities, including hiking, touring cycling, mountain biking, and road cycling. Jogging and mountaineering are also popular sports in the area. There are more than 40 routes available for exploration.
Wast Water is a premier destination for hiking, with Wasdale Head serving as a primary starting point for ascents of Scafell Pike and Great Gable. Footpaths also run the length of the lake. More information on routes can be found in the guide Hiking around Wast Water.
Yes, Wast Water offers hiking options suitable for families. These routes are typically less strenuous and designed to be enjoyable for all ages. Specific options are detailed in the guide Family-friendly hikes around Wast Water.
The road winding along the lakeshore offers impressive views for road cyclists. The wider area provides various road cycling routes suitable for different skill levels. Explore options in the guide Road Cycling Routes around Wast Water.
The Wasdale area provides numerous mountain biking opportunities, though some routes can be challenging and technical. Information on suitable trails can be found in the guide MTB Trails around Wast Water.
Key natural features include Wast Water itself, England's deepest lake, and the surrounding high mountains like Scafell Pike, Great Gable, and Kirk Fell. The distinctive Wastwater Screes, steep slopes of broken rock, rise dramatically from the lake's edge. The entire Wasdale Valley is a U-shaped glacial valley.
Wast Water is a popular destination on komoot, with more than 133,000 visitors sharing their experiences. The 46 routes available in the region have received an average rating of 4.47 out of 5 stars from over 10,000 ratings.
Yes, komoot offers several guides for Wast Water, covering various sports and interests. Examples include Hiking around Wast Water, Family-friendly hikes around Wast Water, and MTB Trails around Wast Water.
Information regarding public transport access to hiking trails in the area is available. The guide Hikes from bus stations around Wast Water provides details on routes accessible via public transport.
Yes, there are options for traffic-free cycling in the Wast Water area. These routes provide a safer and more relaxed experience away from vehicle traffic. Details can be found in the guide Traffic-free bike rides around Wast Water.
The highest mountain near Wast Water is Scafell Pike, which is also England's highest mountain. It stands at 3,209 feet (978 meters) and forms part of the dramatic backdrop to the lake.

