Illgill Head

About Illgill Head

Illgill Head is best known for comprising the northern section of the Wastwater Screes. The steep eroded slopes on the north-western flanks of Illgill Head and neighbouring Whin Rigg plunge down dramatically for approximately 610 m (2,000 ft) from top to base, with around 61 m (200 ft) being below the water’s surface. The fell of Illgill Head itself has an elevation of 609 m (1,998 ft) and a prominence of 314 m (1,030 ft). Its parent peak is Scafell Pike and it is listed as a Marilyn and a Wainwright. Its summit, in contrast to the spectacular scree slopes, is rather featureless - there is a cairn on a grassy plateau. Views down the Screes are possible, but only with great care. A lakeside path along Wastwater’s south-eastern shore provides a close-up of the fell’s most remarkable feature.