Great Gable
Great Gable at 899 metres is the fell that appears on the Fell and Rock Climbing Club's badge — the one that looks exactly like a mountain should look. From Wasdale Head it rises as a perfect triangle above Lingmell and Westmorland Cairn. The ascent reveals it is not quite the pyramid it appears: the upper slopes are a boulder field of volcanic rock that demands attention and boot-work. The summit is a wide, rocky platform. The Napes Needles are visible on the south face — one of the great rock climbing venues in England, where climbers first started to treat the rock as an objective in itself rather than an obstacle. The Fell and Rock's memorial tablet is fixed to the summit rocks, dedicated to members killed in the First World War. It is one of the more moving spots in the Lake District, particularly in the context of the annual Remembrance Sunday gathering held here each year. The views from the summit across to Scafell Pike and the full southern arc of the Lake District are outstanding. Westmorland Cairn, a few hundred metres below the summit to the south, is worth the short detour for its own outlook across Great Hell Gate and into Wasdale.
Walking
The Wasdale Head approach (CA20 1EX) is the most direct. The path climbs through the Sty Head basin via Sty Head Tarn and then takes a steep line northeast to the summit. The Breast Route is the main path up the final steep section. The ascent is around 900 metres over 3 miles of rough ground. Allow 5 to 6 hours return. The path is clear but the rocky terrain is tiring on the legs. The Honister approach from the north is longer (around 9 miles with 900m ascent) but takes in the high moorland of Moses' Trod — the old smuggler's route — and approaches the Gable group from Beck Head between Kirk Fell and Great Gable. This gives a more gradual build-up and impressive views of the Gable Crag from below before the final climb. A third serious option is the Ennerdale approach from Black Sail YHA, crossing the high ridge from Moses' Trod or via Beck Head. Remote and committing, this is for those who want the fell to themselves.
Routes
Wasdale Head via Sty Head
Wasdale Head NT car park
Tips
The summit in mist requires compass work — there are multiple paths and the boulder field gives no clear direction. The Wasdale Head Inn (CA20 1EX) is the only food option in the valley and it is good. Arrive before 6pm for food. The Napes Needles on the south face are visible from the Beck Head approach and worth identifying. If you are in the valley on Remembrance Sunday, the annual service at the summit war memorial is a remarkable thing to witness.