Ski Club of Manchester, May Walks 2026
Walk 1, Saturday 9th May.
Leader: Dave Miller
The first formal walk of the weekend will be a circular route from the Eskdale valley up onto Scafell and back.
This will be a long and challenging mountain walk of around 10 miles with a lot of climbing (around 3250 feet of ascent) and rough terrain to negotiate, including a scramble up a gully — see image from 2024 walk below. That's me with a dog ornament round my neck).
This should be within the capabilities of fit and active walkers who are in good practice for this type of walking. The walk should take around 7 hours depending how long we spend sight seeing, eating, and of course walking.
Meeting time is 10:00 to start walking at 10:15
The route starts at a roadside car parking spot, grid reference NY200009 which is on the north side of the Hardknott Pass road about 1.6 miles east of Boot and on the other side of the road from Wha House Farm (NT property located at CA19 1TH. Be aware that postcodes in rural locations can cover a wide area). Due to restricted parking it will be of benefit if any of those taking part can arrange to car share for the short drive from Boot.
This will be a full day out on the fells so you will need to bring enough food and drink for the day. Good walking shoes or boots are recommended and enough variety of clothing to cope with the English climate.
The route will be north west along a lane towards Brotherikeld crossing the Esk to the left bank via a footbridge and then onto the footpath that runs up the east side of the Esk and climbs towards it's source, eventually reaching Great Moss. From here we will leave the Esk and climb steeply up left towards Broad Stand and Mickledore (the col between Scafell and Scafell Pike), and on turning left before reaching Broad Stand we will find the climbing path that leads onto Scafell summit, this being at first a gully scramble and then steep scree slope. On leaving the summit we will head south over Slight Side before descending into Quagrigg Moss, crossing the moss southwards will bring us back to the parking place.
If you intend to join the walk please advise Dave Miller by Friday 1st May by email.
Click here to download the route in GPX format.
