Whoap Explained

Whoap
Elevation M:511
Parent Peak:Lank Rigg
Location:Lake District, England
Coordinates:54.5041°N -3.3958°W
Map:United Kingdom Lake District

Whoap is a hill located near the western edge of the English Lake District, standing at 511 m. It is part of the Lank Rigg group and is separated from this fell by an unnamed col, known locally as the Whoap Step. Whoap is not listed as a Wainwright, although it is briefly mentioned in the chapters for Lank Rigg and Crag Fell in Volume 7: The Western Fells.[1]

Topography

Whoap is a tongue-shaped hill lying between Lank Rigg to the south and Crag Fell to the north. The southern flank of Whoap is considerably steeper than the other aspects and features a small area of scree but no rocky outcrop.

Ascent

The easiest ascent of Whoap is from the Coldfell road, at the point where it forms a right angle at the base of Blakeley Raise and Burn Edge. A track leads down into the Calder valley at which point it crosses Comb Beck and continues along the valley until a crossing of the Calder itself is reached. At this point, there are two options; either turn left and ascend Whoap directly, or continue along the valley to the unnamed col separating Whoap from Lank Rigg before turning left for the final ascent. The second route is less strenuous, although the ground can become quite boggy after rainfall.

Summit

The summit of Whoap is marked by a small boulder and provides views of Grike, Crag Fell and the area between Whoap and Crag Fell, known as Black Potts.

Notes and References

  1. Book: Alfred Wainwright. Alfred Wainwright. A Pictorial Guide to the Lakeland Fells, Volume 7 The Western Fells. Westmorland Gazette. 1966. 0-7112-2460-9.