Gushing down the valley between the ominous peaks of Great Gable and Great End, a series of small waterfalls create beautiful natural pools in Wasdale, known as the Wasdale Fairy Pools. The main pool, Wasdale Emerald Pool, is one of the most stunning hidden Lake District pools, hugged by dramatic fell scenery.
Wasdale Emerald Pool Walk and Directions
Parking: Wasdale Head Car Park (free) just before Wasdale Head Inn on the right CA20 1EX
Wasdale Emerald Pool Location Coordinates: 54.4718720, -3.2177529
Length: Approx 3.5 miles (return)
Difficulty: Easy with some rocky and boggy ground
Time: Approximately 40 minutes each way
Elevation: 150m
Head north east out of the car park (see above for the car park postcode for the Wasdale Emerald Pool) towards a gravel path signposted to St Olaf’s Church. This is the smallest parish church in England and if you have enough time, it’s worth taking a look inside).
As you continue past the church, fabulous views of Great Gable open up. The path starts off flat and requires little effort.
After about 500 meters, you’ll reach Burnthwaite Farm where you’ll see a small sign saying ‘Path’ pointing to the left. Follow the path around to the left of the farm and continue walking straight on. You’ll start to feel a gradual incline but it’s nothing too strenuous.
In approximately half a mile, walk through the gate and carry on uphill to a wooden bridge. This is a great spot to take in the fabulous views behind you. After a few hundred metres, the path forks and you can either continue on or take the grassy trail on the right. Either way leads you to the Wasdale Emerald Pool but the one on your right steers you closer to the river.
You’ll soon arrive at another fork where you’ll continue right.
The path starts to get narrower, and you pass through another gate. This adds to the fabulous view of Yewbarrow behind you.
From here, the path disappears among little streams and rocks so it’s a bit more difficult to navigate. You’ll need to watch your footing as its very rough and boggy on the ground.
Keep walking until you arrive at the first set of hidden fairy pools. This is a great spot for taking a breather and inhaling the immense scenery that surrounds you. You can also take a refreshing dip and pause to listen to the sounds of the waterfalls.
Just a bit further up from here, you arrive at the main pool, Wasdale Emerald Pool. Its deep emerald colour and imposing backdrop make it one of the most beautiful fairy pools in the Lake District and one of best places for wild swimming. It’s certainly on a par with the famous fairy glen at the Isle of Skye in Scotland. You can access the emerald pools from either side of the river, however, you will need to climb down some large rocks.
Where to Stay
If you’re looking for a place to stay when visiting the Wasdale Emerald Pool, The Strands Inn can be found about a mile from Wastwater in Nether Wasdale. I love it here because it’s in a scenic location where you can escape the summer crowds. The food is great and it even has its own brewery and beer garden. Quote ‘Lifehop’ to receive a complimentary bottle of wine with your meal when you book your stay.
