Welcome to Wasdale Head and England’s smallest parish church. Wasdale Head is the birthplace of English rock climbing and many of England’s finest fells are in the parish – among them Great Gable, Pillar, Steeple, Red Pike, and the highest – Scafell Pike, so is its deepest lake, Wastwater, and they jointly create a montage that was chosen as ‘Britain’s favourite view’ – see below.
Amongst these wonders of God’s creation sits the little church of St Olaf’s – the parish church of Wasdale Head. The site has been the base of the Christian Community here for over 1000 years – though much of the present building only dates from circa 1550. St Olaf’s can quite accurately be described as a little stable, with pews, ancient beams and a flagstone floor – a perfect place to worship God. There’s an image of the interior below.
Services take place on the 2nd and 4th Sundays of each month at 11am, throughout the year, also on Easter Day and Christmas Day at the same time. Our next service is on Sunday 26th September – 11am Harvest Festival & Communion, followed by Harvest Lunch at the Wasdale Head Inn at 12.45pm. Tickets for the lunch cost £10, please phone 01946 725 725 or email: wasdalehead.church@gmail.com.
Services in October are on Sunday 10th and Sunday 24th, both at 11am. Our services last for approximately 45 minutes. Do join us if you can!
The church is open daily from approximately 9am till 5pm, sometimes a little longer in the summer months.
We would also like to highlight the Wasdale Head Shepherds Meet and Hound Trails which take place on Saturday 10th October, starting at 10am. Admission is free and everyone is welcome. It is held at Row Head – just near the Wasdale Head Inn and the church!
Please bookmark this site and stay in touch! Thank you.
