SCAFELL (pronounced and sometimes written Scaw

See also:

• FELL
• FELL, JOHN (1625-1686)

Fell)  , a mountain of Cumberland, England, in the Lake District . The name is specially applied to the southern point (3162 ft. in height) of a certain range or mass, but Scafell Pike, separated from Scafell by the steep narrow ridge of Mickledore, is the highest point in England (3210 ft.) . The ridge continues N.E. to Great End (2984 ft.), which falls abruptly to a flat terrace, on which lies Sprinkling Tarn . The terrace is traversed by the path between Sty Head Pass (1600 ft.) and Esk Hause (2490 ft.) . The range thus defined may be termed the Scafell mass . North-west from the Pike the lesser height of Lingmell (2649 ft.) is thrown out like a bastion, and the steep flank of the range, scored with the deep gully of Piers Gill, sweeps down to the head of Wasdale . On the east an even steeper wall, with splendid crags, falls to Eskdale . Above Mickledore ridge Scafell rises nearly sheer, the rock scored with bold clefts; here are some of the ascents most in favour with the mountaineers . Some of these tax climbers to the utmost; and the mountain has been the scene of several accidents .