Scafell Pike: Difference between revisions
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{{Short description|Highest mountain in England}} |
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{{Use dmy dates|date=April 2022}} |
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{{Infobox mountain |
{{Infobox mountain |
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| name = |
| name = Scafell Pike |
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| photo = |
| photo =Scafell massif.jpg |
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| photo_caption = Scafell Pike (centre) from [[Yewbarrow]] |
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| elevation_m = 978 |
| elevation_m = 978 |
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| elevation_ref = <ref name=Bathurst_2012>{{cite book |last= Bathurst |first= David |year= 2012 |title= Walking the county high points of England |location= Chichester |publisher= Summersdale |isbn= 978-1-84-953239-6 |pages= 272–278}}</ref> |
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| elevation_ref = |
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| prominence_m = 912 |
| prominence_m = 912 |
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| prominence_ref = <br / |
| prominence_ref = <br />[[List of mountains of the British Isles by relative height|Ranked 13th]] in [[British Isles]] |
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| parent_peak = [[Snowdon]] |
| parent_peak = [[Snowdon]] |
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| map = United Kingdom Lake District |
| map = United Kingdom Lake District#United Kingdom Copeland#England |
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| map_caption = Location in the Lake District##Location in the former Copeland Borough##Location in England |
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| map_caption = |
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| map_size = |
| map_size = |
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| label_position = |
| label_position = |
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| listing = [[Marilyn ( |
| listing = [[Marilyn (geography)|Marilyn]], [[Hewitt (hill)|Hewitt]], [[Hardy (hill)|Hardy]], [[List of Wainwrights|Wainwright]], [[Nuttall (hill)|Nuttall]], [[List of Furth mountains in the British Isles#English Munros|Furth]], [[List of English counties by highest point|County Top]], [[List of countries by highest point|Country high point]] |
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| location = |
| location = {{center|Lake District National Park, [[Cumbria]], England}} |
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| range = [[ |
| range = [[Cumbrian Mountains]], [[Southern Fells]] |
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| coordinates = {{coord|54.45424|-3.21160|type:mountain_region:GB|format=dms|display=inline,title}} |
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| lat_d = 54 | lat_m = 27 | lat_s = 15.2 | lat_NS = N |
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| long_d = 3 | long_m = 12 | long_s = 41.5 | long_EW = W |
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| coordinates_ref = |
| coordinates_ref = |
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| grid_ref_UK = NY215072 |
| grid_ref_UK = NY215072 |
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| topo = [[Ordnance Survey|OS]] ''Landrangers'' 89, 90, ''Explorer'' OL6 |
| topo = [[Ordnance Survey|OS]] ''Landrangers'' 89, 90, ''Explorer'' OL6 |
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| Google_Name = Scafell%20Pike |
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}} |
}} |
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{{Not to be confused with|text=its daughter peak, [[Scafell]]}} |
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'''Scafell Pike''' ({{IPAc-en|ˈ|s|k|ɔː|f|ɛ|l|_|p|aɪ|k}})<ref>{{cite EPD|18}} In isolation ''Scafell'' is {{IPAc-en|ˌ|s|k|ɔː|ˈ|f|ɛ|l}}.</ref> is a mountain in the [[Lake District]] region of [[Cumbria]], England. It has an elevation of {{convert|978|m|ft|0}} above [[sea level]], making it the highest and the most [[Topographic prominence|prominent]] [[mountain]] in England.<ref name=Bathurst_2012/><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.peakbagger.com/list.aspx?lid=5530 |title=Marilyns of England |website=www.peakbagger.com |access-date=23 November 2020}}</ref> The mountain is part of the [[Scafells|Scafell massif]],<ref name="RTL">{{cite book |last1=Gannon |first1=Paul |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=cjwfT_nDvLQC |title=Rock Trails Lakeland - A Hillwalker's Guide to the Geology & Scenery |date=April 2009 |publisher=Pesda Press |isbn=9781906095154 |access-date=29 April 2021}}</ref> an extinct [[volcano]],<ref name="geoengwal" /> and is one of the [[Southern Fells]]. |
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== Etymology and name history== |
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{{See also|Scafell#Name history}} |
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The name ''Scafell'' is believed by some to derive from the Old Norse ''skalli fjall'', meaning either the fell with the [[shieling]] or the fell with the bald summit, and is first recorded in 1578 in the corrupted form ''Skallfield''.<ref>{{cite web|author=Stuart Rae|url=http://easyweb.easynet.co.uk/stuart.rae/fells.htm|title=Fells}}</ref> |
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The name originally referred to [[Scafell]], which neighbours Scafell Pike.<ref name= DW>Dorothy Wordsworth's ascent of Scafell Pike, 1818, http://www.pastpresented.ukart.com/eskdale/wordsworth1.htm</ref> What are now known as Scafell Pike, [[Ill Crag]], and [[Broad Crag]] were collectively called either ''the Pikes'' (peaks) or ''the Pikes of Scawfell'' (see below regarding spelling); from many angles Scafell seems to be the highest peak, and the others were thus considered subsidiary to it. The name ''Scawfell Pikes'' was adopted "by common consent" according to Jonathan Otley, shortly before the publication of the 4th edition of his guidebook in 1830.<ref name="Otley 4th ed">{{cite book|last1=Otley|first1=Jonathan|title=A concise description of the English lakes, and adjacent mountains: with general directions to tourists; notices of the botany, mineralogy, and geology of the district; observations on meteorolgy; the floating island in Derwent lake; and black-lead mine in Borrowdale.|date=1830|publisher=author|location=Keswick|edition=4th|url=https://catalog.hathitrust.org/Record/008646574|page=64|access-date=13 Jun 2017}}</ref> Up to this point, England's highest mountain (its status as such was not known until the early 1800s) did not have a name of its own; it was labelled ''Sca-Fell Higher Top'' by the Ordnance Survey in their initial work in Cumbria in the first decade of the 19th century.<ref name="Mudge">{{cite book|last1=Mudge|first1=Lieutenant-Colonel William|last2=Colby|first2=Captain Thomas|title=An Account of the Trigonometrical Survey Carried on by Order of the Master-General of His Majesty's Ordnance in the Years 1800, 1801, 1802, 1803, 1804, 1805, 1806, 1807, 1808 and 1809|date=1811|publisher=W Faden|location=Charing Cross, London|url=ftp://ftp.library.noaa.gov/docs.lib/htdocs/rescue/rarebooks_1600-1800/QB296G81799v3.pdf}}</ref> The newly developed name reported by Otley first appeared on a published Ordnance Survey map in 1865. |
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Formerly the name was spelled ''Scawfell'', which better reflects local pronunciation.<ref name="DW" /><ref name="Martineau">{{cite book |title=A Complete Guide to the English Lakes |last=Martineau |first=Harriet|url=https://archive.org/stream/completeguidetoe1855mart#page/n7/mode/2up |date=1855 |location=Windermere |publisher=John Garnett |via=Archive.org}}</ref><ref>{{cite book|last1=Holland|first1=CF|title=Climbs on the Scawfell Group – A Climbers' Guide.|date=1924|publisher=Fell & Rock Climbing Club|edition=1st}}</ref><ref group=note>These references on spelling of "Scafell"/"Scawfell" are examples of the more common usage during the 19th century and the early part of the 20th century, as can readily be found in the many contemporary guidebooks and local and national newspapers. A useful contrast is the difference in [[M. J. B. Baddeley|Baddely]]'s guide (1st edn. 1888 and many later editions) between the guide text ("Scafell", following the maps used in this common guide-book) and all the adverts therein of hotels, tours and views, which were placed by local businesses ("Scawfell").</ref> This spelling has declined due to the Ordnance Survey's use of ''Scafell'' on their 1865 map and thereafter. |
