Yewbarrow is a fell that is well-known but maybe not often climbed by the vast majority of Lake District hikers.
From Wasdale, its shape is striking, being that of an upturned boat hull, and it features on the Lake District National Park logo, no less.
Its steep sides make it appear unassailable and it stands alone, circled by higher and grander fells. Few happen across Yewbarrow as part of a longer walk.
It does offer a great deal: the vista from the top is fabulous and perhaps gives the best views of all to the Scafells and Great Gable, and certainly of Kirk Fell. All four of the Lakeland 3,000-footers can be seen from its summit.
Yewbarrow may appear impenetrable from Wasdale, but there is a great way to climb it that misses out the imposing Bell Rib (a definite ‘no-go’ area for walkers). The way up is a mild scramble but the sudden exit at Great Door is a truly memorable event and worthy of the ascent for this moment alone.
By way of contrast, the climb and walk along the ridge is almost as easy as can be with the very top section being a straightforward stroll along finest Lakeland turf.
Contrast this again with the descent; it is steep and certainly not for the faint-hearted. There are a series of cracks in the rock face that most certainly require care, and hands, when descending.
Following the line of descent, the correct route can just be made out, giving hope that you are not the only person ever to have come this way! After the initial section, the descent becomes easier as it turns into a typical rough and loose path.
After taking in the magnificence of the surroundings down at Dore Head, it is once more an easy walk along the grassy lower slopes of Yewbarrow to reach the car park at Overbeck.
How hard is climbing Yewbarrow?
DIFFICULTY: Medium | DISTANCE: 6.2km (3¾ miles)
TIME: 2½ hours | TOTAL ASCENT: 585m
FITNESS: No problem at all for regular hikers. The ascent is steep in places, but nothing any experienced hillwalker can't handle.
TERRAIN: This is typical Lake District terrain with grassy and rocky sections. The ascent and descent are Grade 1 scrambles and extra care is needed. Some of the route is pathless and is not recommended in poor weather conditions
NAVIGATION: As with many Lake District routes, navigation is straightforward enough until visibility drops. If that happens, you'll need good map and compass skills to find your way on steep, rocky terrain.
Where is the start of the walk?
Overbeck car park, Wasdale. Nearest town Gosforth
What's the best map for climbing Yewbarrow?
Best printed maps:
Yewbarrow | Step-by-step route guide
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Head north-west from the car park on the narrow path alongside Over Beck. Pass through a kissing gate and climb stone steps up to the right to another gate. Bell Rib looms impressively above but do not be alarmed, the way is around this not over it. Rise to the fence and keeping to the right of it, climb steeply up alongside it to a wall stile. Cross it and follow the slanting path for a short way until it forks.
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Follow the path, climbing more steeply to the right, firstly up a stone stairway before it turns to loose scree hugging the base of the crag. When the angle eases, cross a wide scree run to a plateau above a short section of stone wall on Dropping Crag. 10m beyond the way up climbs steeply to the right, following a gully full of loose stones. An easier way is to keep left on the easier rocks and heather. At the top of the gully, keep to the left for a memorable moment climbing out suddenly and dramatically at Great Door.
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Great Door is an impressive narrow rock cleft high above Wast Water. Bear left to climb the narrow ridge; after a short distance there there is another, wider cleft to cross. The safest option is to descend left before climbing back to the ridge. Continue the climb to the large cairn that marks the summit of Yewbarrow.
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Yewbarrow summit offers fine views of some of its higher near neighbours such as Great Gable and the Scafells. It is perhaps more notable for the fact that all four of the Lakes’ 3,000-footers can be seen from here on a clear day. Continue along the easy ridge to climb to another cairn marking a subsidiary summit. Beyond is a dip rising to a third cairn which marks the top of Stirrup Crag and the descent.
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The descent begins steeply with a couple of tricky sections to negotiate and where care needs to be taken as this is firmly a ’hands-on’ descent. When the tricky section has been safely negotiated, the severity lessens and the rocky clamber makes way for a loose path which heads directly to Dore Head.
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From Dore Head, descend to the south-west along a sketchy path sticking to the contour of the western side of Yewbarrow. The descent becomes steeper and crosses through a gate in the wall before joining the path left earlier in ascent. Descend once more alongside the wall to head back to the car park at Overbeck Bridge.
What walking gear do I need for this route?
Although Yewbarrow isn't the biggest peak you'll ever climb, this is still a proper hillwalk in the thick of the Lake District's highest mountain terrain, so shouldn't be taken lightly.
We'd recommend the obvious basics of walking boots or hiking shoes, a good hiking daypack, a reliable waterproof jacket, and a pair of quick-drying walking trousers with some packable waterproof overtrousers in your bag.
Where can I eat and drink?
The Wasdale Head Inn in the Wasdale valley (above) is the stuff of Lake District watering hole legend. Good beer, good food, and even better atmosphere.
Where's the best place to stay?
- The Wasdale Head Inn: www.wasdale.com
- Wasdale Head National Trust Campsite: www.nationaltrust.org.uk
About the author
Sean McMahon is a Lake District resident, photographer, outdoor writer and passionate hillwalker. He's written dozens of excellent hillwalking routes for Trail magazine and LFTO.