Map & Elevation
About this Route
This GPX climbs Great Gable from Wasdale Head by Sty Head and the Breast Route, returning the same way. It covers 11.4 km with about 932 m of ascent and usually takes 5 to 7 hours. The approach to Sty Head is a good mountain path, but the Breast Route is steep, stony and demanding in mist or winter conditions.
Leave Wasdale Head on the old pass path beside Gable Beck and climb steadily towards Styhead Tarn. At the stretcher box and path junction, turn onto the Breast Route, marked at its foot by cairns. The path rises directly up Great Gable's south-east side, with long sections of pitching, loose rock and boulders. Higher up, the line becomes less distinct on the summit stones before reaching the cairn and Fell and Rock Climbing Club war memorial at 899 m.
Return by the same Breast Route to Sty Head and descend to Wasdale Head. This GPX does not use the Climbers' Traverse, Napes ridges, Windy Gap or Green Gable. Those are separate routes with different risks. Great Gable's summit is broad and rocky, and several descent lines look plausible in cloud; take a bearing back to Sty Head before moving. The descent is hard on tired legs, so allow time, carry a head torch and keep clear of the crag edges above the Napes.
The stretcher box at Sty Head is the clear turning point before the steep Breast Route begins.
TrailTrack
Route Waypoints
Start at Wasdale Head and follow the signed Sty Head path. Parking fills early, so use official spaces and keep emergency access clear.
Climb beside Gable Beck on the old pass route. Ignore paths turning towards Kirk Fell or Lingmell.
Continue on the rising traverse beneath Great Gable. The stones can be wet and polished after rain.
Reach the tarn and continue to the main junction by the stretcher box. This is a key navigation point for the return.
Take the direct path up Great Gable, commonly marked by two cairns. Do not continue towards the Corridor Route.
Climb steep pitching and loose stones. Keep space between walkers and look back to identify the correct descent line.
Reach the cairn and war memorial at 899 m. Stay clear of crag edges and take a bearing towards Sty Head.
Descend the Breast Route to the stretcher box, then retrace Gable Beck to Wasdale Head.
Essential Tips
Several paths leave Great Gable's rocky summit. Confirm the south-east line to Sty Head before beginning the descent.
The Climbers' Traverse and Napes ridges are not part of this walk. Do not follow cairns towards crags or gullies.
The Breast Route is steep and stony. Keep distance between walkers and avoid sending rocks onto people below.
The descent to Sty Head and Wasdale is longer than it looks from the summit. A head torch is essential insurance after delays.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to climb Great Gable from Wasdale Head?
It usually takes 5 to 7 hours to complete the round trip. The route covers 11.6 km with 860 m of ascent, and the descent takes longer than you'd expect, so don't underestimate it.
Where do I turn off for the Breast Route at Sty Head?
At the stretcher box and path junction near Styhead Tarn, turn onto the Breast Route which is marked by cairns at its foot. Don't continue towards the Corridor Route.
What's the most important thing to remember at Great Gable summit?
Take a compass bearing towards Sty Head before you start descending. Several paths leave the rocky summit and it's easy to go wrong in cloud, especially with crag edges near the Napes to avoid.