Wasdale and the Western Lake District Walking Weekend
Enjoy a social weekend in the stunning Western Lakes, with two nights' accommodation, all meals included, and two days of guided walks—perfect for connecting with like-minded walkers over great food and shared adventures.
Experience Type: Multi-Day Experience
Duration: 2 nights
Accommodation: Hostel
Group Size: Maximum 40
Level: Leisurely & Active walks on offer (subject to participant numbers)
Age: 18+
Dogs: No dogs, except trained assistance dogs
In a Nutshell
Explore the hills and lakeside of Wasdale and Wast Water knowing that wherever we walk, we'll be surrounded by giants.
Alongside the hills, we'll also have the option of woodland walks, or even a trip to the coast.
Stay in the National Trust owned 1820's Wasdale Hall, which stands next to England's deepest lake.
Relax and re-charge, with all meals from Friday evening to Sunday morning included.
Book today…
A relaxing weekend in western Lakeland...
The perfect location to admire Britain's mountains while making new friends and relaxing in the enchanting Lake District, Wasdale has it all. You'll be able to gaze out from the gardens at England's deepest lake and her highest peak, while being part of a sociable group where the emphasis is on enjoying the Lake District and sharing a meal together at the end of the day.
We can offer a limited number of free Pickups at Oxenholme Train Station at 3pm and can drop you back off there after the final walk on Sunday (approx. 3-5pm, please book onward travel accordingly - i.e. an open return ticket - to allow for flexibility with the return time). If required, please select this optional extra when making your booking, subject to availability.
Our home for the weekend is the YHA’s Wasdale Hall, right next to the lake of Wast Water. Not only do we have ideal access to the fells surrounding Wasdale, but walks could also include the woodlands at the end of the valley and in neighbouring Eskdale. Wherever we head, we'll be spoilt for choice, always in the knowledge that at the end of the day we'll be retiring to a beautiful hostel with great company and excellent food.
Suggested Itinerary
Here’s what we’ve got planned - of course, we may have to offer alternatives or make amendments if the weather misbehaves or other unexpected situations arise!
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You’re welcome to arrive at Wasdale Hall from 5pm onwards, where your Large Outdoors host will be waiting to greet you. Once you’re settled, take some time to get to know your fellow walkers. With a delicious dinner served at 8pm, the evening is a chance to unwind and discuss the days ahead. Your host will run through walk options for the next day, as well as any advice you need on gear and supplies.
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After a hearty breakfast, we’ll finalise the day’s walking plans and prep packed lunches so everyone is ready to set off.
Option 1: Great Gable & Kirk Fell
A challenging walk taking us to the head of Wasdale. After an ascent from Wasdale Head, we’ll tackle Great Gable’s rocky summit for stunning views into the wild Ennerdale valley. From there, we continue along the skyline to Kirk Fell before deciding on our return route. This option is a steep but rewarding adventure.Option 2: Wast Water Circuit
A gentler option circling Wast Water, known for its dramatic views and towering scree slopes. Starting from the Hall, we’ll head along the lakeside, exploring tiny beaches and soaking in the scenery. Perfect for those who want a more relaxed but scenic day.Option 3: Illgill Head & Wasdale Screes
A middle-ground option that blends lakeside paths and high fells. We’ll start by traversing the Wasdale Screes path before climbing Illgill Head, offering a bird’s-eye view over the lake. Ideal for those wanting a taste of both lowland and upland walking.
After returning, you’ll have time to unwind, freshen up, and perhaps visit the local pub before dinner is served. The evening is all about good food, relaxed conversation, and planning for the next day’s adventure.
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Once we’ve had breakfast and packed our bags, we’ll head out for one last walk to round off the weekend.
Option 1: Middle Fell
This smaller hill, opposite the Wasdale Screes, often escapes the low clouds and offers lovely views across to the higher fells. We’ll ascend from the valley floor, passing Greendale Tarn and tracing the stream back through Copeland Forest.Option 2: Muncaster Fell
A gentler finish to the weekend, Muncaster Fell’s broad ridge provides panoramic views down to the coast. We’ll cross the fell, taking in woodlands and enjoying a great perspective over the River Esk before looping back.
After our morning walk, we’ll return to the Hall to say our farewells. If time allows, feel free to join us for a final cuppa or even a cheeky pub lunch before heading off.
We aim to offer at least two walk options each day—one Leisurely and one Active. However, with smaller groups, we may combine walks to suit everyone’s abilities and preferences, ensuring it’s a social and enjoyable day out.
Essential Information
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Pickups: We can offer a limited number of free Pickups at Oxenholme Train Station at 3pm and can drop you back off there after the final walk on Sunday (approx. 3-5pm). If required, please select this optional extra when making your booking, subject to availability.
Meeting Time (for those not booking Pickup): 5pm
You can arrive any time from 5pm - the Large Outdoors host will be at the accommodation to welcome you. Dinner will be served around 8pm so if you intend to arrive later than this, please ensure you have something to eat on the way.Meeting Location:
YHA Wasdale Hall
Wasdale
Seascale
Cumbria
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Parking: There is limited free parking available at the hostel.