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'''Scafell Pike''' {{IPAc-en|ˈ|s|k|ɔː|ˈ|f|ɛ|l}} or {{IPAc-en|s|k|ɑː|ˈ|f|ɛ|l}}<ref>[[Daniel Jones (phonetician)|Daniel Jones]], ''Everyman's English Pronouncing Dictionary'' (13th ed.), p. 421.</ref> is the highest [[mountain]] in [[England]], at an elevation of {{convert|978|m|ft|0}} above [[sea level]]. It is farting in the [[Lake District National Park]], in [[Cumbria]], and is part of the [[Southern Fells]]. |
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==Topography== |
==Topography== |
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Scafell Pike is one of a horseshoe of high [[fell]]s, open to the south, surrounding the head of [[Eskdale, Cumbria]]. It stands on the western side of the [[cirque]], with [[Scafell]] to the south and [[Great End]] to the north. This ridge forms the watershed between Eskdale and [[Wasdale]], which lies to the west. |
Scafell Pike is one of a horseshoe of high [[fell]]s, open to the south, surrounding the head of [[Eskdale, Cumbria]]. It stands on the western side of the [[cirque]], with [[Scafell]] to the south and [[Great End]] to the north. This ridge forms the watershed between Eskdale and [[Wasdale]], which lies to the west.<ref name="wainwright" /> |
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The narrowest definition of Scafell Pike begins at the col of [[Mickledore]] {{convert|831.6|m|ft|abbr=on}} in the south, takes in the wide, stony summit area and ends at the next depression, Broad Crag [[Mountain pass|Col]], c. {{convert|877.6|m|ft|abbr=on}}. A more inclusive view takes in two further tops: [[Broad Crag]], {{convert|935.3|m|ft|abbr=on}} and [[Ill Crag]], {{convert|930.9|m|ft|abbr=on}}, the two being separated by Ill Crag Col, {{convert|882.3|m|ft|abbr=on}}. This is the position taken by most guidebooks.<ref name="richards">Richards, Mark: ''Mid-Western Fells'': Collins (2004): {{ISBN|0-00-711368-4}}</ref><ref name="wainwright">{{cite book | last = Wainwright | first = A. | author-link = Alfred Wainwright | year = 1960 | title = The Southern Fells | publisher = Francis Lincoln | location = London | isbn = 0-7112-2230-4}}</ref> North of Ill Crag is the more definite depression of Calf Cove at {{convert|853.4|m|ft|abbr=on}}, before the ridge climbs again to Great End, {{convert|909.5|m|ft|abbr=on}}. |
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Scafell Pike also has outliers on either side of the ridge. [[Lingmell]] {{convert|807|m|ft|abbr=on}}, to the north west, is invariably regarded as a separate fell,<ref name="richards"/><ref name="wainwright"/> while Pen, {{convert|760|m|ft}}, a shapely summit above the Esk, is normally taken as a satellite of the Pike. Middleboot Knotts is a further top lying on the Wasdale slopes of Broad Crag, which is listed as a [[nuttall (hill)|Nuttall]]. |
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The narrowest definition of Scafell Pike begins at the ridge of [[Mickledore]] in the south, takes in the wide, stony summit area and ends at the next depression, Broad Crag [[Mountain pass|Col]], c. 920 m (3,030 ft). A more inclusive view also takes in two further tops: [[Broad Crag]], 934 m (3,064 ft) and [[Ill Crag]], 935 m (3,068 ft), the two being separated by Ill Crag Col. This is the position taken by most guidebooks.<ref name="richards">Richards, Mark: ''Mid-Western Fells'': Collins (2004): ISBN 0-00-711368-4</ref><ref name="wainwright">{{cite book | last = Wainwright | first = A. | authorlink = Alfred Wainwright | year = 1960 | title = The Southern Fells | publisher = Francis Lincoln | location = London | isbn = 0-7112-2230-4}}</ref> North of Ill Crag is the more definite depression of Calf Cove at 850 m (2,800 ft), before the ridge climbs again to Great End. |
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The rough summit plateau is fringed by crags on all sides with Pikes Crag and Dropping Crag above Wasdale and Rough Crag to the east. Below Rough Crag and Pen is a further tier, named Dow Crag and Central Pillar on [[Ordnance Survey]] maps, although known as Esk Buttress among climbers.<ref name="bmc">''British Mountain Maps: Lake District'': Harvey (2006): {{ISBN|1-85137-467-1}}</ref> |
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Scafell Pike also has outliers on either side of the ridge. [[Lingmell]], to the north west, is invariably regarded as a separate fell,<ref name="richards"/><ref name="wainwright"/> while Pen, 760 m (2,500 ft), a shapely summit above the Esk, is normally taken as a satellite of the Pike. Middleboot Knotts is a further top lying on the Wasdale slopes of Broad Crag, which is listed as a [[nuttall (hill)|Nuttall]]. |
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Broad Crag Col is the source of Little Narrowcove Beck in the east and of Piers Gill in the west. The latter works its way around Lingmell to [[Wast Water]] through a spectacular ravine, one of the most impressive in the Lake District. It is dangerous in rain and treacherous in winter, as when it freezes over it creates an icy patch, with lethal exposure should you slip. Several accidents and some deaths have occurred in Piers Gill.<ref>{{cite web |title=Piers Gill – Scafell Pike – Wasdale Mountain Rescue |url=https://www.wmrt.org.uk/advice/accident-black-spots/piers-gill-scafell-pike/ |website=www.wmrt.org.uk}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Piers Gill – Wasdale Mountain Rescue |url=https://www.wmrt.org.uk/incidents/locations/piers-gill/ |website=www.wmrt.org.uk}}</ref> |
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The rough summit plateau is fringed by crags on all sides with Pikes Crag and Dropping Crag above Wasdale and Rough Crag to the east. Below Rough Crag and Pen is a further tier, named Dow Crag and Central Pillar on [[Ordnance Survey]] maps, although known as Esk Buttress among climbers.<ref name="bmc">''British Mountain Maps: Lake District'': Harvey (2006): ISBN 1-85137-467-1</ref> Esk Buttress and Pikes Crag are well known rock climbing venues. |
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Broad Crag is a small top with its principal face on the west and the smaller Green Crag looking down on Little Narrowcove. From Broad Crag, the ridge turns briefly east across Ill Crag Col and onto the shapely pyramidal summit of Ill Crag. Ill Crag and its associated crags overlook Eskdale.<ref name="wainwright" /> |
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Scafell Pike has a claim to the highest standing water in England |
Scafell Pike has a claim to the highest standing water body in England in Broad Crag Tarn, which (confusingly) is on Scafell Pike proper, rather than on Broad Crag. It lies at about {{convert|820|m|ft|abbr=on}}, a quarter of a mile (400 m) south of the summit. [[Foxes Tarn]] on Scafell is of comparable height.<ref name="blair">Blair, Don: ''Exploring Lakeland Tarns'': Lakeland Manor Press (2003): {{ISBN|0-9543904-1-5}}</ref> |
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===Mountain classification=== |
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The summit ridge from Ill Crag to Mickledore is notoriously stony, the surface being composed in many places of fields of boulders. Paths are not marked by the usual erosion of soil, but by coloured marks on the rock following the passage of many thousands of booted feet. The summits of Ill and Broad Crags are bypassed by the ridge path, but it leads unerringly to the highest point. This bears an Ordnance Survey triangulation column beside a massive [[cairn]], not now in the best of repair, but unmistakable from any distance, still six feet high and much greater in diameter. A little distance away is the lower south peak. |
