Scoat Fell is one of Wainwright's Western Fells, and one of those that surround the popular Lake District destination of Mosedale. The largest fell in this group is the impressive Pillar, while Scoat Fell itself sits between Red Pike and Steeple. The stony plateau that forms the summit gives excellent views, although some of the panorama is taken up by Pillar. Even so, the Western Fells look particularly fine, and Skiddaw, Blencathra, The Scafells and Helvellyn all put in an appearance in a stunning panorama.
To do a direct Scoat Fell walk, the most common starting point would be from Wasdale Head, walking up Mosedale before taking a path to the top via Black Comb, while there are also direct options from Wastwater and Ennerdale. The latter route usually involves also climbing neighbouring Wainwright fell Steeple before getting to Scoat Fell. One way of seeing this Wainwright peak and the others in the area is to complete a Mosedale round, circling the fells in a route starting and finishing at Wasdale Head. The first fell on this Wainwright walk is Kirk Fell, from which walkers travel over the Black Sail Pass to Pillar. The round continues on the Scoat Fell, Steeple and Red Pike, before Yewbarrow becomes the final peak to tick off your Wainwright Maps. This represents a tough day of walking, but an excellent reward in terms of amazing scenery and the opportunity to complete six of the Wainwrights in a day.
Further information about Scoat Fell walks can be read about in Book Seven: The Western Fells, by A. Wainwright, a volume of the Pictorial Guide to the Lakeland Fells.
Plan and record your progress through the Wainwright Fells of the Lake District