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We're off to the Lakes later, staying at the campsite in Boot, and the plan is to make the most of the decent forecast tomorrow and walk up Scafell/Scafell Pike.
I know there's a fair few on here that know the Lakes well, so any recommendations for the best route up and back? MrsIHN's initial idea is to take the bridleway across Eskdale Fell then up Hard Rigg and coming back down via Slight Side and Whinscales. I've also seen a route starting at Wha Bridge, following the Esk up to Cam Spout and then up from there.
I've also read that Scafell is probably 'better' as it will be quieter.
Don't really know the area though so ideas/experience welcome.
(And yes, I know it may be busy, but we're staying at the base of it and have never been up, so seems a bit daft not to)
Light and fitness permitting, I'd do road to Wha Bridge then follow the path all the way along upper Eskdale and reach Esk Hause, bit of a steep scramble at the end. Then take in the full ridge, Great End, Broad Crag, Scafell Pike, Scafell then back down Slight Side. Nearly 15 miles and 4.5k climbing, but a cracking day out. Upper Eskdale is absolutely stunning. You can cut this short, as you say, by ascending the path heading to the col between Broad Crag and Scafell Pike.
If you are not really familiar with the area then avoid Broad Stand from Mickledore up onto Scafell. That gets very tasty and see's a lot of people getting cragfast. Either descend Mickledore and take Lords Rake / West Wall Traverse up, or the Foxes Tarn route up onto Scafell.
Thanks.
Nearly 15 miles and 4.5k climbing,
My knee, unfortunately, says no
You can cut this short, as you say, by ascending the path heading to the col between Broad Crag and Scafell Pike.
Ah, I was looking at the path before that, the one up between Sca Fell and Scafell Pike (How Beck to Broad Stand)
If you are not really familiar with the area then avoid Broad Stand from Mickledore up onto Scafell. That gets very tasty and see’s a lot of people getting cragfast.
Noted, thanks
If you knee is playing up then I'd consider the route proposed by your wife. Anything up from upper Eskdale is all on rough demanding terrain. Scafell is a lovely summit with superb views all round.
The walk into Great Moss from the roman fort area (hardnott pass) is a pleasant walk. Great moss looks nice, flat lands with peaks towering up behind (not quite patagonia). There's parking on a layby up the road. You're better off on the left of river esk heading north, then you can traverse Great moss on higher ground on the left (under cam spout crag) and up to foxes tarn and summit. As someone above has said, if you go up to broad stand you have a notoriously slightly dangerous scramble to get up Scarfell, it's generally not recommended. You could cross over broad stand and go up lords rake which will be a bit more exciting grade 1 scramble than the walk up to foxes tarn, but more effort (descend to foxes tarn).
Don't think I've done the Wha House route, but looks a continuously steady ascent, so might be better for your knee.
I hope you get a day like this. Not my vid.
However you go to Scafell (I'd go by upper Eskdale/foxes tarn) if you descend by Slight Side to Wha House into a sunset it can be a magical experience, the light over Morecambe bay and the Irish Sea and the Isle of Man and Snowdonia seeming to float .....
There is a great route up Scafell Pike from the Esk via Little Narowcove. Almost pops you out by the summit. Though it's probably better done from Cockley Beck than Boot.
If you want Scafell and Scafell Pike, you'll need to avoid Broad Stand (unless you're into that kind of thing, most people aren't.).
Foxes Tarn route from Upper Eskdale for the former, then maybe reverse it a short distance and turn up towards the col between the two.