The rambling slopes of Ullscarf

Ullscarf

Height726m (2,382ft)

Prominence118m (387ft)

RegionCentral Fells

Climbed1 Time

"Ullscarf rises from the surrounding valleys so steeply and with such a display of fierce crags that, up to 2,000ft, it has all the makings of a great mountain. These crags defend the fell on most flanks. Unfortunately, the higher slopes do not live up to the promise of the lower, being, in fact, quite featureless and dreary." — A. Wainwright

Positioned near the geographical heart of the Lake District, Ullscarf forms an essential link along the north-south watershed separating the Derwentwater and Thirlmere catchments. While its lower flanks drop dramatically in steep, craggy precipices towards Borrowdale and Wythburn, the upper reaches broaden into a expansive, high-altitude plateau spanning roughly four square miles of moorland, coarse grass, and heather.

Holding 118 metres of relative height, Ullscarf stands as a substantial, central high point along the ridge line between High Seat and High Raise.

A rather ominous looking cairn

The summit high point is marked by a distinctive stone cairn entwined with old fence ironwork. Owing to its commanding, central position in the National Park, the top provides extensive, sweeping panoramas, with both the Scafell range and the Helvellyn ridge showing to particularly fine effect across the surrounding valleys.

Trip Reports

Ullscarf & The Central Ridge07/09/2014

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