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Scafell Pike is a [[List of Marilyns in the British Isles|Marilyn summit]] which automatically makes it a [[HuMP]] and a [[TuMP]]. Scafell Pike is topologically unusual because the Marilyn qualification contour ("Maquaco") line, 150 metres below the summit, passes around Scafell, which is itself a HuMP.{{citation needed|date=May 2021}} This contour also encloses three other TuMP summits: Broad Crag, Ill Crag and Great End. |
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==Summit== |
==Summit== |
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[[Image:Scafell Pike from Broad Crag.jpg|thumb|right|The summit of Scafell Pike, seen from neighbouring [[Broad Crag]]]] |
[[Image:Scafell Pike from Broad Crag.jpg|thumb|right|The summit of Scafell Pike, seen from neighbouring [[Broad Crag]]]] |
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The summit was donated to the [[National Trust for Places of Historic Interest or Natural Beauty|National Trust]] in 1919 by [[Charles Wyndham, 3rd Baron Leconfield|Lord Leconfield]] "in perpetual memory of the men of the [[Lake District]] who fell |
The summit was donated to the [[National Trust for Places of Historic Interest or Natural Beauty|National Trust]] in 1919 by [[Charles Wyndham, 3rd Baron Leconfield|Lord Leconfield]] "in perpetual memory of the men of the [[Lake District]] who fell for God and King, for freedom peace and right in the [[Great War]] 1914–1918 ...".<ref>[http://www.waymarking.com/waymarks/WMM0G_Scafell_Pike_Summit_Cumbria Scafell Pike Summit, Cumbria – World War I Memorials and Monuments on]. Waymarking.com. Retrieved on 2014-04--04-12.</ref> There is a better-known war memorial on [[Great Gable]], commemorating the members of the [[Fell & Rock Climbing Club]].<ref>Westaway, Jonathan. (1970-01-01) [https://www.academia.edu/2628245/Mountains_of_Memory_Landscapes_of_Loss_Scafell_Pike_and_Great_Gable_as_War_Memorials_1919-1924 Mountains of Memory, Landscapes of Loss: Scafell Pike and Great Gable as War Memorials, 1919–1924 | Jonathan Westaway]. Academia.edu. Retrieved on 2014-04-12.</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=Mammoth mission to repair remarkable World War One memorial on Scafell Pike |work=Whitehaven News |date=15 May 2018}}</ref> |
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The actual height of Scafell Pike is a matter of definition or guesswork. The highest point is buried beneath a massive summit [[cairn]] over 3 metres high and it is not known how high the fabric of the mountain rises under the cairn. Traditionally the height was given as a very memorable {{convert|3210|feet|metre|1}}.<ref name="wainwright" /> The rounded metric height of 978 metres converts to 3209 feet ±{{convert|0.5|m|ftin|disp=out}}. |
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Scafell Pike is one of three British peaks climbed as part of the [[National Three Peaks Challenge]], and is the highest ground for over 90 miles. |
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Scafell Pike is one of three British peaks climbed as part of the [[National Three Peaks Challenge]], and is the highest ground for over {{convert|90|mi|km|0}}. |
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{{GB summits start}} |
{{GB summits start}} |
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{{GB summits entry |
{{GB summits entry |
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|Name=[[Ill Crag]] |
|Name=[[Ill Crag]] |
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|Gridref=NY223073 |
|Gridref=NY223073 |
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|Height={{convert|3054|ft|m|1|order=flip|abbr=on}} |
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|Height=935 m (3,068 ft) |
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|Status=Hewitt, Nuttall}} |
|Status=Hewitt, Nuttall}} |
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{{GB summits entry |
{{GB summits entry |
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|Name=[[Broad Crag]] |
|Name=[[Broad Crag]] |
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|Gridref=NY218075 |
|Gridref=NY218075 |
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|Height={{convert|3069|ft|m|1|order=flip|abbr=on}} |
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|Height=934 m (3,064 ft) |
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|Status=Hewitt, Nuttall}} |
|Status=Hewitt, Nuttall}} |
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{{GB summits entry |
{{GB summits entry |
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|Name=Middleboot Knotts |
|Name=Middleboot Knotts |
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|Gridref=NY213080 |
|Gridref=NY213080 |
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|Height={{convert|2306|ft|m|1|order=flip|abbr=on}} |
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|Height=703 m (2,306 ft) |
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|Status=Nuttall}} |
|Status=Nuttall}} |
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{{GB summits end}} |
{{GB summits end}} |
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== Geology == |
== Geology == |
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=== Ordovician and volcanic activity === |
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Scafell Pike consists of [[igneous]] rock dating from the [[Ordovician]]; it is [[geology|geologically]] part of the [[Borrowdale Volcanics]]. The summit [[plateau]] of Scafell Pike, and that of other neighbouring peaks, is covered with shattered rock debris which provides the highest-altitude example of a summit boulder field in England.<ref name="SSSI"/> The boulder field is thought to have been caused in part by weathering, such as [[Frost wedging|frost action]]. Additional factors are also considered to be important; however, opinion varies as to what these may be. [[James Clifton Ward]] suggested that weathering with earthquakes as a secondary agent could be responsible, while [[John Edward Marr]] and [[Reginald Aldworth Daly]] believed that earthquakes were unnecessary and suggested that frost action with other unspecified agents was more likely.<ref>{{cite journal |last=Hay |first=T |year=1942 |title=Physiographical Notes from Lakeland |journal=The Geographical Journal |volume=100 |issue=4 |pages=165–173 |doi=10.2307/1788974 |publisher=The Geographical Journal, Vol. 100, No. 4 |jstor=1788974}}</ref> To the north of the summit are a number of high altitude [[stream|gills]] which flow into Lingmell Beck. These are good examples in Cumbria for this type of gill and are also biologically important due to their [[species richness]].<ref name="SSSI">{{cite web |url=http://www.english-nature.org.uk/citation/citation_photo/1001922.pdf |title=Scafell Pikes SSSI citation sheet |accessdate=2006-11-10 |format=PDF |work=English Nature}}</ref> |
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Scafell Pike consists of [[igneous]] rock, including [[breccia]], [[andesite]] and [[rhyolite]], as well as geothermal [[tufa]],<ref name="as">{{cite web |title=About Scafell |url=https://www.climb-scafell.co.uk/about-scafell.html |website=ClimbScafell |access-date=28 April 2021}}</ref> dating from the [[Ordovician]]; it is [[geology|geologically]] part of the [[Borrowdale Volcanics]] and along with the other peaks of the [[Scafells]], forms part of an extinct volcano which was active around 400-450 million years ago.<ref name="geoengwal">[https://books.google.com/books?id=-6gqvAbdS-MC&pg=PA118 Geology of England and Wales, pp118ff]</ref> |
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=== Pleistocene glacial activity === |
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== Ascent routes == |
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The rugged summit of Scafell Pike was shaped by glacial erosion of the [[Last Glacial Maximum]] (~20,000 YA), during which the Lake District was overlain by ice sheets with thicknesses of several kilometers.<ref name="Sccon">{{cite book |last1=Scoon |first1=Roger N |title=Geotraveller - Geology of Famous Geosites and Areas of Historical Interest |date=8 April 2021 |publisher=Springer |isbn=978-3030546939 }}</ref> |
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===From Wasdale=== |
