Great Sca Fell
Good walks are even better shared.
NY2934 : View from Little Sca Fell
Dave Thompson Photo source
Explore routes near Great Sca Fell
Walks starting near this hill. Open a route to check its map, distance and full itinerary.
Brae Fell from Longlands Wainwright
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Mungrisdale Common and Bowscale Fell from Mosedale Valley Wainwright
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Binsey from Binsey Lodge Direct Out and Back Wainwright
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Bannerdale Crags from Mungrisdale Wainwright
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Route planning notes
These notes describe possible approaches. Check a route's map and access information when planning your walk.
Great Sca Fell Circular via Longlands Fell
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.
Great Sca Fell from Over Water
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.
Great Sca Fell via Knott and Great Calva
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.
Great Sca Fell and Meal Fell Short Loop
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.
Great Sca Fell Ridge Walk from Orthwaite
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.
Make a day of it, together
Find someone to share the walk with, or organise a day out along a route you like.
Photo Gallery
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NY2934 : View from Little Sca Fell
Dave Thompson
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NY2933 : Great Scafell Cairn.
John Holmes
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NY2933 : Close to the summit of Great Scafell
steven ruffles
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NY2933 : Track, Great Sca Fell
Michael Graham
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NY2933 : Cairn on Great Sca Fell
Trevor Harris
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NY2933 : Summit Cairn, Great Sca Fell
Michael Graham
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NY2933 : Great Sca Fell from the route to Knott
Andy Waddington
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NY2933 : View from Great Sca Fell
Dave Thompson
Hill facts and local notes
Classifications
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
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.
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
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
Community Discussion
Comments
Location
View the hill's mapped position and surrounding paths.
Grid reference: NY291339
View on OpenStreetMapOpens a map in a new tab, centred on the hill.
Nearby Hills
Skiddaw
930m
Blencathra - Hallsfell Top
868m
Grisedale Pike
790m
Helvellyn
950m
Crag Hill [Eel Crag]
839m
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