Scafell

Description

Many people when asked the name of England's highest mountain will reply 'Scafell'. At 3162 feet, Scafell is actually England's second highest peak, that honour going to neighbouring Scafell Pike. From many angles though - notably from the top of Scafell Pike, Scafell can appear the higher summit and it certainly presents a more imposing facade with the grey rock walls of Scafell Crag and Deep Ghyll Buttress on its northern side.

The mountain is usually climbed from Wasdale or Eskdale being situated on the south western side of the Lake District and has a choice of routes to its summit. The most well known - that of Lord's Rake - has in recent years, been affected by rock fall and it would be worth checking locally as to its safety if this is your intended way. The ridge via Slight Side to the south is a fine outing with good views and the Cam Spout/Foxes Tarn route is an interesting ascent from Eskdale. This is also now the normal way from Wasdale and involves crossing Mickledore first.

A word of warning! If ascending from Wasdale or crossing Mickledore to Scafell Pike, Foxes Tarn is the walkers route. Broad Stand, though short, is a rock climb - not a walk and attempting it unroped is dangerous if you're not an experienced climber! The other routes mentioned are safe for walkers.