Scafells
View of the Scafells from Wastwater
Highest point
Elevationmax. 978 m (3,209 ft) at Scafell Pike
Coordinates54°28′16″N 3°08′38″W / 54.471°N 3.144°W / 54.471; -3.144
Geography
Scafells is located in the Lake District
Scafells
Scafells
Cumbria, England
Scafells is located in England
Scafells
Scafells
Scafells (England)
Scafells is located in the United Kingdom
Scafells
Scafells
Scafells (the United Kingdom)
Parent rangeCumbrian Mountains
Geology
Age of rock-
Mountain typeCaldera
Last eruption-

The Scafells, or Scafell Massif,[1] are range of fells in the Cumbrian Mountains of England, made up of the remains of a caldera volcano. Fells in the range include Scafell, England's tallest mountain Scafell Pike, Broad Crag and Ill Crag. Great End, Lingmell and Slight Side are also usually included within the definition. These hills form part of the Southern Fells.

The Scafell range as seen looking west from Crinkle Crags. (Interactive labels.)

Geology

Geologically, the Scafells are the remnants of a volcano that erupted in the Ordovician period over 400 million years ago. This volcano as well as all other volcanoes of the Lake District are long since extinct.[2]

The volcano is an example of a piecemeal caldera whose collapse, in contrast with a wholesale piston-like subsidence, occurred in a piece-by-piece fashion along faults and whose measurements suggest formation from an eruption of a VEI-7 magnitude.[2] The Scafell Dacite, between Little Narrowcove and Aaron Crags, is a lava dome formed during the last stages of volcanic activity at Scafells.[2]

Accident black spots

Scafell and Scafell Pike

The summit of Scafell (964 m) is only 14 m lower than Scafell Pike (978 m); it can sometimes appear to be higher because of its precipitous topography.

The traverse between England's two highest summit's via Mickledore col requires considerable care and caution:

  1. The route via Broad Stand is best avoided because it is dangerous.
  2. There is a safer but longer route available via Foxes Tarn.

. . ."Broad Stand is an extremely dangerous area which has unfortunately seen a number of fatalities.[3]

Wasdale Mountain Rescue Team

References

  1. ↑ Gannon, Paul (April 2009). Rock Trails Lakeland - A Hillwalker's Guide to the Geology & Scenery. Pesda Press. ISBN 9781906095154. Retrieved 29 April 2021.
  2. 1 2 3 Geology of England and Wales, pp118ff
  3. ↑
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