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The ascent of the Pike is most often attempted from [[Wasdale Head]]. This is at the north end of [[Wastwater]] to the west of the Pike, and is at about 80 metres above sea level. There is a famous climber's hotel here, the Wasdale Head Inn, made popular in the Victorian period by [[Owen Glynne Jones]] and others. On summer weekends, crowds of people can be found attempting this steep but straightforward walk. An alternative ascent from Wasdale approaches up a [[hanging valley]] whose head is at Mickledore, which is itself ascended, before following the path from Scafell to the Pike. |
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===From Borrowdale=== |
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A more taxing, but scenically far superior, approach begins at [[Seathwaite, Allerdale|Seathwaite]] Farm at the end of [[Borrowdale]], proceeding via [[Sty Head Pass|Styhead Tarn]], then taking the ''Corridor Route'' (formerly known as the ''Guides Route''), a delightful walk along the western flank of the Scafell massif with intimate views of the fell, before joining the route from [[Wasdale]] near the summit. The return journey can then be made along a high ridge, taking in any or all of the neighbouring summits of [[Broad Crag]], [[Ill Crag]], [[Great End]], [[Allen Crags]] and [[Glaramara]]. An alternative route from [[Borrowdale]], longer but perhaps less taxing than that via the Corridor Route, runs from Seathwaite via Grains Gill and the high pass of Esk Hause. |
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===From Langdale=== |
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A further ascent may be made from [[Langdale]]. From the [[Old Dungeon Ghyll]] hotel, the route proceeds up [[Rossett Gill Pass|alongside Rossett Gill]] (which perhaps has a more fearsome reputation than it deserves), past Angle Tarn, and then onto Esk Hause before joining a rocky path to the summit. Energetic walkers can vary the return route by ascending [[Esk Pike]] and [[Bowfell]] from Esk Hause and then descend Bowfell via The Band. Another variant which avoids simply returning down Rossett Gill is to head north at the Angle Tarn, over [[Rossett Pike]] to join The Cumbrian Way, and descend via [[Stake Pass]] adding a mile to the walk. The total distance is about 21 kilometres. [[Esk Hause]] is also accessible from Styhead Tarn, making another possible route from Seathwaite. |
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=== Contemporary weathering === |
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===From Eskdale=== |
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The summit [[plateau]] of Scafell Pike, and that of other neighbouring peaks, is covered with shattered rock debris which provides the highest-altitude example of a summit boulder field in England.<ref name="SSSI"/> The boulder field is thought to have been caused in part by weathering, such as [[Frost wedging|frost action]]. Additional factors are also considered to be important; however, opinion varies as to what these may be. [[James Clifton Ward]] suggested that weathering with earthquakes as a secondary agent could be responsible, while [[John Edward Marr]] and [[Reginald Aldworth Daly]] believed that earthquakes were unnecessary and suggested that frost action with other unspecified agents was more likely.<ref>{{cite journal |last=Hay |first=T |year=1942 |title=Physiographical Notes from Lakeland |journal=The Geographical Journal |volume=100 |issue=4 |pages=165–173 |doi=10.2307/1788974 |publisher=The Geographical Journal, Vol. 100, No. 4 |jstor=1788974}}</ref> To the north of the summit are a number of high altitude [[stream|gills]] which flow into Lingmell Beck. These are good examples in Cumbria for this type of gill and are also biologically important due to their [[species richness]].<ref name="SSSI">{{cite web |url=http://www.english-nature.org.uk/citation/citation_photo/1001922.pdf |title=Scafell Pikes SSSI citation sheet |access-date=2006-11-10 |work=English Nature}}</ref> |
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Another ascent can be made from [[Eskdale, Cumbria|Eskdale]], the longest and most arduous way up but it has some very fine scenery. The route follows the [[River Esk, Cumbria|River Esk]] as far as the Great Moss boggy plateau; walkers then have a choice of ascending steeply up to Mickledore, the low ridge between [[Scafell]] and Scafell Pike, or following the Esk to its source at Esk Hause. A third possible route up from Great Moss is Little Narrowcove, a steep ascent which emerges onto the ridge a few hundred metres north-east of the summit. |
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{{Clear}} |
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==Naming history== |
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The name ''Scafell'' derives from the Old Norse ''skalli fjall'', meaning either the fell with the shieling or the fell with the bald summit, and is first recorded in 1578 in the corrupted form ''Skallfield''.<ref>{{cite web|author=Stuart Rae|url=http://easyweb.easynet.co.uk/stuart.rae/fells.htm|title=Fells}}</ref> It originally referred to [[Scafell]], which neighbours Scafell Pike.<ref>Dorothy Wordsworth's ascent of Scafell Pike, 1818, http://www.pastpresented.ukart.com/eskdale/wordsworth1.htm</ref> What are now known as Scafell Pike, [[Ill Crag]], and [[Broad Crag]] were collectively called the ''Pikes ''(peaks)'' of Scafell''; from many angles Scafell seems to be the highest peak, and the others were thus considered subsidiary to it. The name ''Scafell Pike'' was adopted between 1818 and 1856.<ref>pg 66, Thomas Fletcher Smith Jonathan Otley, Man of Lakeland, publ. Bookcase 2007</ref><ref>[https://archive.org/stream/completeguidetoe1855mart#page/158/mode/2up/search/wordsworth A complete guide to the English lakes]. Archive.org. Retrieved on 2014-04-12.</ref> Before this, England's highest mountain (its status as such was confirmed in the early 1800s) did not have a name of its own, and was labelled ''Sca-Fell Higher Top'' on Ordnance Survey maps.<ref>Lieutenant-Colonel William Mudge, RA FRS and Captain Thomas Colby, RE An Account of the Trigonometrical Survey Carried on by Order of the Master-General of His Majesty's Ordnance in the Years 1800,1801, 1802, 1803, 1804, 1805, 1806, 1807, 1808 and 1809. publ.1811</ref> |
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== Tourism == |
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Formerly the name was spelled ''Scawfell'', which better reflects local pronunciation. This spelling has declined due to the Ordance Survey's preference for ''Scafell''. |
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Scafell Pike is a popular destination for walkers. There is open access to Scafell and the surrounding fells, with many walking and rock climbing routes. Paths connect the summit with Lingmell Col to the northwest, Mickledore to the southwest, and Esk Hause to the northeast, and these in turn connect with numerous other paths, giving access to walkers from many directions including [[Wasdale Head]] to the west, [[Seathwaite, Allerdale|Seathwaite]] to the north, [[Langdale]] to the east, and [[Eskdale, Cumbria|Eskdale]] to the southwest. The shortest route is from Wasdale Head, about 80 metres above sea level, where there is a climbers' hotel, the Wasdale Head Inn, made popular in the Victorian period by [[Owen Glynne Jones]] and others. According to the [[National Trust]], as of 2014 there were over 100,000 people per year climbing Scafell Pike from Wasdale Head,<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.thebmc.co.uk/media/files/access/Three%20peaks%20presentation%20Oct%202014%20GS%20FINAL%20071014.pdf |access-date=16 October 2021 |title=Three Peaks Partnership (formerly the Inter Mountain Working Group) |website=www.thebmc.co.uk }}</ref> many as part of the [[National Three Peaks Challenge]]. |
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==Survey point== |
==Survey point== |
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Scafell Pike was used in 1826 as a station in the [[Principal Triangulation of Britain]] by the [[Ordnance Survey]] when they fixed the relative positions of Britain and Ireland. Angles between [[Slieve Donard]] |
