Lake District
Scale Knott
338M
1109FT
About Scale Knott
Standing as the southern prow of Mellbreak, this modest Birkett offers a superior vantage point over the meeting of Buttermere and Crummock Water. Its grassy slopes and rocky outcrops provide a quieter perspective on the High Stile ridge and the daunting screes of Grasmoor across the valley floor.
Key Statistics
Rank
699th Highest in Region
Parent Range
Western Fells
Prominence
?
10m
Nearest Town
Loweswater
Geology
Scale Knott is built on layers of compressed mud and silt, reinforced by hard volcanic basalt that pushed up through the ground.
Find It
OS Grid Reference
NY149177
Latitude
54.5481°N
Longitude
3.3159°W
Did You Know?
- •The name derives from the Old Norse 'skali', meaning a temporary shelter or summer shieling, combined with the Cumbrian 'knott' for a rocky outcrop or small hill.
- •Though often bypassed by those rushing for the main summit of Mellbreak, it is classified as a Birkett and a Synge, rewarding the slight detour with a direct view down the length of Crummock Water.
- •From the summit, walkers can look directly across the valley to the deep ravine of Scale Force, the highest waterfall in the Lake District, tucked into the side of High Noon.
- •The summit serves as an excellent 'balcony' for observing the 'Dubs'—the narrow river channel that connects Buttermere with its larger neighbor, Crummock Water.
- •It is the perfect spot for those who want the celebrated views of the Buttermere valley without the lung-bursting scree scramble required to reach the higher Western Fells.