Scafell Pike Via Cam Spout

Route Essentials

Route Overview

An easy scramble at the side of the spectacular Cam Spout Force is combined with a descent down the wild and remote Little Narrowcove to provide a fine crossing of Scafell Pike, England's highest mountain. Access is from the Eskdale side by a steady climb through Upper Eskdale and a traverse past the bogs of the Great Moss.

Route Details

1. Follow the lane towards the farm then turn left and cross the River Esk by the footbridge. Gain the footpath on the western side and follow it north to Scale Bridge. Cross the bridge and continue to follow the footpath first north east below Heron Crag then north as it narrows, high above the River Esk, to the entrance of the Great Moss opposite Scar Lathing. Follow the footpath around the edge of the Great Moss below Cam Spout Crag to reach How Beck.

2. Follow the path north west up beside How Beck then climb the rocks on the east side of the waterfall then continue up the gill to Mickledore. At the stretcher box turn right and follow the rough path north east to the summit of Scafell Pike.

3. Head north east down to the col then turn right and descend south east into Little Narrow cove. Near the bottom the path becomes vague and is followed down a shallow gully on the south west side of the cove. Drop down the fellside and then ford to the River Esk when you can (difficult in spate) and turn south alongside the river and old wall to Scar Laithing.

4. Follow the path east along the south side of Scar Lathing then head south to drop down to Lingcove Bridge. Cross it and follow the path south west along Upper Eskdale to Brotherilkeld.

Route Information

Route Map

• Start point: (near Eskdale)