- Illgill Head
Infobox Mountain
Name = Illgill Head
Photo = Illgill_Head.jpg
Location =Cumbria , ENG
Range =Lake District ,Southern Fells
Elevation = 609 m (1,998 ft)
Prominence = 314 m
Parent peak =Scafell Pike
Topographic
OS "Landranger" 89, "Explorer" OL6
Grid_ref_UK = NY169049
Listing = Marilyn, WainwrightIllgill Head is a
fell in theEnglish Lake District . It is known more commonly as the northern portion of theWastwater Screes . The fell is 609 metres high and stands along the south-east shore ofWast Water , the deepest lake in England.Topography
The panorama of the Wastwater Screes across Wast Water is one of the most famous and awe-inspiring views in
England . PoetNorman Nicholson described the Screes as "like the inverted arches of aGothic Cathedral ".The title Wastwater Screes applies to the
scree -covered north-western fellside which plunges dramatically down into Wast Water. This also includes Illgill Head's neighbourWhin Rigg , the continuation of the ridge to the south-west. The scree slope continues beneath the lake to a depth of 79 metres. The screes were formed as a result of ice and weathering erosion on the rocks. Geologically, Illgill Head and Whin Rigg are part of theBorrowdale Volcanic Group , typical for the southern-western area of the Lake District.In marked contrast to the north-western slope, the opposite flank of the fell, which descends to
Burnmoor Tarn andMiterdale is much gentler and covered in heather and bracken.Geology
The summit area has outcropping
tuff ,lapilli -tuff andbreccia of the Lingmell Formation amid the drift deposits. The crags atop the screes reveal theplagioclase -phyricandesite lava s of the Birker Fell Formation.British Geological Survey : 1:50,000 series maps, "England & Wales Sheet 38": BGS (1998)]ummit and View
The summit is a flat sheepwalk, giving no clue to the drama of the Screes. North west from the
cairn the grassy plateau gradually tilts, until a few yards away it simply disappears over the brink. Illgill Head is a fine viewpoint for Wasdale Head, the surrounding fells all appearing as they soar up from the dalehead. Nearer views, with care, are possible down the Screes themselves.Walks
Illgill Head is commonly ascended from
Wasdale Head over the north-eastern shoulder of the fell, skirting the edge of the Screes. There is also an ascent from Boot in Eskdale either over Whin Rigg or direct via Burnmoor Tarn.A lakeside path along the south-eastern shore of Wast Water starts at Wasdale Head Hall and continues through the boulder field with exhilarating close-up views of the Screes.
References
* A Pictorial Guide to the Lakeland Fells, The Southern Fells, Alfred Wainwright, ISBN 0-7112-2230-4
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