Scafell from the South

• The best ascent of Scafell
• Rarely visited Burnmoor Tarn
• Explore pretty Eskdale

I was surprised to find that for every person on the top of Scafell 15 people climbed the nearby Scafell Pike. Clearly Scafell Pike is higher but the main reason is surely down to the inaccessibility of  Scafell. The most popular way of climbing Scafell is via Scafell Pike from Borrowdale, a long drag with Scafell merely an inconvenience, alternatively there is an unremitting slog from Wasdale Head but by far the best is the long ridge over Slight Side from Eskdale. Eskdale is a lovely valley, almost unspoilt and including some of the most classical Lakeland scenery, the route up Scafell gradual with ever changing views. Scafell is gradually exposed with the final 1/2 mile above Foxes Tarn laying bare a grand panorama of high mountains in the Central core rarely seen from this angle. Rather than returning via the same route I visited Burnmoor Tarn for the first time and ended by passing the beautifully situated Eel Tarn. I passed nobody once I left the summit.

Recommend: This is a walk for sturdy walking boots, I ended up with wet and sore feet from my lighter weight option!

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© Crown copyright 2010 Ordnance Survey. Image produced from the Ordnance Survey Get-a-map service. Image reproduced with kind permission of Ordnance Survey and Ordnance Survey of Northern Ireland.

OS Map:	O/S 1.25,000. OL6 The English Lakes South western area
Start Point:	201009. There is limited parking at the start of the climb which should be enough. Alternatively there is some parking in and around the Woolpack Inn.
Terrain:	The climb is on a good but not eroded path, the descent to Burnmoor Tarn is steep bouldery whereas the path at the tarn is wet.
Eating & Drinking:	The Woolpack Inn has an excellent choice of beer and a lovely beer garden but the food down the road at the Boot Inn has more variety.
Similar Walks Nearby:	The Scafells from Wasdale Craggy frolics over Eskdale Muncaster Fell from Eskdale Green
Places to Stay:	Eskdale Camping & Caravanning Club