Scafell Pike was used in 1826 as a station in the [[Principal Triangulation of Britain]] by the [[Ordnance Survey]] when they fixed the relative positions of Britain and Ireland. Angles between [[Slieve Donard]] in [[Northern Ireland]] and Scafell Pike were taken from [[Snowdon]] in [[Wales]] as were angles between Snowdon and Scafell Pike from Slieve Donard. Given the need for clear weather to achieve these very long-range observations ({{convert|111|mile|km}} to Slieve Donard), the Ordnance surveyors spent much of the summer camped on the respective mountain tops. Scafell Pike was not used as a station in the earlier part of the Principal Triangulation of Britain, even though ''Sca-Fell'' formed one corner of a Principal Triangle.<ref group=note>Absence of angles taken from one corner of some triangles was attributed to difficulties of access in the preface of the 1811 report by the Ordnance Survey.</ref> The Ordnance Survey's high precision [[theodolite]] was not taken to the summit until 1841.<ref name=Mudge/><ref name="Seymour">{{cite book|editor1-last=Seymour|editor1-first=W. A.|editor1-link=W. A. Seymour|title=A History of the Ordnance Survey|date=1980|publisher=Wm Dawson & Sons, Ltd|location=Folkestone, Kent|isbn=0-7129-0979-6|url=https://www.ordnancesurvey.co.uk/docs/ebooks/history-ordnance-survey.pdf}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=Carlisle Journal |url=http://www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk/viewer/BL/0000363/18411009/009/0002?browse=False|access-date=12 Jun 2017|date=9 Oct 1841|pages=2|location= Col 8}}</ref> |
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==Gallery== |
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<gallery> |
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File:Scafell massif winter.jpg|Scafell massif from Middle Fell |
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File:Scafell Pike.JPG|View of Scafell and (behind) Scafell Pike from Wasdale |
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File:Scafell pike details from yewbarrow.jpg|View of summit pyramid of Scafell Pike from Yewbarrow in Wasdale |
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File:Styhead2.jpg|View of the Corridor Route and Piers Ghyll from Sty Head |
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Image:Scafell Pike and Sca Fell.JPG|Scafell Pike (left) and Scafell (right), with the ridge of Lingmell in the foreground |
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File:Scafell broadstand in snow 2010.jpg|View from south summit of Mickledore col, Broadstand, and left, East Buttress on neighbouring Scafell. |
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File:Pikes crag and scafell crag in snow 2010.jpg|Sun glinting round Pikes Crag, Scafell Pike |
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File:Pikes crag from path.jpg|Pikes Crag from Wasdale path |
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File:Pulpit rock scafell pike.jpg|Pulpit Rock, Pikes Crag, with Kirk Fell and Pillar in the background |
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File:Scafell Pikes from Bow Fell - geograph.org.uk - 701084.jpg|Scafell massif from Bow Fell |
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</gallery> |
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==Views from the summit== |
==Views from the summit== |
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===Summer=== |
===Summer=== |
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{{wide image|Annotated Scafel Pike Panorama.jpg|3000px|A panorama from the summit of Scafell Pike, August 2007}} |
{{wide image|Annotated Scafel Pike Panorama.jpg|3000px|A panorama from the summit of Scafell Pike, August 2007}} (Scroll left or right) |
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===Winter=== |
===Winter=== |
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{{wide image|Scafell pike summit panorama.jpg|2000px|Panorama of the arc from Helvellyn to Scafell in the snow of 2010. The south summit of Scafell Pike is in the foreground.}} |
{{wide image|Scafell pike summit panorama.jpg|2000px|Panorama of the arc from Helvellyn to Scafell in the snow of 2010. The south summit of Scafell Pike is in the foreground.}} |
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==Visible "Marilyns"== |
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As the highest ground in England, Scafell Pike naturally has a very extensive view, ranging from the [[Mourne Mountains]] to [[Snowdonia]]. On a clear day, the following [[Marilyn (hill)|Marilyns]] can be seen from the summit. |
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===List of summits visible=== |
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''The data is from the first 'external link' below.'' |
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As the highest ground in England, Scafell Pike has a very extensive view, ranging from the [[Mourne Mountains]] in [[Northern Ireland]] to [[Snowdonia]] in [[Wales]]. On a clear day, the following prominent mountain tops ([[Marilyn (geography)|Marilyn]]s) can be seen the summit.<ref>Computer generated virtual panoramas [http://www.viewfinderpanoramas.org/panoramas/CUM/Scafellpike-north.gif North] [http://www.viewfinderpanoramas.org/panoramas/CUM/Scafellpike-south.gif South] [http://www.viewfinderpanoramas.org/panoramas.html Index]</ref> |
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===North=== |
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* [[Dun Rig]], {{convert|77|mi|km}}, 2 degrees |
* [[Dun Rig]], {{convert|77|mi|km}}, 2 degrees |
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* [[Binsey]], {{convert|18|mi|km}}, 2 degrees |
* [[Binsey]], {{convert|18|mi|km}}, 2 degrees |
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* [[Skiddaw]], {{convert|14|mi|km}}, 12 degrees |
* [[Skiddaw]], {{convert|14|mi|km}}, 12 degrees |
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* [[Roan Fell]], {{convert|55|mi|km}}, 15 degrees |
* [[Roan Fell]], {{convert|55|mi|km}}, 15 degrees |
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* [[Knott]], {{convert|17|mi|km}}, 17 degrees |
* [[Knott, Caldbeck|Knott]], {{convert|17|mi|km}}, 17 degrees |
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* [[Peel Fell]], {{convert|63|mi|km}}, 24 degrees |
* [[Peel Fell]], {{convert|63|mi|km}}, 24 degrees |
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* [[Blencathra]], {{convert|14|mi|km}}, 28 degrees |
* [[Blencathra]], {{convert|14|mi|km}}, 28 degrees |
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* [[The Cheviot]], {{convert|83|mi|km}}, 31 degrees |
* [[The Cheviot]], {{convert|83|mi|km}}, 31 degrees |
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* [[Cold Fell (Pennines)|Cold Fell]], {{convert|39|mi|km}}, 39 degrees |
* [[Cold Fell (Pennines)|Cold Fell]], {{convert|39|mi|km}}, 39 degrees |
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===East=== |
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* [[Howgill Fells]], {{convert|29|mi|km}}, 103 degrees |
* [[Howgill Fells]], {{convert|29|mi|km}}, 103 degrees |
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* [[Bow Fell]], {{convert|2|mi|km}}, 105 degrees |
* [[Bow Fell]], {{convert|2|mi|km|0}}, 105 degrees |
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* [[Yorkshire Three Peaks]], 36, |
* [[Yorkshire Three Peaks]], {{convert|36|,|44|and|38|mi|km}}, 119 degrees |
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* [[Boulsworth Hill]], {{convert|63|mi|km}}, 135 degrees |
* [[Boulsworth Hill]], {{convert|63|mi|km}}, 135 degrees |
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* [[Pendle Hill]], {{convert|55|mi|km}}, 138 degrees |
* [[Pendle Hill]], {{convert|55|mi|km}}, 138 degrees |
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Line 128: | Line 125: | ||
* [[The Old Man of Coniston]], {{convert|7|mi|km}}, 149 degrees |
* [[The Old Man of Coniston]], {{convert|7|mi|km}}, 149 degrees |
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* [[Winter Hill, Lancashire|Winter Hill]], {{convert|64|mi|km}}, 154 degrees |
