Scafell via Eskdale and Burnmoor Tarn

looking down on Burnmoor Tarn towards the sea

From Dalegarth Station turn left out of the car park and walk along the road up the dale, in the Hardknott direction. Beside the Brook House Inn turn left to walk into Boot. Go through the village, cross the bridge and continue past Eskdale Mill and straight up the path ahead. Go through a gate and follow the path up the hill. The path runs roughly parallel to the river (though you will hear it rather than see it).

Pass through another gate; the path runs relatively level for a while, then comes to another gate.

Walk alongside a high stone wall to a further gate, and then follow the path alongside conifers. Cross a stream then continue to yet another gate and then walk alongside another stone wall. Wade across a stream, and then step across another after which you will be able to clearly see the peal of Scafell ahead on the right. Pass through a gate at the corner of a field and continue across heathland and over several more streams. Notice a stone hut ahead on the left.

Continue climbing to the ridge ahead. Before you mount the top of the ridge the path merges with another one (coming in from the left). From the top of the ridge you can look down on Burnmoor Tarn. Turn right and follow the line of the Tarn up the valley towards Scafell. Cross a wooden footbridge at the head of the Tarn. Ahead you will see two streams tumbling down the hill; the path goes to the left of both of them and up the appropriately named Green How (the lower slopes are called Hard Rigg).

PUBLISHED MAPS

Keep more-or-less parallel to the stream (though well above it) and head up Hard Rigg/Green How until the route to the peak of Scafell come into view on the right. Cross the stream and head direct for the summit.

Return by the same route.