Lake District
Low Scawdel
521M
1709FT
About Low Scawdel
Tucked beneath the eastern crags of High Spy, this rugged shoulder offers an intimate perspective of Borrowdale's upper reaches. Approached from Rosthwaite via the haunting ruins of Rigghead Quarries, its heathery summit provides a front-row seat to the dramatic skyline of Glaramara and the sharp profile of Fleetwith Pike.
Key Statistics
Rank
380th Highest in Region
Parent Range
North Western Fells
Prominence
?
4m
Nearest Town
Grange
Geology
You are walking over ancient lava flows and layers of compressed volcanic ash. These hard rocks form the rugged foundation of the fell beneath your feet.
Classifications
Find It
OS Grid Reference
NY242161
Latitude
54.5350°N
Longitude
3.1722°W
Did You Know?
- •The name likely derives from the Old Norse 'skali' (a temporary hut or shieling) and 'dalr' (valley), indicating that these slopes were historically used for seasonal grazing by Norse-settled farmers.
- •It is classified as a Synge, one of the hills identified by Tim Synge as being among the 300 most significant summits in the Lake District.
- •The standard route from Rosthwaite climbs through the dramatic Rigghead Quarries, where the remains of old slate levels and spoil heaps provide a stark reminder of the area’s industrial heritage.
- •The summit offers a particularly fine view of the 'Jaws of Borrowdale', where the valley narrows between Castle Crag and Grange Fell, with the water of Derwent Water visible in the distance.
- •Despite being named 'Low' Scawdel, the summit sits at over 1,700 feet; anyone expecting a gentle valley-bottom stroll will be quickly corrected by the steep pull up from the Allerdale Ramble.