NY2933 : Great Sca Fell from the route to Knott
Moderate; navigation needed on open fell

Great Sca Fell

651m Elevation
13m Prominence
England Country
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Overview

Great Sca Fell is a 651-metre Wainwright in the Northern Fells.

Great Sca Fell

Great Sca Fell rises to 651 metres among the grassy hills north of Skiddaw. Its broad top is a rewarding destination for a quieter day in the Northern Fells.

Summit and outlook

A small cairn marks the summit at NY 29137 33900. Summit information.

Look across to Knott, High Pike and Carrock Fell, with Skiddaw rising beyond the surrounding grassland. Little Sca Fell and Brae Fell lie to the north.

From Longlands via Charleton Gill

From the gate north of Longlands Beck bridge, follow the Cumbria Way track around Longlands Fell. At its northern ridge, take the bridleway right into Charleton Gill. Cross the upper ravine and continue to the col between Brae Fell and Little Sca Fell. Leave the bridleway here, climb Little Sca Fell and cross the shallow dip southeast to Great Sca Fell.

Return over Little Sca Fell to the col. Descend the same bridleway through Charleton Gill, then follow the Cumbria Way track back to the Longlands gate. Route photographs.

Geology

The bedrock is the Watch Hill Formation, part of the Skiddaw Group. Its sandstones are interbedded with finer siltstones and mudstones. Rock types.

Access and preparation

Longlands has limited roadside parking at NY 266 358 beside the waterworks. Keep entrances clear and have another plan if the spaces are full. Starting point.

For a car-free visit, plan the connection to Longlands as well as the journey to the area. Check current services and the last return before travelling.

The grassy going can be boggy after rain, and paths are not continuous across every neighbouring fell. Take a detailed map and keep track of your position, particularly when cloud hides the surrounding hills. Terrain and conditions.

Check the mountain forecast, carry drinking water and suitable clothing, and allow enough daylight for the return. Turn back if water crossings are unsafe. Snow and ice demand winter skills and equipment. Leave your route and expected finish time with someone. Fellwalking advice.

Explore routes near Great Sca Fell

Public walks starting within 80 km of this hill. Nearby does not mean a route reaches the summit; check its map and access before setting out.

Brae Fell from Longlands Wainwright

8.8 km 2h 15m–3h Moderate

View route

Mungrisdale Common and Bowscale Fell from Mosedale Valley Wainwright

13.4 km 4h 30m–6h 45m Hard

View route

Binsey from Binsey Lodge Direct Out and Back Wainwright

2.4 km 40 min–50 min Moderate

View route

Bannerdale Crags from Mungrisdale Wainwright

6.9 km 1h 45m–2h 20m Moderate

View route

Route planning notes

These notes describe possible approaches, not verified navigable routes or permission to cross land. Check current paths, local access rules and conditions before setting out.

Longlands via Charleton Gill

Follow Charleton Gill to Little Sca Fell and Great Sca Fell. Return by the same route to Longlands.

Moderate fell walk
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Hill facts and local notes

Classifications

Wainwright Birkett Synge Fellranger Deleted Nuttall

Elevation

651m

2,136 ft

Prominence

13m

Coordinates

54.6951, -3.1010

NY291339

OS Map

89 90

Explorer: OL4N

At the Summit

A small cairn marks the 651-metre summit at NY 29137 33900.

Terrain & Geology

Grassy paths and open fell with wet or boggy ground after rain.

Watch Hill Formation, part of the Skiddaw Group: sedimentary sandstone, siltstone and mudstone.

Views & Scenery

Knott, High Pike, Carrock Fell and Skiddaw, with Little Sca Fell and Brae Fell to the north.

History & Heritage

Historical Significance

Great Sca Fell appears in Book Five, The Northern Fells, of Alfred Wainwright’s pictorial guides.

Getting There & Facilities

Check current local access restrictions, parking rules and transport timetables before travelling. These notes do not confirm public access to the summit.

Parking

Limited roadside parking at Longlands, NY 266 358, beside the waterworks. Keep entrances clear.

Public Transport

Plan your connection to Longlands in advance and check current services and your return journey.

Nearby Facilities

Carry food and drinking water; plan any stops for supplies before reaching Longlands.

Safety Information

Known Hazards

  • Cloud can make the broad tops and branching paths difficult to navigate.
  • Wet grass and boggy ground can slow progress.
  • Do not cross streams in unsafe conditions.

Seasonal Hazards

Snow and ice require winter equipment and skills. Strong winds, storms and short daylight can make a planned walk unsuitable.

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

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

Location

Great Sca Fell location map

Grid reference: NY291339

View on OpenStreetMap

Opens a map in a new tab, centred on the hill.

Hills within 30 km

Straight-line distance, not a walking route or confirmation of access.

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 Blencathra - Hallsfell Top

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868m

 Grisedale Pike

Grisedale Pike

790m

 Helvellyn

Helvellyn

950m

 Crag Hill [Eel Crag]

Crag Hill [Eel Crag]

839m
See 5 more nearby hills

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