* [[Winter Hill, Lancashire|Winter Hill]], {{convert|64|mi|km}}, 154 degrees |
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===South=== |
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* [[Snaefell]], {{convert|52|mi|km}}, 257 degrees |
* [[Snaefell]], {{convert|52|mi|km}}, 257 degrees |
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* [[Slieve Donard]], {{convert|111|mi|km}}, 262 degrees |
* [[Slieve Donard]], {{convert|111|mi|km}}, 262 degrees |
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* [[Slieve Croob]], {{convert|112|mi|km}}, 268 degrees |
* [[Slieve Croob]], {{convert|112|mi|km}}, 268 degrees |
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===West=== |
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* [[Beneraird]], {{convert|80|mi|km}}, 303 degrees |
* [[Beneraird]], {{convert|80|mi|km}}, 303 degrees |
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* [[Merrick, Galloway|Merrick]], {{convert|69|mi|km}}, 315 degrees |
* [[Merrick, Galloway|Merrick]], {{convert|69|mi|km}}, 315 degrees |
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* [[Pillar (Lake District)|Pillar]], {{convert|4|mi|km}}, 318 degrees |
* [[Pillar (Lake District)|Pillar]], {{convert|4|mi|km|0}}, 318 degrees |
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* [[Cairnsmore of Carsphairn]], {{convert|68|mi|km}}, 326 degrees |
* [[Cairnsmore of Carsphairn]], {{convert|68|mi|km}}, 326 degrees |
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* [[High Stile]], {{convert|6|mi|km}}, 328 degrees |
* [[High Stile]], {{convert|6|mi|km|0}}, 328 degrees |
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* [[Criffel]], {{convert|37|mi|km}}, 334 degrees |
* [[Criffel]], {{convert|37|mi|km}}, 334 degrees |
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* [[Grasmoor]], {{convert|8|mi|km}}, 342 degrees |
* [[Grasmoor]], {{convert|8|mi|km}}, 342 degrees |
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==See also== |
==See also== |
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{{Portal|Cumbria}} |
{{Portal|Cumbria}} |
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* [[Ben Nevis]] |
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* [[Geology of the United Kingdom]] |
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* [[Langdale axe industry]] |
* [[Langdale axe industry]] |
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* [[List of mountains and hills of the United Kingdom]] |
* [[List of mountains and hills of the United Kingdom]] |
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* [[Geology of the United Kingdom]] |
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* [[List of fells in the Lake District]] |
* [[List of fells in the Lake District]] |
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* [[Snowdon]] |
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== Notes == |
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{{Reflist|group=note}} |
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==References== |
==References== |
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{{Reflist}} |
{{Reflist}} |
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==External links== |
==External links== |
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* Computer generated virtual panoramas [http://www.viewfinderpanoramas.org/panoramas/CUM/Scafellpike-north.gif North] [http://www.viewfinderpanoramas.org/panoramas/CUM/Scafellpike-south.gif South] [http://www.viewfinderpanoramas.org/panoramas.html Index] |
* Computer generated virtual panoramas [http://www.viewfinderpanoramas.org/panoramas/CUM/Scafellpike-north.gif North] [http://www.viewfinderpanoramas.org/panoramas/CUM/Scafellpike-south.gif South] [http://www.viewfinderpanoramas.org/panoramas.html Index] |
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* Scafell Pike is at coordinates {{Coord|54.454435|-3.210168|type:mountain_region:GB|display=inline}} |
* Scafell Pike is at coordinates {{Coord|54.454435|-3.210168|type:mountain_region:GB|display=inline}} |
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* Scafell Pike Sunny Photos from the West at Wasdale Head and North from Borrowdale by Keswick [http://www.relevantsearch.co.uk/scafell-pike-hike-wasdale.html] |
* Scafell Pike Sunny Photos from the West at Wasdale Head and North from Borrowdale by Keswick [http://www.relevantsearch.co.uk/scafell-pike-hike-wasdale.html] |
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*[http://www.walkupscafellpike.co.uk/ Descriptions of the Walking Routes up Scafell Pike] |
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{{Southern Fells}} |
{{Southern Fells}} |
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{{Highest mountains of the United Kingdom}} |
{{Highest mountains of the United Kingdom}} |
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{{British hills}} |
{{British hills}} |
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{{Marilyns N Eng}} |
{{Marilyns N Eng}} |
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{{Authority control}} |
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[[Category:Marilyns of England]] |
[[Category:Marilyns of England]] |
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[[Category:Hewitts of England]] |
[[Category:Hewitts of England]] |
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[[Category:Hardys of England]] |
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[[Category:Fells of the Lake District]] |
[[Category:Fells of the Lake District]] |
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[[Category:Nuttalls]] |
[[Category:Nuttalls]] |
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[[Category:Mountains under 1000 metres]] |
[[Category:Mountains under 1000 metres]] |
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[[Category:Furths]] |
[[Category:Furths]] |
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[[Category:Borough of Copeland]] |
Latest revision as of 12:48, 3 December 2024
Scafell Pike | |
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Highest point | |
Elevation | 978 m (3,209 ft)[1] |
Prominence | 912 m (2,992 ft) Ranked 13th in British Isles |
Parent peak | Snowdon |
Isolation | 151.98 km (94.44 mi) |
Listing | Marilyn, Hewitt, Hardy, Wainwright, Nuttall, Furth, County Top, Country high point |
Coordinates | 54°27′15″N 3°12′42″W / 54.45424°N 3.21160°W |
Geography | |
Location | Lake District National Park, Cumbria, England |
Parent range | Cumbrian Mountains, Southern Fells |
OS grid | NY215072 |
Topo map | OS Landrangers 89, 90, Explorer OL6 |
Scafell Pike (/ˈskɔːfɛl paɪk/)[2] is a mountain in the Lake District region of Cumbria, England. It has an elevation of 978 metres (3,209 ft) above sea level, making it the highest and the most prominent mountain in England.[1][3] The mountain is part of the Scafell massif,[4] an extinct volcano,[5] and is one of the Southern Fells.
Etymology and name history
[edit]The name Scafell is believed by some to derive from the Old Norse skalli fjall, meaning either the fell with the shieling or the fell with the bald summit, and is first recorded in 1578 in the corrupted form Skallfield.[6]
The name originally referred to Scafell, which neighbours Scafell Pike.[7] What are now known as Scafell Pike, Ill Crag, and Broad Crag were collectively called either the Pikes (peaks) or the Pikes of Scawfell (see below regarding spelling); from many angles Scafell seems to be the highest peak, and the others were thus considered subsidiary to it. The name Scawfell Pikes was adopted "by common consent" according to Jonathan Otley, shortly before the publication of the 4th edition of his guidebook in 1830.[8] Up to this point, England's highest mountain (its status as such was not known until the early 1800s) did not have a name of its own; it was labelled Sca-Fell Higher Top by the Ordnance Survey in their initial work in Cumbria in the first decade of the 19th century.[9] The newly developed name reported by Otley first appeared on a published Ordnance Survey map in 1865.
Formerly the name was spelled Scawfell, which better reflects local pronunciation.[7][10][11][note 1] This spelling has declined due to the Ordnance Survey's use of Scafell on their 1865 map and thereafter.
