Wasdale Head
The sport of rock climbing first developed on the crags of awe-inspiring Wasdale in the 19th century.
Today, that same mix of stately mountain, dark blue waters and the tumbling screes of Wastwater have a magnetic pull on the visitor. The mountains still draw climbers and walkers, but there is a host of other options for low level walking and cycling.
The Wasdale Head Inn has a special place in climbing history as the place where many climbing pioneers had their base – check out the sepia images from over 100 years ago that decorate the walls of the pub. The inn is an excellent starting point for walks and is also close to St Olaf’s, the smallest church in England. The graveyard is testament to the dangers to which many early climbers exposed themselves and unfortunately, in a small number of cases, succumbed.
Wasdale’s other claim to fame is that it’s the home to the Biggest Liar in the World competition. Every year the champion of tall tale telling is crowned at the Bridge Inn – just one of a fine array of pubs, farmhouse B&Bs and small hotels that can be found in the valley.
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