Wasdale makes several claims to fame.
It is the home of England’s tallest mountain and deepest lake. Both true, with Scafell Pike and Wastwater taking the honours. It also claims to be the home of the worlds biggest liar, although this statement can be seen as a paradox in itself, (however I am unaware of any politicians residing in the valley), and England’s smallest church. This claim is made for St Olaf’s at Wasdale Head.
Several English churches seem to make this claim, and it obviously depends how you measure small. Presumably you measure what aspect gives your church the desired accolade. What is in no doubt is that it is indeed a very small church. It is reputed to be over a thousand years old, and that the roof beams are made from wood taken from Viking longships. It is also undoubtably set in a spectacular location.
There is no parking at the church itself, but there is plenty of free parking at the village green, about 200 yards short of the church
In order to complete this multi you need to visit the churchyard and gather information from four gravestones – don’t worry, there aren’t that many, and like the church, the graveyard is also very small.
The final cache can be found at: N54 2A.BCD W03 1E.FGH
A: Alexandrina Grace Dingwall Wilson was the last schoolteacher in the Dale. She died on 22nd March 194A. (What a fantastic name!)
B: H.Jupp, A.Garrett and S.R….. died in an accident on Scawfell (sic) on September 21st 190F. How many letters in Stanley’s surname + 1 = B.
(As an aside a fourth climber was killed in the same accident, R.W.Broadwick, but he is not mentioned on the gravestone. He is presumably buried elsewhere.)
C: F.Roberts was killed on Pillar Rock on the 12th June 193C
D: C… Deane Frankland was killed on Great Gable on the 31st July 1927. How many letters in his first name = D
E: The number of lines on the gravestone of Frank Roberts who died on Pillar Rock.
F: Jupp, Garrett and Ridsdale died on Scawfell September 21st 190F
G: Number of letters in Garret’s christian name – killed on Scawfell
H: John Wilson died at Greendale, H March {year indiscernible}