CumbriaWASDALEHEADStOlaf(nigelchadwickCC-BY-SA2.0)1 NigelChadwick

St Olaf

The smallest church near the deepest lake and the highest mountain in England.

Wasdale Head, Cumbria

Opening times

Open daily dawn to dusk.

Address

Wasdale Head
Cumbria
CA20 1EX

View map

54.468185, -3.255929

In the churchyard are graves of many climbers who have died on the surrounding fells. The roof beams are thought to have come from Viking ships. The churchwarden’s staves have a Herdwick ram’s head on one and the ewe’s head on the other.

  • Wildlife haven

  • Spectacular stained glass

  • Social heritage stories

  • Fascinating churchyard

  • Enchanting atmosphere

  • Captivating architecture

  • Walkers & cyclists welcome

  • Space to secure your bike

  • Level access to the main areas

  • Dog friendly

  • Car park at church

  • Café within 500m

  • Church of England

Contact information

Gallery

CumbriaWASDALEHEADStOlaf(nigelchadwickCC-BY-SA2.0)1
CumbriaWASDALEHEADStOlaf(andrewhillCC-BY-SA2.0)1
CumbriaWASDALEHEADStOlaf(mauldyCC-BY-SA2.0)1
CumbriaWASDALEHEADStOlaf(petertrimmingCC-BY-SA2.0)1

Other nearby churches

St Catherine

Boot, Cumbria

A magnificent setting among the dales at the upper end of Eskdale with the backdrop of Scafell Pike, St Catherine’s dates back to the 12th century.

Newlands Church

Newlands, Cumbria

Newlands church, set in the midst of the lovely Newlands Valley, is a haven of peace and tranquillity, it can be traced back to the mid 16th century, although it was substantially refurbished in the 1840s.

St Mary

Gosforth, Cumbria

St Mary's has been an important religious site since the 8th century.