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Sca Fell (called Scafell by Wainwright) is a mountain in the English Lake District. Its height of 963 m (3162 feet) makes it the second highest hill in England after Scafell Pike, from which it is separated by the pass of Mickledore.
Originally the name Sca Fell referred to the whole of the massif from Great End south to Slight Side; only more recently has the general term become applied solely to the part of the fell south of Mickledore.
It was once believed that Sca Fell was the largest mountain in this part of the Lake District — it is much more prominent in views from many directions than its higher neighbour — with the three apparently inferior peaks to the north (those now known as Scafell Pike, Ill Crag and Broad Crag ) being known collectively as the "Pikes of Sca Fell".
While now known to lack some of its neighbour's elevation, Sca Fell is still the more difficult peak to climb. Precipitous drops abound, and both the summit and surrounding moors are particularly disorientating in misty weather. On a fine day, however, one may sit alone on the summit, with a sense of peace and solitude enhanced by the jostling crowds to be seen just a kilometre away above on the top of the Pike.
The classic ascent via Lord's Rake path from Wastwater is now threatened by unstable rocks following after a recent rockfall. A pleasant but lengthy alternative begins from Boot in Eskdale, following the River Esk upstream, and scrambling up to the summit by way of Foxes Tarn. A gentler return can be made across moorland, by way of the Burnmoor Tarn.
The massive East Buttress of Sca Fell is one of England's largest cliffs and has many famous rock climbs.
