Ullscarf

Ullscarf

Ullscarf belongs to the Central Fells, covered in Book Three of Alfred Wainwright’s pictorial guides. High Raise (Langdale) and Great Crag are among its neighbouring fells. Fell profile.

Summit and views

The summit is 723 metres high, with a cairn at NY 29150 12172. The hill is listed as a Wainwright, Hewitt and Nuttall. Summit record.

In clear weather, look towards Helvellyn and Fairfield to the east, and Great Gable and the Scafell group to the west. Standing Crag overlooks Blea Tarn on the approach. Photographed viewpoints.

Watendlath out and back

Start at Watendlath car park. Climb east on the steep zigzags, then take the right-hand Blea Tarn path at the upper junction rather than continuing towards High Tove. Follow it south and southeast past Blea Tarn to the ridge col north of Standing Crag. Approach description.

Turn south towards Standing Crag. Take the path through the break to the left of its rock face, then regain the fence line above. Follow the curving ridge southwest. Where the fence turns sharply west, continue along the old posts towards Ullscarf’s summit cairn. Upper route.

Return along the same ridge to Standing Crag, descending by the same path beside its rock face. Continue north to the col and turn left onto the Watendlath bridleway. Descend past Blea Tarn to the High Tove path junction, then turn left downhill to Watendlath and the starting car park. Descent description.

Expect boggy ground around Blea Tarn and on the ridge. Ground conditions.

Beside Standing Crag, descend by your ascent path. Old fence posts help identify the ridge, but mist can obscure the way. Carry a map and compass. Ridge landmarks.

Volcanic bedrock

Ullscarf’s bedrock is mapped as the Lincomb Tarns Tuff Formation, part of the Borrowdale Volcanic Group. These Ordovician rocks include dacitic lapilli-tuff: volcanic ash and fragments deposited by eruptions, commonly welded together while hot. Local geology and BGS rock description.

Access and preparation

Watendlath National Trust car park is at NY 275163, postcode CA12 5UW. Its narrow, winding approach road has passing places. Check current parking charges and leave access clear. Parking information.

Watendlath has public toilets, but they are not open all year. Check availability before setting out and carry food and drinking water. Visitor facilities.

The 78 bus runs between Keswick and Seatoller through Borrowdale. It does not take you to this route’s starting car park: plan onward travel to Watendlath and check the return timetable. Bus information.

Check the mountain forecast and leave your route with someone. Carry suitable boots, waterproof layers and navigation equipment. Allow daylight for the complete return, and turn back if conditions exceed your ability. Wet or icy ground increases the difficulty; snow and ice require winter skills and equipment. Walking safety.