Whoap, Ennerdale Fells, Coast to Coast
More Articles in the Ennerdale Bridge to Rosthwaite subsection
Iron Crag from Whoop
Whoap Fell and Whoap Beck, Ennerdale Fells, Coast to Coast
Whoap (511 m) is a grassy, rounded fell on the western edge of the Ennerdale Fells, best appreciated from the south and west. While its slopes from the east are gentle and unremarkable, the upper valley of Whoap Beck offers a striking contrast, with a steep headwall and sharply folded flanks. The beck itself winds attractively through a secluded hollow, eventually joining the River Calder near the confluence with Stinking Gill and Comb Beck. Nestled between Blakeley Raise and Lank Rigg (541 m), Whoap forms a quiet, scenic corner of the western Lake District — often overlooked, but well worth exploring on a Coast to Coast detour.
Whaleback Ridge of Whoap
From the foot of Crag Fell, Whoap’s smooth, curved ridgeline stretches southward like a whaleback, linking to Iron Crag (640 m) beyond. A subtle rise marks a subsidiary summit near Short Grain spring, where the fell begins its long descent.
Wallside Route to Whoap
Although unmarked on OS maps, a faint path climbs from Crag Fell along the boundary wall skirting Whoap’s northern flank. When the wall turns southeast, the true route presses ahead, cutting across open fellside to join Whoap’s ridge just below the summit.
Black Pots and Calder Origins
Seen from the foot of Whoap, this view captures the grassy flanks below Crag Fell, where the River Calder begins its course. The route to Whoap’s summit crosses two wet gullies known as Black Pots — the Calder’s source — with Buck Hole cutting a deep cleft into Whoap’s western side.
Grike and Crag Fell from Whoap
From near the summit of Whoap, the view north reveals Grike and Crag Fell beyond the infant River Calder. With much of the forestry now cleared, the bare ridgelines stand exposed, emphasising the stark divide between wooded valleys and open fell.
Gt Borne & Herdus Across Ennerdale
From the grassy ridge of Whoap, a gap between Crag Fell and the summit reveals a striking view across the Ennerdale Valley. Beyond the waters of Ennerdale Water rise the bold outlines of Herdus and Great Borne, with Bowness Knot making a subtle foreground appearance at the lake’s head.
Whoap’s Modest Summit
The summit of Whoap is modest for a fell of 511 m, its small cairn overshadowed by a prominent boulder beside it. Views from the top extend in all directions: Blakeley Raise lies to the west, Grike and Crag Fell to the north, Iron Crag to the east, and Lank Rigg to the south.
Whoap's Saddle to Lank Rigg
From the grassy saddle between Whoap and Lank Rigg, the route ascends gently along the col forming the backwall of Whoap Beck. The summit dome of Lank Rigg rises ahead, broad and grassy, with views opening out across the lonely southern fells of Ennerdale.
Hiking the Coast to Coast trail guide
Hiking the Coast to Coast is a digitally enhanced eBook designed to accompany you on your journey along the Coast to Coast path. Available on Apple Books for iPhone, iPad and Mac, the guide includes:
• Mapping with interactive features
• Step-by-step route directions
• Hundreds of colour photographs
• Route conditions in different weather
• Historical and cultural points of interest
Whether you’re planning your trip or already on the trail, it’s a practical and beautifully illustrated resource to carry with you.

