Scafell is the second largest mountain in England, separated from the largest, Scafell Pike, by the Mickeldore pass. Many people believe that Scafell is the grander of the two given the arguably finer views available at the summit - but because it is smaller, it is much less visited than its more famous neighbour. While it can be climbed directly from Brackenclose in Wasdale, it is commonly completed in conjunction with Scafell Pike, but a Scafell walk on its own should not be discounted given the dramatic panorama available to Wainwright walkers.

If considering Scafell walks as part of a circular route to tick a number of peaks from Wainwright Maps, a good option is to begin in Wasdale, climbing Lingmell first, before tackling Scafell Pike. After continuing on to Scafell Pike, the descent back to Wasdale goes via another Wainwright fell, Slight Side. Given Scafell is one of just four Wainwright mountains over 3000 feet, whatever route is taken involves a lot of climbing, but the views at the top make a Scafell walk very worthwhile.

Being the second highest mountain in England, naturally the other fell groups of the Lake District form part of the fantastic panorama at the end of Scafell walks, with the Western Fells seen particularly well. Bowfell is a major feature to look out for, while there are lovely views of the Coniston fells and Wastwater. On clear days Liverpool can be seen, as can the Isle of Man and Snowdonia - but perhaps the most captivating feature of the view is the sheer majesty of the Wainwright fells that surround Scafell.

Further reading on Scafell walks and others in the area can be found in Book Four, The Southern Fells of Alfred Wainwright's Pictorial Guide to the Lakeland Fells.

Scafell from Scafell Pike - Photograph by Stewart Smith Photography