Ullscarf

Ullscarf is a fell in the English Lake District near the geographical centre of the Cumbrian hills. It divides the catchments of Derwentwater and Thirlmere with a north–south ridge. On the western side the Greenup valley has steep grassy slopes except for the rocky Lining Crag, which stands beside the bridleway. Eastwards the fell drops to Thirlmere across moorland of small hillocks and conifer-clad slopes. Above Wythburndale a near-continuous line of crags includes Castle Crag and Nab Crags, with a short dry-stone wall marked ‘Beacon’ on Ordnance Survey maps. The fell is worth the journey for its central position and wide views. On clear days more than half of the Wainwright fells are visible, from Skiddaw to Scafell Pike. The summit plateau covers about four square miles of coarse grass and heather with few paths. Old iron fenceposts mark the watershed track, and bridleways from Wythburn, Thirlmere, Stonethwaite and Watendlath give access. A large cairn on a small outcrop marks the highest point. Visitors find a high upland plateau with extensive panoramas. The Scafells and Helvellyn ranges show to particular effect. To the north the ridge continues over wet ground towards High Tove, passing Standing Crag above its reflecting tarn. Blea Tarn, a deep pool between two northern ridges, feeds Watendlath Tarn downstream. On the western slopes several gills run down to Greenup Gill and Derwentwater, while to the east drainage reaches Thirlmere through Launchy and Ullscarf Gills.