Illgill Head

Illgill Head

Height: 609m (1,998ft)
Prominence: 314m (1,030ft)
Region: Southern Fells
Summit feature: Cairn
Classifications: Marilyn, Wainwright, Birkett
Times climbed: 1
Related trip report:
Whin Rigg & Illgill Head - 16/06/2013

Looking down to Wasdale Head from the summit

What Wainwright said:

"Illgill Head is known to most visitors to Lakeland as Wastwater Screes, although this latter title is strictly appropriate only to the stone-strewn flank that falls so spectacularly into the depths of Wast Water."

Illgill Head, along with Whin Rigg, forms a ridge of high ground to the south-east of Wastwater. The Wastwater Screes tumble far from the summit down into the lake below, described as looking like 'the inverted arches of a gothic cathedral'. It is an awe-inspiring view. In contrast, the slopes on the opposite side fall gracefully down to Miterdale and Burnmoor Tarn.

The summit presents no indication of the drama of The Screes. To view them, a short walk towards the edge is required. From the summit, views into Wasdale Head and the fells surrounding it take precedent.

Return to Lake District – Southern Fells