Illgill Head
Illgill Head
Illgill Head, together with its close western neighbour at Whin Rigg, forms a magnificent, towering ridge of high ground that borders the entire southeastern shore of Wast Water. Boasting a massive prominence of 314 metres, it stands as an imposing topographical landmark that completely dominates the local sky. The contrast between its two flanks is absolute; while the slopes facing away from the water fall gracefully down to the quiet moorlands of Miterdale and the lonely cradle of Burnmoor Tarn, the northwestern edge presents one of the most savage landscapes in Great Britain.
This legendary lakeside face forms the famous Wastwater Screes, where millions of tons of shattered rock tumble directly from the high ridge crest straight into the black depths of the lake below. Walking beneath them or looking down from above reveals a landscape commonly described as looking like the inverted, weathered arches of a massive Gothic cathedral. It is an awe-inspiring, primeval view that represents the Lake District at its most dramatic and untamed.
Looking down to Wasdale Head from the summit
Interestingly, the broad summit plateau gives absolutely no indication of the terrifying drama unfolding just a few metres away. Standing by the main stone cairn, the immediate terrain feels like a gentle, rolling moor. To truly experience the scale of The Screes, a deliberate detour toward the broken northwestern lip is required. However, the true reward of the summit cairn lies in its exceptional line of sight; looking straight up the trench of the valley takes clear precedent, revealing an unparalleled, front-row view of Wasdale Head framed by the highest, most rugged mountains in England.
No comments :
Post a Comment