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 the present sturdy little stone building only dates from circa 1525, replacing an earlier wooden church (or perhaps churches – as it is unlikely that a wooden building would have lasted over 500 years). 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 28th November 11am – Communion, followed by Sunday 12th December 11am Morning Worship, and Christmas Day 11am Festival Communion.
Also, on Tuesday 21st December at 6pm – Carols in the Inn, in the bar at the Wasdale Head Inn. Do join us for this festive community event.
The church is open daily from approximately 9am till 4pm.
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St Olaf's Church, Wasdale Head, Cumbria 