Public Transport: YHA Wasdale Hall is miles from Oxenholms Train Station, which offers services to/from Windermere, Manchester, Edinburgh and Glasgow, but please check service timetables before booking.
Finish Time: We aim to finish on the final day between 1pm and 3pm - the exact finish time may depend on the planned/chosen activity, group dynamic, weather conditions, whether the group chooses to grab a coffee or lunch together during/after, etc. If you’ve travelled via public transport, please ensure you book onward travel accordingly (i.e. an open return ticket), to allow for flexibility.
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This Cumbrian hostel is often cited as a favourite due to the impressive nature of the building, not to mention its breath-taking surrounding scenery. YHA Wasdale Hall is set right on the shore of Wast Water, England’s deepest lake, and from the hostel you can see the expanse of the lake plus the awe-inspiring mountains beyond.
There's a games room if you fancy challenging your fellow participants to some pre or post dinner fun and there’s a handy drying room too. Bedding is provided but don’t forget to bring a towel and your own toiletries.
Accommodation Address:
YHA Wasdale Hall
Wasdale
Seascale
Cumbria
CA20 1ETRoom Types:
You can book one of the following options, subject to availability:
Bed in a Shared Female Room
Bed in a Shared Male RoomAll rooms at this hostel are Shared Rooms, where you’ll be sharing a dorm room - with bunk beds - with other participants (room sizes vary and bathrooms are shared).
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Included:
2 nights’ accommodation at YHA Wasdale Hall - we have taken over exclusive use of the hostel, so it will just be Large Outdoors participants staying.
Pickup and return from and back to Oxenholme Train Station - see the Meeting Location & Time section above (optional, subject to availability and pre-booking).
A Large Outdoors host/guide to welcome you, deal with meal preparation and the logistics for your experience.
Guided walks on 2 days (Day 2 and Day 3).
Home-cooked set 2-course dinners at the accommodation on both evenings.
A DIY breakfast each morning (toast, cereals, fruit and yoghurt provided).
A DIY packed lunch (sandwich and snacks) for Day 2’s walk. Please ensure you bring a lunch box or dry bag - to reduce waste, we do not supply cling film or sandwich bags.
Tea (including decaf and herbal options), coffee (including decaf option), and squash at the accommodation.
Bedding - but please bring a towel and don’t forget your own toiletries.
The chance to make new friends and meet like-minded people - Large Outdoors is all about making outdoor adventures sociable.
Pre-event support from the Large Outdoors team - give us a shout if there’s any advice or information you need and check out our Blog for useful articles too.
Not included:
Travel to and from the meeting location.
Travel from the accommodation to activity start points and back, where they don’t start from the door. On some days there could be a short drive required - we don't include transport and participants normally car share.
Any extra (i.e. not mentioned above in ‘Included’) excursions or activities that you may partake in which incur a cost.
Bottled water - tap water and squash are available at the accommodation, so please ensure you bring sufficient water bottles or carriers to fill up and take out with you.
Alcoholic drinks - please feel free to bring something with you to enjoy at the accommodation.
Any food, drinks or goods you choose to purchase at any shops, restaurant, pubs or cafés visited.
Travel/activity insurance - we recommend having insurance to cover, at a minimum: cancellation and curtailment; medical and emergency expenses (including repatriation); personal accident; injury and death.
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Please see our Residential (Walking) Kit List.
The compulsory items are selected for your safety, which is of paramount importance to us at Large Outdoors. Each participant should be carrying the items listed.
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• What level of fitness is needed?
This experience is rated as Leisurely or Active - with a choice of walks subject to participant numbers . Click here to see Large Outdoors’ Experience Levels.• Can I attend on my own?
Absolutely. The majority of our participants are solo travellers and adventurers. Plenty of fun, laughter and numerous long-term friendships (and a few marriages!) have begun on Large Outdoors experiences since 2008, so there’s no need to feel worried about your first experience, or indeed trying a new type of outdoor activity, with us.• What transport is provided during this trip?
Pickup and return from and back to Oxenholme Train Station - see the Meeting Location & Time section above (optional, subject to availability with pre-booking required).• Can I bring my dog?
Dogs are not allowed on this experience, except for trained assistance dogs. If you wish to bring your trained assistance dog, please let us know in advance of booking so we can discuss the itinerary and any activity/equipment/accommodation, and of course additional safety requirements or considerations that may be necessary. -
The remote western side of the Lake District is a wild and beautiful place, with many of England's highest mountains and its deepest lake, Wast Water. The area includes the Buttermere valley with it's three lakes, and the deep and secluded Wasdale, which has high mountains on three sides, and the sea on the other. In between these two valleys lies Ennerdale, which has no roads through it and has been allowed to re-wild, returning the forests and streams to natural processes. Though famous for its mountains, there are miles of peaceful valley walks and woodland trails where you can while away the hours lost in the beauty of the landscape.
This map is provided for guidance regarding the general location. For detailed meeting information, please refer to the 'Meeting Time & Location' section.