Scramble Route: Base Brown

Even at the busiest times this route avoids the crowds, and gives a superb alternative approach to Sty Head. The rock is generally sound and coarse, and the south-east facing aspect gives both good light and warmth while helping dry out any surface water.

Park as close to the end of the road as possible in Seathwaite - NY 235 121. Follow the path from the farm that goes under the arch on the right. Cross the stream and bear left, following Grains Gill to where Taylor Gill Force appears on your right. To reach the start of the scramble you now need to drop down off the path to the foot of the steep slabs on your left.

From the base of the route take the slabs back uphill, using a holly tree part way up as a guideline. You should start about 30ft to the right of the holly tree and ascend pretty much straight up the slabs. Easy, but steep, scrambling leads to a grassy ledge, then move right on the easier ground to reach a path with a gate. Beyond the gate is an obvious short groove/chimney, which although appearing steep has good holds. The groove leads to another short wall then out onto the south east rib of Base Brown.

Follow as close to the edge of the south east rib as you feel like, choosing your ground according to how you feel. Ascend the obvious nose on its right then a grassy walk leads to another short steep section. Take this on its left hand side for the best rock &endash; with great views down the length of Borrowdale. The rock gets a little looser on the next section, but keeping left again gives an easy climb over a series of large, but loose, blocks. Another short walk now brings you to the foot of a difficult looking buttress. This is the point to choose whether you want Grade 2 or Grade 3!

For the Grade 3 finish take the buttress direct on its right hand side to emerge 200ft from the summit of Base Brown.

For the Grade 2 finish, which in many ways is a better ending, walk left past the obvious juniper patch then follow a gulley up to the base of an easy slab. Climb the slab on good holds to the base of the final steep section.

Again you have the option of a direct finish at Grade 3, or the better choice of a traverse left. A tree on the left marks the point for gaining a ledge that takes you to the edge of an impressive drop into a large gulley that falls 1000ft down to Taylor Gill Force. An exposed step here can be protected by a nut on the right hand wall, then climb up on good, but small, holds onto the final rib.

A short pull up here brings you out onto the grassy slopes up the final 150ft to the summit. From the top, on a good day, you get stunning views in every direction. Sty Head Tarn lies ahead and below, offering a route onwards if you choose to Great Gable or the Scafell Range.