LAKE DISTRICT FELL GUIDE

Great Gable

Great Gable’s distinctive profile dominates the head of Wasdale. Its walking routes involve steep, rocky ground, while the famous climbing crags require a different set of skills.

See how Great Gable compares with the other high summits in our 50 highest fells in the Lake District guide, with a complete ranking in metres and feet.

Last updated: 25 October 2026

Approx. height

About 899 m / 2,949 ft

Area

Western Fells · Wasdale & Borrowdale

Walking character

Steep, rocky mountain walking

Why visit Great Gable?

At about 899 metres, Great Gable stands between several mountain valleys. The summit and its surroundings offer a dramatic setting, with a close view of the Scafell range in clear weather.

The mountain is strongly associated with Lakeland climbing history. That does not mean a walking route should visit the climbing terrain: choose the approach that fits your experience and keep the whole descent in mind.

Route choices

Choose a complete route for your starting point, including the descent. Use a current map and the full route description when planning your walk.

From Wasdale and Sty Head

Wasdale approaches can reach Sty Head before the steep, rocky ascent to Great Gable. It remains a substantial mountain walk, with rough stone and route-finding on the upper slopes. Research the complete return rather than using a general online walking-direction line.

Borrowdale and Honister approaches

Routes from Borrowdale or Honister reach the mountain by different ridges and passes. A higher start does not eliminate rough ground or exposure. Check the full circuit, particularly if combining Green Gable or other neighbouring fells.

Climbing routes and the Napes

Napes Needle and Needle Ridge belong to the mountain’s climbing terrain. They should not be presented as casual sightseeing detours from a fell walk. Use specialist guidance and appropriate climbing skills if that is your objective.

Terrain and exposure

Expect steep paths, loose stone and bouldery upper ground. Cloud can make the correct descent hard to identify, and summit conditions can be severe even when the valleys are mild. Snow and ice add winter mountaineering demands.

Great Gable in photos

These photographs show the fell and its surroundings. Weather, visibility and ground conditions can be very different on the day of your walk.

Getting there

Wasdale Head, Seathwaite and Honister are distinct starts with different road access. Check parking and transport for the exact route you intend to walk. A return to another valley needs a transport plan.

Plan for the conditions

Build your day around your party’s experience, the forecast and the daylight available. Carry suitable clothing and navigation equipment, know how to use them, and keep a shorter alternative in mind.

Useful questions

Is there a gentle way up Great Gable?

Some approaches reduce the lower climb, but the mountain still involves steep, rough ground and exposed conditions. Assess the full route.

Can I climb Napes Needle as part of a walk?

It is a climbing objective requiring appropriate skills and equipment, not an ordinary walking extension.

Can I combine Great Gable with Kirk Fell?

Published routes do so, but the combination adds demanding terrain and ascent. Choose it only after assessing the whole circuit.

Explore nearby fells

Places to stay for your walking break

Choose a base for the valley where your walk starts. Open a property to compare its location, photos and facilities, then check availability for your dates.