Topography
[edit]Scafell Pike is one of a horseshoe of high fells, open to the south, surrounding the head of Eskdale, Cumbria. It stands on the western side of the cirque, with Scafell to the south and Great End to the north. This ridge forms the watershed between Eskdale and Wasdale, which lies to the west.[12]
The narrowest definition of Scafell Pike begins at the col of Mickledore 831.6 m (2,728 ft) in the south, takes in the wide, stony summit area and ends at the next depression, Broad Crag Col, c. 877.6 m (2,879 ft). A more inclusive view takes in two further tops: Broad Crag, 935.3 m (3,069 ft) and Ill Crag, 930.9 m (3,054 ft), the two being separated by Ill Crag Col, 882.3 m (2,895 ft). This is the position taken by most guidebooks.[13][12] North of Ill Crag is the more definite depression of Calf Cove at 853.4 m (2,800 ft), before the ridge climbs again to Great End, 909.5 m (2,984 ft).
Scafell Pike also has outliers on either side of the ridge. Lingmell 807 m (2,648 ft), to the north west, is invariably regarded as a separate fell,[13][12] while Pen, 760 metres (2,490 ft), a shapely summit above the Esk, is normally taken as a satellite of the Pike. Middleboot Knotts is a further top lying on the Wasdale slopes of Broad Crag, which is listed as a Nuttall.
The rough summit plateau is fringed by crags on all sides with Pikes Crag and Dropping Crag above Wasdale and Rough Crag to the east. Below Rough Crag and Pen is a further tier, named Dow Crag and Central Pillar on Ordnance Survey maps, although known as Esk Buttress among climbers.[14]
Broad Crag Col is the source of Little Narrowcove Beck in the east and of Piers Gill in the west. The latter works its way around Lingmell to Wast Water through a spectacular ravine, one of the most impressive in the Lake District. It is dangerous in rain and treacherous in winter, as when it freezes over it creates an icy patch, with lethal exposure should you slip. Several accidents and some deaths have occurred in Piers Gill.[15][16]
Broad Crag is a small top with its principal face on the west and the smaller Green Crag looking down on Little Narrowcove. From Broad Crag, the ridge turns briefly east across Ill Crag Col and onto the shapely pyramidal summit of Ill Crag. Ill Crag and its associated crags overlook Eskdale.[12]
Scafell Pike has a claim to the highest standing water body in England in Broad Crag Tarn, which (confusingly) is on Scafell Pike proper, rather than on Broad Crag. It lies at about 820 m (2,690 ft), a quarter of a mile (400 m) south of the summit. Foxes Tarn on Scafell is of comparable height.[17]
Mountain classification
[edit]Scafell Pike is a Marilyn summit which automatically makes it a HuMP and a TuMP. Scafell Pike is topologically unusual because the Marilyn qualification contour ("Maquaco") line, 150 metres below the summit, passes around Scafell, which is itself a HuMP.[citation needed] This contour also encloses three other TuMP summits: Broad Crag, Ill Crag and Great End.
Summit
[edit]The summit was donated to the National Trust in 1919 by Lord Leconfield "in perpetual memory of the men of the Lake District who fell for God and King, for freedom peace and right in the Great War 1914–1918 ...".[18] There is a better-known war memorial on Great Gable, commemorating the members of the Fell & Rock Climbing Club.[19][20]
The actual height of Scafell Pike is a matter of definition or guesswork. The highest point is buried beneath a massive summit cairn over 3 metres high and it is not known how high the fabric of the mountain rises under the cairn. Traditionally the height was given as a very memorable 3,210 feet (978.4 m).[12] The rounded metric height of 978 metres converts to 3209 feet ±1 ft 8 in.
Scafell Pike is one of three British peaks climbed as part of the National Three Peaks Challenge, and is the highest ground for over 90 miles (145 km).
Name | Grid ref | Height | Status |
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Ill Crag | NY223073 | 930.9 m (3,054 ft) | Hewitt, Nuttall |
Broad Crag | NY218075 | 935.4 m (3,069 ft) | Hewitt, Nuttall |
Middleboot Knotts | NY213080 | 702.9 m (2,306 ft) | Nuttall |
Geology
[edit]Ordovician and volcanic activity
[edit]Scafell Pike consists of igneous rock, including breccia, andesite and rhyolite, as well as geothermal tufa,[21] dating from the Ordovician; it is geologically part of the Borrowdale Volcanics and along with the other peaks of the Scafells, forms part of an extinct volcano which was active around 400-450 million years ago.[5]
Pleistocene glacial activity
[edit]The rugged summit of Scafell Pike was shaped by glacial erosion of the Last Glacial Maximum (~20,000 YA), during which the Lake District was overlain by ice sheets with thicknesses of several kilometers.[22]
Contemporary weathering
[edit]The summit plateau of Scafell Pike, and that of other neighbouring peaks, is covered with shattered rock debris which provides the highest-altitude example of a summit boulder field in England.[23] The boulder field is thought to have been caused in part by weathering, such as frost action. Additional factors are also considered to be important; however, opinion varies as to what these may be. James Clifton Ward suggested that weathering with earthquakes as a secondary agent could be responsible, while John Edward Marr and Reginald Aldworth Daly believed that earthquakes were unnecessary and suggested that frost action with other unspecified agents was more likely.[24] To the north of the summit are a number of high altitude gills which flow into Lingmell Beck. These are good examples in Cumbria for this type of gill and are also biologically important due to their species richness.[23]
Tourism
[edit]Scafell Pike is a popular destination for walkers. There is open access to Scafell and the surrounding fells, with many walking and rock climbing routes. Paths connect the summit with Lingmell Col to the northwest, Mickledore to the southwest, and Esk Hause to the northeast, and these in turn connect with numerous other paths, giving access to walkers from many directions including Wasdale Head to the west, Seathwaite to the north, Langdale to the east, and Eskdale to the southwest. The shortest route is from Wasdale Head, about 80 metres above sea level, where there is a climbers' hotel, the Wasdale Head Inn, made popular in the Victorian period by Owen Glynne Jones and others. According to the National Trust, as of 2014 there were over 100,000 people per year climbing Scafell Pike from Wasdale Head,[25] many as part of the National Three Peaks Challenge.
