[Closed] Scafell from Eskdale - walking route needed

Do you mean Scafell, or Scafell Pike? The answer will be different!

Originally I meant Pike, but I think just Scafell now due to some less-regular walkers in the group...

I've been up that way a couple of times. Both times starting at Hollins Farm in Wskdale. First was up past Bird How to Brotherilkeld, following the path up to Brock Crag, over the top of Silverybield Crag, then heading into Great Moss via the Samson Stones to the bottom of Cam Spout Crag. Scrambled up past Cam Spout to Mickledor, and then up to the peak of Scafell Pike. Came back down from the peak via Little Narrowcove into Great Moss againt, and back the way I came.

Second time I went up the River Esk from Brotherilkeld, to Lingcove Bridge and the Scar Lathing and Great Moss. Plan was to cross Great Moss, and ascent from the head of the valley up to Esk Hause, and then bear left over Broad Crag to Scafell Pike, Scafell via Foxes Tarn gulley and then back via Slight Side. However, the weather rolled in as I got to Great Moss and not only was visibility down to about 10 meters, there was that much water around, the Esk and most of the stream were impassible so I had to turn back. Server me right for going in November really. Will that one next summer, or maybe do a full round the ridges starting at Crinkle Crags, Bow Fell, Esk Pike, Esk Hause etc.

My top tip for the route would be if you're going anywhere near Great Moss, have decent gaiters and waterproof trousers.

There's the direct approach straight up the ridgeline via Slight Side. The other is following the River Esk past Cam Spout and up to Mickledore. Unfortunately, the means negotiating Broad Stand (or Foxes Tarn - easier). Perhaps not the best route for less-regular walkers. Not done these for years so out of date on ground conditions. I do remember them a bit of a slog though & Great Moss will be wet. Much prefer Wasdale for a start point

Oh, and if you're just after Scafell. Starting at Wha House Farm, under Hare Crag, Cat Crag, Horn Crag, Slight Side, Long Green and Scafell should be less wet as you're avoiding Great Moss entirely.

Either will be a *big* day out.

The routes from one summit to the other (via Mickledore and Broad Stand, Lords' Rake or Foxes Tarn) are some of the main accident blackspots in the Lakes due to exposed scrambling, polished rock, loose boulders etc. so are [b]absolutely[/b] ruled out for an inexperienced group at this time of year, unless you're prepared to toprope them up Broad Stand.

For Scafell:- best option would probably be the loop from Boot, up via Burnmoor Tarn and Hard Rigg, down over Slight Side (don't get caught in the dark as the last three or four miles of lumpy moorland are highly confusing in the dark).

For Scafell Pike:- park by the road near Brotherilkeld farm, at the bottom of Hardknott. Take the valley path to Throstle Garth and upper Eskdale. No need to cross the Great Moss, just stick to the left bank of the river once you're in the upper valley. Up the Cam Spout path (steep) to Mickledore, then turn right for the Pike.

From there the classic day out would be along the Broad Crag / Ill Crag ridge to Great End and then drop back into the valley from Esk Hause. Or you could drop down Little Narrowcove more directly. But be aware that (a) the steep convex slope down to the Little Narrowcove col can be a dangerous proposition if there's snow on the ground and (b) the ridge beyond can be quite confusing in mist - the ground is very bouldery so the path isn't always obvious.

Elliptic's routes are good and his advice re: routes between Scafell and Pike are sound, I should have mentioned this myself. Just bear in mind his second will require fording the Esk, which will be high at the moment.

Both the routes I first mentioned were full days for me, and I'm reasonably fit and experienced. Although there was a fair bit of dicking around taking pictures.

Just bear in mind his second will require fording the Esk, which will be high at the moment.

Fair point: you can avoid this by crossing the bridge to Taw House from Brotherilkeld, then either along the left side of the main lower valley (dramatic narrow path up the side of the gorge opposite Throstle Garth) or up-and-over by Silverybield (might be a bit soggy).

Oh, and if you need a short day / wet weather option, Harter Fell is a fine little summit.

Cheers all, top stuff 🙂