Lake District
Whin Rigg (Wasdale)
537M
1761FT
About Whin Rigg (Wasdale)
Whin Rigg offers a spectacular perspective of the Wastwater Screes. While the climb from Eskdale is relatively gentle, the summit abruptly drops away into dramatic gullies and steep slopes plunging towards the deepest lake in England, making it a thrilling walk for those who enjoy heights.
Key Statistics
Rank
351st Highest in Region
Parent Range
Southern Fells
Prominence
?
59m
Nearest Town
Eskdale Green
Geology
Whin Rigg sits on the Birker Fell Andesite Formation, a sturdy volcanic rock created from ancient lava flows. It’s solid, dark rock that shapes the fell’s rugged feel.
Classifications
Find It
Latitude
54.4202°N
Longitude
3.3099°W
Did You Know?
- •The fell forms the southern end of the famous Wastwater Screes, a massive collection of loose Borrowdale volcanic rock that descends over 1,500 feet directly into the lake.
- •The name derives from the Old Norse 'hvin', meaning gorse or whin bushes, and 'hryggr', meaning ridge, accurately describing the vegetation found on its lower slopes.
- •Geologically, the summit area contains interesting outcrops of the Birker Fell Andesite Formation, which dates back roughly 450 million years.
- •Directly below the summit lies the 'Great Gully,' a deep cleft in the scree cliffs that provides a challenging and legendary Grade 3 scramble for experienced climbers.
- •Navigating the descent towards Greendale is a great way to discover exactly how many 'false finishes' a single hillside can hide before you actually reach the pub.