“the greatest display of natural grandeur in the district, a spectacle of massive strength and savage wildness”
A Wainwright
The Eskdale side of the Scafell Massif offers a wide variety of routes to the high summits, not as popular as other approaches these routes give a wonderful quiet excursion to the highest summits in England.
The long gentle climb up over Slight Side from Eskdale gives a wonderful scenic climb whilst the descent through Upper Eskdale gives great variety.
“Doubly happy, however, is the man to whom lofty mountain tops are within reach”
John Muir
From Wha House we will follow the track climbing gently to meet Catcove Beck and climb the long southern shoulder of Scafell, to the summit of Slight Side, following the long gentle ridge to the summit of Scafell.
From the summit of Scafell we will descend east, dropping down by Foxes Tarn and down by the side of the Waterfalls to meet the path descending by How Beck to meet the path along the Upper Eskdale Valley following this by Silverybield Crag to descend by Scale Gill and pick up the path back by Taw House to Wha House.
Each participant will be required to bring suitable equipment for their chosen event, please see Kit List tab above.
Where to meet: Wha House
Postcode: CA19 1TH
Grid Reference: NY 200 009
Directions
From Ambleside:
The mst direct route from Ambleside crosses the Wrynose Pass from Little Langdale and then the Hardknott Pass, this is a slow road so allow plenty of time. As you descend from Hardknott Pass continue, passing a telephonee box on the right, cross the bridge and a small layby will be seen on the right of the road, opposite the entrance to Wha House Farm.
From Gosforth:
Follow the signs from Gosforth to Eskdale, passing the Santon Bridge Inn, continue on this road past the village of Eskdale Green.
When a junction is reached with the George IV pub on the right turn left (Signposted to Boot).
Continue on this road past boot, and past the Woolpack Inn and the Youth Hostel until a small lay by is seen on the left, opposite the entrance to Wha House Farm, we will meet here.
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