Everything about Scafell totally explained
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Sca Fell (also spelled
Scafell, and traditionally (
Scawfle),
though the pronunciation /skɑːˈfɛl/ is common today) is a
mountain in the
English Lake District. Its height of 964 metres (3,162 ft) makes it the second-highest mountain in
England after
Scafell Pike, from which it's separated by the pass of
Mickledore.
Originally the name Sca Fell referred to the whole of the massif from Great End south to
Slight Side; only more recently has the general term become applied solely to the part of the
fell south of
Mickledore.
It was once believed that Sca Fell was the highest mountain in this part of the Lake District — it's much more prominent in views from many directions than its higher neighbour — with the three apparently inferior peaks to the north (those now known as
Scafell Pike,
Ill Crag and
Broad Crag) being known collectively as the "Pikes of Sca Fell". Despite regarding Slight Side as a separate entity,
Wainwright included the wide upland area beyond it to the south west as a part of Sca Fell. More modern guides have partitioned the plateau off as a further independent top, Great How. The second breach in the crags is Broad Stand, a series of sloping steps which drop down from Symonds Knott almost to Mickledore; however, these steepen immediately above Mickledore and can't be negotiated safely except by rock-climbers.
Summit and view
The main summit bears a large
cairn on a short rocky ridge. Northward is a saddle, marked by a large cross of stones and then the bouldery climb to Symonds Knott, the north top. This gives views straight down to Mickledore.
Scafell gives a very different view to that from its higher neighbour with
Wastwater and the coastal plain given great prominence. There is a fine vista of the
Western Fells, together with
Bowfell and the
Coniston Fells.
Ascents
While now known to lack some of its neighbour's elevation, Sca Fell is still the more difficult peak to climb, especially from the precipitous northern and eastern sides. The traverse of the ridge between Scafell Pike and Sca Fell is especially difficult because steep
cliffs prevent a direct walking route, entailing a considerable loss of height to get round the obstacle. The direct route up the crags, known as Broad Stand, is a dangerous and exposed
scramble that has caused many accidents and injuries; it's usually treated as a
rock climb, with appropriate protection.
The classic ascent via Lord's Rake path from
Wastwater is now threatened by unstable rocks following a rock fall in 2001. A pleasant but lengthy alternative begins from Boot in
Eskdale, following the
River Esk upstream, and scrambling up to the summit by way of Foxes Tarn. A gentler return can be made across moorland, by way of the Burnmoor Tarn. Also starting in Eskdale, the Terrace route can be followed from Wha House, first ascending Slight Side.
Scafell Crag, the massive north buttress of Sca Fell, is one of England's largest cliffs and has many famous rock climbs.
Further Information
Get more info on 'Scafell'.
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