From the summit of Brandreth (715 m), a Wainwright fell, it’s a gentle 60 m descent to Gillercomb Head, where the ascent to Green Gable (801 m) begins. From this point, two striking panoramas unfold: the dramatic Gillercomb cirque to the southeast, and to the northwest, sweeping views over Ennerdale and Buttermere, with the High Stile range layered along the skyline.

From the slopes of Green Gable near Gillercomb Head, there is a superb outlook along the length of the Ennerdale Valley. Dominating the view are Pillar to the south and High Stile to the north, two of the most prominent peaks in the Wild Ennerdale landscape.

The ascent of Green Gable begins with a short scramble over the upper rim of the Gillercomb cirque. Beyond this, the route becomes a steady climb along a rough, stony path. A series of small, loosely built cairns marks the way — especially helpful in poor weather or low visibility.

Looking back from this point, the upper rim of Gillercomb lies ahead, with Brandreth and Grey Knotts to the left and Base Brown to the right.

The summit of Green Gable is marked by a well-built cairn that also serves as a wind shelter, offering protection from all sides and even featuring a stone bench inside. The panoramic views from here are outstanding. To the east lie Seathwaite Fell and Glaramara; to the south, Great Gable dominates the skyline. Westward are Kirk Fell and the rugged slopes of Wasdale, while to the north stretch the Ennerdale Valley, Haystacks, High Crag, High Stile, and Buttermere.

Great Gable is often climbed from Green Gable, with the two summits separated by the rugged col of Windy Gap. The ascent is steep, skirting the southern edge of Gable Crag before rising to the 899 m Wainwright summit. Unlike its greener neighbour, Great Gable is largely bare and stony, its dark, rocky slopes forming a striking contrast to the gentler profile of Green Gable.

Windy Gap is the narrow col that separates Green Gable from Great Gable. The descent from Green Gable is sharp, falling from 801 m to around 750 m, before the path climbs steeply again towards Great Gable’s 899 m summit. On the far side of Great Gable, another col — Beck Head — links the mountain to nearby Kirk Fell.

Beck Head is the col linking Great Gable to Kirk Fell, lying at around 620 m. Its relatively flat surface holds two small tarns, often seen shimmering in sheltered hollows. Beck Head forms a natural north–south watershed, with streams flowing either north toward Ennerdale Water or south into the head of Wastwater.

The broad, tapering mass of Kirk Fell dominates the landscape between Ennerdale and Wasdale, filling an entire quadrant of the Western Fells. Its flat, mesa-like summit is split into two tops: the higher western summit reaches 802 m, while the eastern rises to 787 m. Nestled between them lies Kirkfell Tarn, aligned north–south, with Baysoar Slack and Illgill Head lying along its axis. Composed mainly of volcanic rock from the Borrowdale Volcanic Group, Kirk Fell’s rugged form was shaped by glacial erosion and stands as a prominent feature once used by early surveyors mapping the Lakeland fells.

From the slopes of Green Gable, there’s a captivating view down the length of the classic U-shaped Ennerdale Valley, with each ridge clearly defined. On the northern side stand Haystacks, High Crag and High Stile, while Pillar dominates the southern skyline. Beyond the valley, Buttermere and Crummock Water are easily visible, lying just north of the high ground above Haystacks and High Stile.

Visible to the southeast from Green Gable, Sprinkling Tarn is the source of the River Derwent. Its outflow runs to Styhead Tarn and into Styhead Gill, which joins with Grains Gill just north of Stockley Bridge. This confluence marks the official beginning of the River Derwent as it begins its journey through Borrowdale.

The southeast flanks of Great Gable (899 m) and Green Gable (801 m) descend steeply to Styhead Tarn and Styhead Gill, around the 440 m contour. Between them lies Windy Gap, the col that connects the two summits. From here, a stony trail descends southeast into the deep ravine of Aaron Slack. Rain falling southeast of Windy Gap drains into Styhead Gill and eventually the Derwent, while rain falling northwest flows into Stone Cove and becomes part of the River Liza, which feeds Ennerdale Water.

The massive dome of Great Gable towers over the surrounding fells and is a prominent landmark from all directions. Several footpaths lead to its summit, while others cross its southern slopes toward Wasdale. The broad ascent path up the centre of the southeast face is clearly visible from afar. To the east of Raven Crag, those familiar with the area may spot Dry Tarn tucked on a shelf beside the path — often dry, as its name suggests. It is highliged yellow in the image.