Wasdale Head Inn: Your Gateway to England’s Deepest Lake and Highest Peak

WASDALE HEAD, 26 January 2026 – Nestled at the head of the remote Wasdale Valley, the historic Wasdale Head Inn stands as a beacon for walkers, climbers, and travellers seeking the raw beauty of the Lake District. Surrounded by England’s highest mountains and overlooking its deepest lake, Wast Water, this iconic pub offers warmth, hospitality, and a direct connection to some of Britain’s most dramatic landscapes. With a challenging weather outlook for the coming days, preparation is key for those venturing onto the fells.

The Heart of Wasdale

For over two centuries, the Wasdale Head Inn has served as a crucial refuge. Originally catering to farmers, miners, and merchants traversing the high passes of Black Sail and Sty Head, it evolved into the spiritual home of British rock climbing in the Victorian era. Pioneers like Walter Parry Haskett Smith and Owen Glynne Jones cemented its reputation. Today, under the ownership of Nigel and Lesley Burton, the inn maintains its classic mountaineering ethos while offering modern comforts. The inn is famously linked to its first landlord, Will Ritson (1808–1890), a renowned raconteur dubbed “The World’s Biggest Liar,” a legacy celebrated annually in a local competition.

Wast Water: A Landscape of Superlatives

Just a short walk from the inn lies Wast Water, England’s deepest lake at 79 metres, stretching five kilometres beneath the towering screes and peaks of the Scafell range. Recent visitor reviews consistently praise its breathtaking scenery. A traveller in August 2025 described it as “an absolute must to visit,” with “magnificent views, tranquil lakes and mountains that take your breath away.” Another from January 2025 noted “stunning views, peaceful and plenty of parking” for a five-mile lakeside walk. The lake is a popular destination for wild swimming, with one June 2021 visitor calling the experience “unbelievable,” while others enjoy canoeing and paddleboarding. Parking advice from regulars suggests using free spaces along the lake road rather than the National Trust car park (£5 for two hours) to extend a scenic walk.

Key Facts at a Glance

Mountain Weather Forecast: 26-28 January 2026

Prospective visitors and climbers must heed the latest specialist forecasts. The Mountain Weather Information Service (MWIS) forecast for Monday 26 January predicts windy, gusty conditions with east-southeasterly winds of 30-35mph, gusting over 40mph on the tops, strengthening after dusk. The day is expected to be largely dry but very cold, with summit temperatures around -2°C, feeling as cold as -13°C to -18°C due to severe wind chill. The freezing level sits at 500-600 metres.

Conditions are forecast to deteriorate significantly on Tuesday 27 January, with easterly gales of 50-70mph on the high tops, bringing persistent hill snow and sleet to lower levels. Mobility will be “tortuous” with a severe wind chill making it feel like -17°C to -20°C. Wednesday 28 January should see strong winds continue (35-50mph) with local drizzle, but temperatures may rise slightly, with the freezing level lifting to 700-800 metres.

Planning Your Visit

The inn provides a range of accommodation, from recently refurbished en-suite bedrooms and self-catered apartments to a basic campsite. Ritson’s Bar, named after the famous liar, serves up to six real ales—predominantly from Cumbrian breweries—and a menu of pub classics. For finer dining, Abraham’s Restaurant offers a seasonal table d’hôte menu from Wednesday to Saturday. The on-site Barn Door Shop sells outdoor gear and guidebooks. Walkers are reminded that the area has little to no mobile phone signal, and facilities around the lake itself are limited.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where do you park for Wast Water and Scafell Pike?

There is a National Trust pay-and-display car park near the lake shore (Grid Ref NY 183 075) and limited parking in Wasdale Head hamlet (NY 187 085). For Scafell Pike ascents, Overbeck Bridge on the northern side of the lake also offers pay-and-display parking. All car parks fill quickly, especially at weekends and in summer; early arrival is essential.

Is the Wasdale Head Inn dog-friendly?

Yes, dogs are welcome in the bar area of the inn, where towels and biscuits are provided for them.

What is the best time of year to visit?

The summer months (June-August) offer the best chance of dry, clear weather for walking and swimming, but the area can be very busy. The shoulder seasons (spring and autumn) are quieter but more unsettled. Winter visits require full winter mountaineering equipment, skills, and careful attention to severe weather forecasts, as indicated by the current outlook.

Can you swim in Wast Water?

Yes, wild swimming is very popular in Wast Water. Reviews frequently mention the clear, cold water. Swimmers are advised to be aware of the temperature, even in summer, and to carry appropriate safety gear, including a tow float.