Great Sca Fell

Great Sca Fell

Great Sca Fell Group Walks | Join a Walk

651m Elevation
13m Prominence
England Country

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Classifications

Wainwright Birkett Sy Fellranger Deleted Nuttall

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Elevation

651m

2,136 ft

Prominence

13m

Coordinates

54.6951, -3.1010

NY291339

OS Map

89 90

Explorer: OL4N

At the Summit

At the summit, you'll find a simple stone cairn, a welcoming sight for weary hikers. Keep an eye out for the occasional trig point, which makes for a perfect photo op!

Terrain & Geology

Mostly grassy with rocky outcrops offering a couple of boggy patches to keep your boots on their toes.

Great Sca Fell is primarily composed of volcanic and sedimentary rocks, including tuff and sandstone, which give it a fascinating structure and unique ecosystems.

Views & Scenery

Spectacular views of Blencathra, Skiddaw, and the northern fells stretching out to the horizon. On a clear day, you might even spot the Irish Sea!

History & Heritage

Name Origin

The name 'Sca' likely derives from the Old Norse word for 'slope' or 'hill', indicating the mountain's shape and prominence.

Historical Significance

Great Sca Fell has been a favourite among local walkers for generations, providing tranquil escapes and a good leg stretch.

Popular Routes

Great Sca Fell Circular via Longlands Fell

Moderate

This popular circular route begins at the roadside parking near Longlands (Grid Ref: NY265350). The trail ascends Longlands Fell and follows the ridge to Brae Fell before reaching Great Sca Fell. The return descends via Meal Fell, completing a classic walk in the Northern Fells with expansive views of the Lake District and the Solway Firth.

8 km 3 hours

Great Sca Fell from Over Water

Moderate

Starting from Over Water (Grid Ref: NY253338), this route takes you through quiet paths and open fellside. The ascent to Great Sca Fell passes over Little Sca Fell, offering a gradual climb with rewarding views. The descent loops back via Charleton Gill and the woodland near Over Water.

9.5 km 3.5 hours

Great Sca Fell via Knott and Great Calva

Hard

A more challenging route that begins at Peter House Farm (Grid Ref: NY249323). This hike heads up the Cumbria Way to Great Calva, then crosses to Knott before reaching Great Sca Fell. The return is via Brae Fell and Charleton Gill, offering a long but rewarding day out.

12 km 5 hours

Great Sca Fell and Meal Fell Short Loop

Moderate

This shorter route starts at the Longlands Fell car park (Grid Ref: NY265350). It ascends to Great Sca Fell via Meal Fell, making for a compact and scenic outing. This is ideal for walkers looking for a shorter day in the fells.

6.5 km 2.5 hours

Great Sca Fell Ridge Walk from Orthwaite

Moderate

Starting in Orthwaite village (Grid Ref: NY249327), this walk ascends via the ridge path to Great Sca Fell, passing by Great Cockup and Meal Fell. The route offers a quieter alternative to more popular starting points and provides excellent views over the Northern Fells.

10 km 4 hours

Getting There & Facilities

Parking

There is a small parking area in Mungrisdale, which can fill up quickly during busy weekends.

Public Transport

Regular buses run from Penrith to Mungrisdale, making it a suitable option for public transport users.

Nearby Facilities

While there are no facilities directly on the mountain, the village of Mungrisdale has a local pub, and Penrith offers various cafes and shops.

Safety Information

Known Hazards

  • Be wary of sudden changes in weather, as fog can roll in unexpectedly, and the uneven terrain can be tricky when wet.

General Safety Tips

  • Check weather conditions before setting out
  • Carry appropriate clothing and equipment
  • Let someone know your planned route
  • Take a map, compass, and GPS device
  • Carry emergency supplies: food, water, first aid kit, torch

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Hills

Some common questions about the hills answered

Are there group walks up Great Sca Fell?

Many walkers use Walkmates to join or organise walks with others. You can check for group walks around Great Sca Fell through the maps

Are there other walkers around Great Sca Fell?

Activity varies by location and time, but Walkmates lets you see whether others have shared walks or shown interest in this area. Find other people through the walking friends search walking friends for Great Sca Fell search or of course create your own walk for Great Sca Fell

Can I organise a walk to Great Sca Fell?

Yes. If there aren’t any walks listed already, you can create a walk and make it available for others to join.

If you're signed up to Walkmates, you can create a walk to Great Sca Fell.

How do I find a walk up this hill?

There are often multiple ways to walk this hill, depending on experience and route preference. Walkmates helps you explore walks and routes that others have shared.

Can I suggest a new route up Great Sca Fell?

Yes. You can suggest or create routes to share with others. Walkmates focuses on the social side of walking, so routes are used to help people organise walks and explore areas together, rather than as detailed navigation tools or route libraries.

Other uses really appreciate knowledgeable walkers sharing their routes. Share your favourite route to Great Sca Fell here

The is an error or something incorrect about this hill. How do I let you know?

We always strive to keep the information on Walkmates as accurate as possible. If you find an error, please let us know through the contact form and we'll aim to correct it as quickly as possible