Lake District
Kirk Fell
802M
2631FT
About Kirk Fell
Sitting between Pillar and Great Gable, Kirk Fell is a formidable mountain known for its massive bulk and grueling approaches. While the direct climb from Wasdale is legendary for its steepness, the summit plateau offers a surprisingly gentle, grassy respite with some of the finest views in the Western Fells.
Key Statistics
Rank
63rd Highest in Region
Parent Range
Western Fells
Prominence
?
183m
Nearest Town
Wasdale
Geology
Kirk Fell’s slopes are built from solid andesite lava, patches of fine‑grained microgranite, and layers of volcanic‑derived sandstone.
Classifications
Find It
Latitude
54.4833°N
Longitude
3.2441°W
Did You Know?
- •The fell’s name comes from the Old Norse 'kirkja', meaning church; it is thought to refer to the mountain’s gable-ended appearance or its position overlooking the tiny St Olaf's Church in Wasdale.
- •Kirk Fell is classified as a Marilyn because the deep passes of Black Sail and Beck Head drop significantly on either side, giving the mountain a substantial relative height of 181 metres.
- •The summit area features a high-altitude tarn situated between two distinct tops; the northwestern summit is the true high point, while the southeastern top is often the one hikers aim for when ascending from the valley.
- •This fell forms a key part of the 'Mosedale Horseshoe', a classic high-level circuit that includes neighboring peaks such as Pillar, Scoat Fell, and Red Pike, starting and ending at Wasdale Head.
- •The direct ascent up the 'nose' from Wasdale is so punishingly steep that Wainwright’s drawing of it is essentially a vertical line; it’s a route that guarantees you'll be emptying scree out of your boots for the rest of the week.