Illgill Head facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Illgill Head |
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| Highest point | |
| Elevation | 609 m (1,998 ft) |
| Prominence | 314 m (1,030 ft) |
| Parent peak | Scafell Pike |
| Listing | Marilyn, Wainwright |
| Geography | |
 Illgill Head
Location in Lake District
Illgill Head
Location in the Borough of Copeland
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| Location | Cumbria, England |
| Parent range | Lake District, Southern Fells |
| OS grid | NY169049 |
| Topo map | OS Landranger 89, Explorer OL6 |
Illgill Head is a fell (which is a local word for a mountain or hill) in the beautiful English Lake District. It's most famous for being the northern part of the amazing Wastwater Screes. This fell is 609 metres (about 2,000 feet) high. It stands right along the south-east shore of Wastwater, which is the deepest lake in England.
Discovering the Wastwater Screes
The view of the Wastwater Screes across Wastwater is one of the most famous and impressive sights in England. Imagine steep slopes covered in loose rocks, plunging straight into the deep lake! The poet Norman Nicholson once said the Screes looked like "the inverted arches of a Gothic Cathedral".
The name "Wastwater Screes" refers to these rock-covered slopes. They drop dramatically down into Wastwater. Illgill Head's neighbour, Whin Rigg, is also part of this amazing ridge. The rocky slope continues even under the lake, going down to a depth of 79 metres (259 feet). These screes were formed over a long time by ice and weather breaking down the rocks.
On the other side of Illgill Head, away from the lake, the slope is much gentler. It's covered in heather and bracken, which are types of plants. This side goes down towards Burnmoor Tarn and Miterdale.
Reaching the Summit of Illgill Head
The very top of Illgill Head is quite flat and grassy. It might not seem exciting at first, but don't let that fool you! As you walk towards the north-west, the grassy ground suddenly drops away. This is where the dramatic Screes begin.
From the summit, you get an amazing view of Wasdale Head. You can see all the surrounding fells rising up from the valley. If you are careful, you can also look down the incredible Screes themselves. There's a small pile of stones, called a cairn, marking the highest point.
How to Climb Illgill Head
Many people start their climb to Illgill Head from Wasdale Head. They usually go over the north-eastern side of the fell, walking along the edge of the Screes.
Another way to climb Illgill Head is from Boot in Eskdale. From there, you can either go over Whin Rigg first or take a more direct path via Burnmoor Tarn.
There's also a path along the south-eastern shore of Wastwater. It starts at Wasdale Head Hall. This path goes through a field of large boulders. It offers exciting close-up views of the incredible Screes as you walk.
