Walking Route - Scafell, Lake District
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Eskdale >
Cam Spout > Foxes Tarn > Slight Side >
Eskdale
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Average Time: 5 hours 45
minutes
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Distance: 9.2 miles
(14.6km)
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Height Gain: 3416 ft
(1041m)
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A classic mountain walk complete with the finest upland
scenery in England plus waterfalls and a breathtaking river
gorge.
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Maps: OS OL 6, Landranger
89
Online: Streetmap
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Strenuousness: 2
Technicality: 2
Photo Grade:4
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Start Point:
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There's generally a reason why a route become recognised as a
classic outing, and it's usually a reflection of the route's quality.
This traditional route from Eskdale takes in Great Moss, and the
finest mountain surroundings in England, then follows an "almost a
scramble" route up to Foxes Tarn and Scafell before dropping back
down over Slight Side.
Throw in waterfalls, a river gorge and the feeling of remoteness
and you can see why it's become a classic.
Section 1: Eskdale to Cam Spout
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Distance: 4.1 miles (6.5km)
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Height Gain: 1224ft (373m)
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Average Time: 2 hours 20 mins
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From the road take the drive up towards Taw House and follow
the continuation alongside a wall to eventually reach Scale
Beck after a mile and a quarter.
Cross the bridge and bear left, on much steeper ground as you zig
zag up alongside the gill. You climb 500 feet in the half mile track
up to Rowantree Crags. The path now heads north west to join
the Esk above the waterfalls as it emerges from Great Moss.
Great
Moss is one of those rare spots where you can't see a road,
house or any sign of habitation, just mountains. With Crinkle Crags
and Bow Fell on your right head along the River Esk past the boulders
at Sampson's Stones to reach the stream coming down from the
waterfalls of Cam Spout.
Section 2: Cam Spout to Slight Side
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Distance: 2.2 miles (3.5km)
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Height Gain: 2133ft (650m)
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Average Time: 2 hours 10 mins
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The junction of the stream from Cam Spout - below - and the Esk makes
a perfect spot to rest for the night on a longer trip, and a good
viewpoint for the next section of the route.
A series of slabs rise steeply up alongside the tumbling stream,
with balancing holds available if required but not quite needed. Once
above the falls you enter an amphitheatre with the main path heading
off for Mickledore.
A path heads off the main track to the left up an obvious gully,
and this leads up over boulders to reach easier ground and the small,
boulder filled, Foxes Tarn.
From here take the zig zag path up the scree to reach the summit
plateau. The summit lies a little in from the edge and has the
obligatory cairn and, on a good day, stunning views - below, looking
back towards Great Moss.
From the summit
the descent commences heading south where a well trodden path sticks
to the high ground as it drops to a saddle. A short re-ascent takes
you over Cam Spout Crag and on to Slight Side.
If you're in luck and the weather's on your side this is a far
better viewpoint than Scafell, with the whole of the River Esk laid
out below from Great Moss to Eskdale and beyond.
Section 3: Slight Side to Eskdale
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Distance: 2.9 miles (4.6km)
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Height Gain: 59ft (18m)
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Average Time: 1 hour 15 mins
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The descent from
Slight Side couldn't be much easier, with an
obvious wide track following the descending ridge south towards the
marshy
Quagrigg
Moss.
Follow the path round the edge of Cowcove and Catcove and
gradually descend to Eskdale, emerging at the road a few yards higher
up.
Note: Average time ratings are calculated for a notional
average walker and take height gain into account. You may be faster
or slower than the notional average, but they provide a starting
point.
