Highlight • Natural Monument
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Scoat Fell is a prominent fell and natural monument located in the Western Fells of the English Lake District, Cumbria. Rising to an elevation of 841 meters (2,759 feet), it forms a significant part of the region's mountainous beauty, standing at the head of the Mosedale Horseshoe and separating the valleys of Ennerdale and Wasdale. This challenging summit is a crucial intersection point where five different mountain ridges converge, connecting to other notable peaks like Pillar, Red Pike, and Haycock.
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May 10, 2021
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July 7, 2021
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July 28, 2023
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Nearby routes
Best routes near Scoat Fell
4.9
(24)
454
hikers
18.1km
07:51
1,110m
1,110m
Hard hike. Very good fitness required. Sure-footedness, sturdy shoes and alpine experience required.
5.0
(2)
84
hikers
17.8km
06:20
850m
850m
Hard hike. Very good fitness required. Sure-footedness, sturdy shoes and alpine experience required.
5.0
(3)
45
hikers
22.7km
09:56
1,470m
1,470m
Hard hike. Very good fitness required. Sure-footedness, sturdy shoes and alpine experience required.
Details
Informations
Elevation 890 m
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Scoat Fell is a key fell on several challenging routes. The Mosedale Horseshoe and the Ennerdale Horseshoe are two of the most popular, offering strenuous but highly rewarding day hikes that often bag multiple Wainwrights. Hikers also frequently combine Scoat Fell with its neighbours, such as Steeple and Pillar, as part of a longer ridge walk.
While Scoat Fell is considered challenging and requires good fitness and navigation skills, it is generally less arduous than a direct ascent of Scafell Pike. Scoat Fell's routes often involve significant elevation gain and rugged terrain, but Scafell Pike, as England's highest peak, typically presents a greater overall physical and navigational challenge, especially in adverse weather.
Yes, Scoat Fell has several notable features. The summit plateau is stony and rocky, crossed by the distinctive 'Ennerdale Fence,' a long dry stone wall that provides a unique landmark. You'll also find a small cairn marking the true summit, sometimes built directly upon this wall. To the south, Scoat Tarn, a large and deep mountain lake, is another significant natural feature.
Parking for Scoat Fell is typically found in the valleys surrounding it, such as Wasdale or Ennerdale. Specific car parks can fill up quickly, especially during peak season, so arriving early is often recommended. Public transport access to these remote areas of the Lake District is limited, making personal transport the most common way to reach trailheads.
Scoat Fell can be hiked in winter, but it presents a significantly greater challenge. Winter conditions can include snow, ice, strong winds, and rapidly changing weather, requiring appropriate winter gear such as ice axes, crampons, and advanced navigation skills. Visibility can be severely reduced. It is generally recommended for experienced winter mountaineers only.
Scoat Fell itself is part of challenging terrain and is not typically considered family-friendly for young children due to its difficulty and exposure. However, there are many lower-level walks in the surrounding valleys of Wasdale and Ennerdale that are suitable for families. Dogs are generally welcome on the fells, but must be kept under close control, especially near livestock, and owners should be prepared for the rugged terrain and potential for long days out.
The elevation gain for a hike to Scoat Fell varies significantly depending on the starting point. From valley floors like Wasdale or Ennerdale, you can expect an ascent of approximately 700-800 meters (2,300-2,600 feet) to reach the 841-meter (2,759 feet) summit. Routes that combine Scoat Fell with other fells will naturally involve more cumulative ascent and descent.
Given Scoat Fell's remote location in the Western Fells, amenities are not directly at the trailhead. However, you can find pubs and accommodation in the nearby valleys of Wasdale and Ennerdale, such as the Wasdale Head Inn. These establishments often cater specifically to hikers and offer a welcome respite after a day on the fells.
The summit of Scoat Fell offers excellent panoramic views, particularly across the Western Fells. While Pillar obstructs some eastern views, on clear days you can see distant peaks like Skiddaw, Blencathra, the Scafells, and Helvellyn. Many hikers particularly enjoy the view towards Steeple. From the summit, you can also often see across the Solway Firth to Scotland.
The time required to hike Scoat Fell depends heavily on your chosen route, starting point, and fitness level. A direct ascent and descent might take 4-6 hours. However, most hikers combine Scoat Fell with other fells as part of a longer ridge walk, such as the Mosedale Horseshoe, which can easily extend to a full day's hike of 7-10 hours or more.
The naming of 'Little Scoat Fell' and 'Great Scoat Fell' can be a bit confusing. Curiously, the highest point of the fell, at 841 meters (2,759 feet), is often labeled 'Little Scoat Fell,' while a slightly lower western summit is called 'Great Scoat Fell.' This convention is based on the area covered by each part rather than their respective heights. Alfred Wainwright, in his guides, opted for the singular 'Scoat Fell' to avoid ambiguity.