This year, Merrell partnered with the Royal Geographical Society to establish the Seven Natural Wonders of the UK – landmarks sharing beauty, uniqueness, & geological significance.
The Natural Wonders were devised to inspire native exploration, and in the spirit of this the Merrell Trail Team has curated a trail running guide to these spots. One is local to us, over at the area surrounding Wast Water, Lake District.
Merrell Trail Team’s Georgia Tindley took in a favourite loop of the high fells at the head of Wast Water and shares her run for us to enjoy too. The weather certainly shined on her that day!
Perhaps one of the finest sights in all of the Lakes (depending on who you ask!) – both when the sun shines & when shrouded in atmospheric cloud – Wast Water is England’s deepest lake, sitting in Western Lake District. Open to the elements, the area is notorious for attracting the kind of clag that keeps your compass on needle point. Perhaps you’ll glimpse the fine summits of Great Gable and Kirk Fell which rise above the head of the water to the East. Either way, it’s a place where you’ll feel at the heart of the Lakes.
Your biggest decision on this route could be which direction to tackle the nose of Kirk Fell, a relentless steep ascent from the valley at Wasdale Head to the summit at 802m – certainly a warm up! Upon reaching the summit and soaking up that view (or if there isn’t one then simply revelling in what you just climbed), you can then choose whether to tag on the neighbouring Great Gable – a short but nonetheless steep out and back from Beckhead Tarn.
A quad burning descent back down to the valley rounded off by a rewarding pint of local ale at the fireside of the Wasdale Head Inn is just the ticket. Some say you can’t beat it.
As ever, please remember to be prepared when heading out for your run. Carry all necessary kit, plus extras, your map and compass and know-how to use them, and letting someone know your planned route. If you’re in doubt, take the safe option out there – it’s about enjoying your run!
You can find the route GPX here:
Photos courtesy of James Carnegie Photography
