One of my favourite journeys is to Wastwater. I say journey as it lies well over to the west, only accessible by the Wrynose and Hardknott pass or from the Western Coast. The journey over the pass, an experience in itself, winds up over the mountains, with hairpin bends crossing the Langdales, getting you nicely in the mood for what is to come. As you approach through Greendale you are confronted with a sight spectacular, the famous Wastwater screes. At a height of nearly 2000 feet they plunge, seemingly vertical, straight down into the waters edge. Wastwater is without doubt the most haunting and dramatic of all the lakes. The view across the water is to Great Gable, flanked by Kirkfell and Lingmell. If the mist rolls in the mood is dark, and the knowledge that the waters drop down to some 258 feet adds to the drama. The lake is three miles long and half a mile wide with an is an easy walk along the west shore with plenty of places to picnic. The screes have a track at the foot, but it is exceptionally hard going and I would strongly advise against attempting this difficult route. You can canoe or row on the water, but will require a permit which is obtainable from the National Trust Wasdale Head campsite. At the head of the lake is a very small village and the famous Wasdale Head Inn, much loved by climbers and serves excellent ale, good bar food and has a pro - climbing shop. Hidden away in a little field, behind a standing of fir,s stands St Olafs Church. Said to be the smallest church in England, the little graveyard has memorials to climbers killed in the Himalayas, Scarfell and Great Gable. The water and its surrounds are totally unspolit and make for a refreshing day amid memorable scenery, the deepest lake and highest mountain. Whether you visit in winter or summer, a little time spent by this deep water will leave a long and lasting impression of your time in the Lake District. AMEN ITIES NT Wasdale Head Campsite - Telephone: 019467 26220 Wasdale Head Inn - Telephone: .019467 26229