An interesting alternative ascent of the often-forgotten Kirk Fell...
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Ill Gill (Kirk Fell), Lake District
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Grade: 2/3 (depending on water volume)
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An interesting alternative ascent of the often-forgotten Kirk Fell, with difficulty depending on water levels.
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Equipment: Rope, slings optional.
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Online Map link
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Views: 3
Technicality: 2
Exposure: 2
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GIBBER FACTOR* 3
*out of
five.
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Overview One of the Lake District's many gills that not only makes a superb start to a round of the Mosedale Horshoe, but an interesting alternative ascent of the often forgotten Kirk Fell. The grading is dependent on water volumes, but even in heavy water there are escape routes from the more difficult sections making this a rare all year round gill route.
Across Kirk Fell by Marcus Crompton
Approach From Wasdale take Moses Trod, the track heading west between Great Gable and Lingmell, alongside Lingmell Beck. Where the water from Gable Beck joins, turn left up Gavel Neese, dropping back down to the water where Ill Gill meets Gable beck, or follow the stream up to the same point.
Wasdale Head From Kirk Fell, by Bob C
Route The route starts off in a nice wide gill following the stream bed to a collection of pools. These are deep so use the walls to traverse round them and continue upstream to the first waterfall.
Pass this fall on the right to a smaller fall where a wide opening to the right gives an escape from the gill as it starts to narrow. The exit path leads back to the gill beyond the two much bigger falls - both beyond the realms of scrambling - where a scree slope returns you to the stream bed.
Next comes a series of water-washed steps which provide good sport until you reach a 25ft fall. Here take the large slab on the left direct, and again keep left at the next, bigger, waterfall.
Take care on the second of these falls, and utilise your ropes if needed as the rock tends to crumble readily under both hand and foot.
At the small amphitheatre above, take a line to the right, away from the stream, before returning again on the obvious line to Ill Gill. From here you can pick and choose your line as the difficulties ease and larger gaps appear between the vertical sections.
Suddenly you break out onto the col between the twin summits of Kirk Fell at the two tarns that feed Ill Gill. From here you can take in either summit of Kirk Fell or continue your day on a choice of routes.
Down Kirk Fell by Chris Harper
Descent Kirk Fell lies between Great Gable and the Mosedale Horseshoe, giving a variety of descents. You can head across the ridge towards Great Gable and descend via Gavel Neese or drop down the other side of Kirk Fell and descend back into Wasdale via Black Sail.
Caution Scrambling is
potentially dangerous and, particularly at the higher grades,
requires technical skills and equipment to minimise the risk. We
suggest that you take professional instruction or climb with an
experienced partner.
