Sca Fell
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| Sca Fell | |
|---|---|
 The Scafell range as seen looking west from Crinkle Crags |
|
| Elevation | 964 m (3162 ft) |
| Location | Lake District, England |
| Prominence | 133 m |
| Topo map | OS Landrangers 89, 90 |
| OS grid reference | NY206064 |
| Listing | Hewitt, Wainwright, Nuttall |
Sca Fell (also spelled Scafell, and traditionally pronounced [skɔːfl] (Scawfle)[1], though the pronunciation [skɑːfɛl] is common today) is a mountain in the English Lake District. Its height of 964 m (3,162 feet) makes it the second highest mountain in England after Scafell Pike, from which it is 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 largest mountain in this part of the Lake District — it is 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".
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 is 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.
Scafell Crag, the massive north buttress of Sca Fell, is one of England's largest cliffs and has many famous rock climbs.
[edit] Notes
- ^ Wainwright, A. (1960). The Southern Fells. London: Francis Lincoln. ISBN 0-7112-2230-4.
