This section is designed as a starting point, to give you some ideas about what is available rather than provide a huge resource of details. However as time goes on it should build into a useful collection of ideas.

 Abseiling

There is limited scope for abseiling close to the valley floor in Wasdale as most of the cliffs are in the high fells, however should you be prepared for a walk as well the crags and cliffs of the high fells provide some great scope. For more details consult the FRCC climbing guide to Wasdale and Eskdale

Biking

The quiet roads do lend themselves to cycling and there are a number of very good guides published by the Ordnance Survey. Also see mountain biking below.

Boating

Sailing and motor boats are not permitted on Wastwater, however kayaks, canoes and rowing boats are permitted. For more information contact the National Trust. No boats are available for hire local though so you must bring your own with you.

Climbing (Rock climbing)

Wasdale is the birthplace of British rock climbing and provides an ideal venue for good long traditional climbing in the high fells. For shorter single pitch climbing the Eskdale valley is more suited, but this is only a short drive away. The best source of information is from the FRCC climbing guides with the Scafell, Wasdale, Eskdale edition and the Gable & Pillar edition covering the main area. More information is available from the local climbing shop 019467 26384

Canoeing

see Boating above

Diving

Diving is permitted in Wastwater; more details from the National Trust

Fell running

Fell running is often practiced in Wasdale with the annual race being held on the second Saturday of October at the Wasdale show. More details from the fell running association

Fishing

The river Irt which leaves the lake is a private river and can be fished only by club members.

Horse riding

Horse riding and trekking is no longer available locally with the nearest centre now being on Cold Fell towards Ennerdale

Kayaking

Lots of it, all well documented in the guide book "Rivers of Cumbria" and the brand new book "Becks of Cumbria" both available at the Barn Door Shop

Mountain Biking

Mountain bikes are not permitted on footpaths but are allowed on Bridleways, of which there are plenty in Wasdale. The famous routes are Blacksail Pass, Styhead Pass, and the Burnmoor Tarn path, but be warned all are hard and involve a lot of climbing! Gentler off-road riding is available in Miterdale and the Bleng forest a short drive or cycle away.

There are numerous very good mountain bike guides to the area available.

Sailing

Sailing boats are not allowed on Wastwater, but the local coastline of Ravenglass and Seascale all provide plenty of opportunities.

Walking

Lots and lots of it! Maps for the area are the OS explorer sheets of the South West and North West sheets. For guides the Wainwright pictorial guides are still the best available.