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Lake District Entertainment > About The Lake District > The Fells Of The Lake District > Scafell Pike
Scafell PikeScafell Pike is part of a horseshoe formation of fells and crags and located in the heart of the Lake District National Park, making it a geological wonder for not only the Lake District, but of the United Kingdom. This is specifically because Scafell Pike holds a particular distinction in the natural and geological layout of England: it boasts at least two ‘highest’ statuses.First and foremost, Scafell Pike is known as the highest at fell, or mountain, in the country, at an amazing 978 metres (3, 209 feet). Considering the vast mountain spread of the Lake District, there is no wonder that the mountain boasting the highest altitude would be situated here. Scafell Pike is quite often mixed up with its brother fell, Sca Fell, not too far away and connected by means of the col, or passageway, of Mickledore, another prominent formation comprising the Scafell Pike group, which was originally dubbed “Pikes of Sca Fell,” but took a contracted name associated with Scafell Pike when an error was made on an ordinance survey chart. Ever since, the condensed form stuck. One note worthy of mentioning is that the entire area was donated to the Lake District National Park in 1920 at a memorial tribute to the land’s owner, Lord Leconfield, who was honorably killed during World War I Scafell Pike and its group, then, was a gift from a dead man. Another point that must be acknowledged is that Scafell Pike is one of only three mountains in England known to have been/is ascended during the National 3-Peak Challenge. This is no surprise, considering that Scafell Pike is the highest fell in England. If this fell is conquered, those who have successfully attempted the endeavour would gain national respect and admiration to last in perpetuity. The second ‘highest’ of distinction falls on the fact that Scafell Pike contains the Broad Crag Tarn, which is the bears the highest elevation for tarns in England. The strange, unexplainably irony to this is that the tarn is, in fact, situated on Scafell Pike proper itself instead of on the neighbouring Broad Crag where, logically, the tarn should belong. The tarn rests at an impressive distance of 820 metres (2,700 feet) above sea level. The solidified cool magna rock marking the consistency of the Scarfell Pike, and all of the members in the group, dates to the Ordovician, or early Palaeozoic Period. This fact suggests how extensively old these formations are. This is confirmed by to the Pike’s summit plateau, which is scattered with rock debris, perhaps caused by previous earthquakes, volcanic activity or frost actions. There are many approached to Scarfell Pike, but a few are worthy of mention. One involves a starting point at Wasdale Head, a nearby village, which can be assumed as base for climbers or trekkers. As straightforward as this route is, it is steep, so there is an element of risk involved, which is likely to attract some professional climbers. This approach will lead to the north end of Wastwater and then to Scarfell Pike’s west flank. Another approach is far more intimidating and exhausting but more scientifically sound. This path begins at the Seathwaite Farm, at the end of Borrowdale, intersection the Styhead Tarn, an on through the corridor Route. Despite the risk factor and challenge in this approach, trekkers are rewarded by the great breathtaking panorama of much of the area, including Broad Crag, Glaramara, Great End, Ill Crag, and the Allen Crags, to one side; and possibly as far as Esk Crag, Slight Side, Mickledore and Sca Fell to the other. |
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