Church of St Olaf

St Olaf Church is a stone parish church located in Wasdale Head, nestled in the English Lake District. Its interior features traditional craftsmanship, including a south-facing window with an etching depicting Napes Needle, a rock formation on the nearby Great Gable mountain.

The earliest recorded reference to a church at this location dates to 1550, though an older structure may have existed previously. The church received its current name in 1977, inspired by the vicar's connection to Norwegian heritage.

The church serves as a gathering place for the scattered community in this mountain valley, and visitors from around the world leave their names in the guest book as a sign of connection to the place. This practice creates a living record of travelers and pilgrims who have passed through.

The location is accessible via well-maintained footpaths that are easy for walkers to find and follow. A guest book inside welcomes visitors to record their visit, offering a simple way to mark your time here.

This is one of England's smallest parish churches, a fact that often surprises visitors who expect a larger traditional structure. Its modest size adds to its character and makes it a distinctive landmark in the remote mountain valley.

Location: Wasdale

GPS coordinates: 54.46710,-3.25350

Latest update: December 14, 2025 14:22