Survey point
[edit]Scafell Pike was used in 1826 as a station in the Principal Triangulation of Britain by the Ordnance Survey when they fixed the relative positions of Britain and Ireland. Angles between Slieve Donard in Northern Ireland and Scafell Pike were taken from Snowdon in Wales as were angles between Snowdon and Scafell Pike from Slieve Donard. Given the need for clear weather to achieve these very long-range observations (111 miles (179 km) to Slieve Donard), the Ordnance surveyors spent much of the summer camped on the respective mountain tops. Scafell Pike was not used as a station in the earlier part of the Principal Triangulation of Britain, even though Sca-Fell formed one corner of a Principal Triangle.[note 2] The Ordnance Survey's high precision theodolite was not taken to the summit until 1841.[9][26][27]
Views from the summit
[edit]Summer
[edit](Scroll left or right)
Winter
[edit]List of summits visible
[edit]As the highest ground in England, Scafell Pike has a very extensive view, ranging from the Mourne Mountains in Northern Ireland to Snowdonia in Wales. On a clear day, the following prominent mountain tops (Marilyns) can be seen the summit.[28]
- Dun Rig, 77 miles (124 km), 2 degrees
- Binsey, 18 miles (29 km), 2 degrees
- Turner Cleuch Law, 71 miles (114 km), 4 degrees
- Dale Head, 5 miles (8.0 km), 5 degrees
- Wisp Hill, 58 miles (93 km), 11 degrees
- Skiddaw, 14 miles (23 km), 12 degrees
- Roan Fell, 55 miles (89 km), 15 degrees
- Knott, 17 miles (27 km), 17 degrees
- Peel Fell, 63 miles (101 km), 24 degrees
- Blencathra, 14 miles (23 km), 28 degrees
- The Cheviot, 83 miles (134 km), 31 degrees
- Cold Fell, 39 miles (63 km), 39 degrees
- Howgill Fells, 29 miles (47 km), 103 degrees
- Bow Fell, 2 miles (3 km), 105 degrees
- Yorkshire Three Peaks, 36, 44 and 38 miles (58, 71 and 61 km), 119 degrees
- Boulsworth Hill, 63 miles (101 km), 135 degrees
- Pendle Hill, 55 miles (89 km), 138 degrees
- Ward's Stone, 38 miles (61 km), 142 degrees
- The Old Man of Coniston, 7 miles (11 km), 149 degrees
- Winter Hill, 64 miles (103 km), 154 degrees
- Snaefell, 52 miles (84 km), 257 degrees
- Slieve Donard, 111 miles (179 km), 262 degrees
- Slieve Croob, 112 miles (180 km), 268 degrees
- Beneraird, 80 miles (130 km), 303 degrees
- Merrick, 69 miles (111 km), 315 degrees
- Pillar, 4 miles (6 km), 318 degrees
- Cairnsmore of Carsphairn, 68 miles (109 km), 326 degrees
- High Stile, 6 miles (10 km), 328 degrees
- Criffel, 37 miles (60 km), 334 degrees
- Grasmoor, 8 miles (13 km), 342 degrees
- Great Gable, 2 miles (3.2 km), 351 degrees
See also
[edit]- Ben Nevis
- Geology of the United Kingdom
- Langdale axe industry
- List of mountains and hills of the United Kingdom
- List of fells in the Lake District
- Snowdon
Notes
[edit]- ^ These references on spelling of "Scafell"/"Scawfell" are examples of the more common usage during the 19th century and the early part of the 20th century, as can readily be found in the many contemporary guidebooks and local and national newspapers. A useful contrast is the difference in Baddely's guide (1st edn. 1888 and many later editions) between the guide text ("Scafell", following the maps used in this common guide-book) and all the adverts therein of hotels, tours and views, which were placed by local businesses ("Scawfell").
- ^ Absence of angles taken from one corner of some triangles was attributed to difficulties of access in the preface of the 1811 report by the Ordnance Survey.
References
[edit]- ^ a b Bathurst, David (2012). Walking the county high points of England. Chichester: Summersdale. pp. 272–278. ISBN 978-1-84-953239-6.
- ^ Jones, Daniel (2011). Roach, Peter; Setter, Jane; Esling, John (eds.). Cambridge English Pronouncing Dictionary (18th ed.). Cambridge University Press. ISBN 978-0-521-15255-6. In isolation Scafell is /ˌskɔːˈfɛl/.
- ^ "Marilyns of England". www.peakbagger.com. Retrieved 23 November 2020.
- ^ Gannon, Paul (April 2009). Rock Trails Lakeland - A Hillwalker's Guide to the Geology & Scenery. Pesda Press. ISBN 9781906095154. Retrieved 29 April 2021.
- ^ a b Geology of England and Wales, pp118ff
- ^ Stuart Rae. "Fells".
- ^ a b Dorothy Wordsworth's ascent of Scafell Pike, 1818, http://www.pastpresented.ukart.com/eskdale/wordsworth1.htm
- ^ Otley, Jonathan (1830). A concise description of the English lakes, and adjacent mountains: with general directions to tourists; notices of the botany, mineralogy, and geology of the district; observations on meteorolgy; the floating island in Derwent lake; and black-lead mine in Borrowdale (4th ed.). Keswick: author. p. 64. Retrieved 13 June 2017.
- ^ a b Mudge, Lieutenant-Colonel William; Colby, Captain Thomas (1811). An Account of the Trigonometrical Survey Carried on by Order of the Master-General of His Majesty's Ordnance in the Years 1800, 1801, 1802, 1803, 1804, 1805, 1806, 1807, 1808 and 1809 (PDF). Charing Cross, London: W Faden.
- ^ Martineau, Harriet (1855). A Complete Guide to the English Lakes. Windermere: John Garnett – via Archive.org.
- ^ Holland, CF (1924). Climbs on the Scawfell Group – A Climbers' Guide (1st ed.). Fell & Rock Climbing Club.
- ^ a b c d e Wainwright, A. (1960). The Southern Fells. London: Francis Lincoln. ISBN 0-7112-2230-4.
- ^ a b Richards, Mark: Mid-Western Fells: Collins (2004): ISBN 0-00-711368-4
- ^ British Mountain Maps: Lake District: Harvey (2006): ISBN 1-85137-467-1
- ^ "Piers Gill – Scafell Pike – Wasdale Mountain Rescue". www.wmrt.org.uk.
- ^ "Piers Gill – Wasdale Mountain Rescue". www.wmrt.org.uk.
- ^ Blair, Don: Exploring Lakeland Tarns: Lakeland Manor Press (2003): ISBN 0-9543904-1-5
- ^ Scafell Pike Summit, Cumbria – World War I Memorials and Monuments on. Waymarking.com. Retrieved on 2014-04--04-12.
- ^ Westaway, Jonathan. (1970-01-01) Mountains of Memory, Landscapes of Loss: Scafell Pike and Great Gable as War Memorials, 1919–1924 | Jonathan Westaway. Academia.edu. Retrieved on 2014-04-12.
- ^ "Mammoth mission to repair remarkable World War One memorial on Scafell Pike". Whitehaven News. 15 May 2018.
- ^ "About Scafell". ClimbScafell. Retrieved 28 April 2021.
- ^ Scoon, Roger N (8 April 2021). Geotraveller - Geology of Famous Geosites and Areas of Historical Interest. Springer. ISBN 978-3030546939.
- ^ a b "Scafell Pikes SSSI citation sheet" (PDF). English Nature. Retrieved 10 November 2006.
- ^ Hay, T (1942). "Physiographical Notes from Lakeland". The Geographical Journal. 100 (4). The Geographical Journal, Vol. 100, No. 4: 165–173. doi:10.2307/1788974. JSTOR 1788974.
- ^ "Three Peaks Partnership (formerly the Inter Mountain Working Group)" (PDF). www.thebmc.co.uk. Retrieved 16 October 2021.
- ^ Seymour, W. A., ed. (1980). A History of the Ordnance Survey (PDF). Folkestone, Kent: Wm Dawson & Sons, Ltd. ISBN 0-7129-0979-6.
- ^ "Carlisle Journal". Col 8. 9 October 1841. p. 2. Retrieved 12 June 2017.
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: CS1 maint: location (link) - ^ Computer generated virtual panoramas North South Index
External links
[edit]- Computer generated virtual panoramas North South Index
- Scafell Pike is at coordinates 54°27′16″N 3°12′37″W / 54.454435°N 3.210168°W
- Scafell Pike Sunny Photos from the West at Wasdale Head and North from Borrowdale by Keswick [1]
- Descriptions of the Walking Routes up Scafell Pike