Boot via Eskdale Fell up Slight Side: route map, distance and time
762 m · Cumbria
Slight Side is the southern shoulder of Scafell, a rocky top above Eskdale that gives the classic ascent of Scafell from Boot.
Climb the long grassy slopes of Eskdale Fell, wet in places, to the rocky summit.
Boot via Eskdale Fell at a glance
| Distance | 5.3 km one way, to the top |
|---|---|
| Ascent | 608 m |
| Time up | 2h 5m by Naismith's rule |
| There and back | 3h 10m, down the same way |
| Grade | Moderate |
| Start | Boot / Dalegarth, Eskdale |
| Start grid reference | NY 189 025 |
| Summit grid reference | NY 209 050 |
Boot via Eskdale Fell map
The start (green) and the summit (blue). Peakify has no GPX track for this route yet, so follow the description and your map.
Height profile and getting to the start
Near the start
From OpenStreetMap, within 2 km. Check opening times before you rely on them.
How long Boot via Eskdale Fell takes
| Pace | To the top | There and back |
|---|---|---|
| Brisk 6 km/h, 8 min per 100 m up | 1h 40m | 2h 35m |
| Steady (Naismith) 5 km/h, 10 min per 100 m up | 2h 5m | 3h 10m |
| Relaxed 4 km/h, 12 min per 100 m up | 2h 30m | 3h 50m |
Times leave out stops. Coming down the same way, the table counts the ascent once; steep descents on rough ground can be as slow as the climb.
- Today: sunrise 07:49, sunset 18:06. Start by 13:56 to be down before dark, allowing 3h 10m for the walk and an hour for stops.
- Tomorrow: sunrise 07:51, sunset 18:04. Start by 13:54 to be down before dark, allowing 3h 10m for the walk and an hour for stops.
Slight Side summit weather for this route
There is no recent summit forecast cached for Slight Side right now. The main Slight Side page loads the live forecast when you open it. Open the live Slight Side forecast.
Before you go, also check: MWIS Lake District forecast · Met Office mountain forecast · Weatherline fell top conditions.
About Slight Side
Slight Side is the southern shoulder of Scafell, a rocky top above Eskdale that gives the classic ascent of Scafell from Boot. More about Slight Side, with the live forecast.
On the lists: Wainwright, Birkett.
Extend the walk: tops near the summit
- Scafell (964 m), 1.5 km north
- Symonds Knott (959 m), 1.8 km north
- Scafell Pike (978 m), 2.3 km north
- Broad Crag (935 m), 2.7 km north
- Ill Crag (931 m), 2.7 km north-east
Challenges that include Slight Side
Other routes up Slight Side
| Route | Distance | Ascent | Time up | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Eskdale via Slight Side | 4.8 km one way | 670 m | 2h 5m | Hard |
In an emergency
Call 999, ask for the police and then mountain rescue. Give your location (the start is at NY 189 025, the summit at NY 209 050), what happened and how many are in your group. If you have no signal for a call, a text to 999 works once you have registered your phone with emergencySMS: text "register" to 999 before you go.
Boot via Eskdale Fell: questions and answers
How far is Boot via Eskdale Fell?
Boot via Eskdale Fell is 5.3 km one way to the summit of Slight Side, with 608 m of ascent. There and back by the same way is about 10.6 km.
How long does Boot via Eskdale Fell take?
About 2h 5m to the summit of Slight Side and 3h 10m there and back by Naismith's rule (5 km/h plus 10 minutes per 100 m of ascent), before stops. A relaxed group takes nearer 3h 50m for the round trip.
Where do you park for Boot via Eskdale Fell?
Boot via Eskdale Fell starts from Boot / Dalegarth, Eskdale. The grid reference is NY 189 025.
Is Boot via Eskdale Fell suitable for beginners?
Yes, for fit walkers on a clear day. Peakify grades it Moderate: a long climb on a made path, but the top is high, exposed and colder than the start. Turn back if the cloud comes down and you can't navigate.
What time should I start Boot via Eskdale Fell today?
By 13:56 at the latest. Sunset on Slight Side today is 18:06, Boot via Eskdale Fell takes about 3h 10m there and back, and that leaves an hour for stops. Start earlier in winter or if the forecast turns.
Is there a GPX for Boot via Eskdale Fell?
Not yet. The Peakify iPhone app can plan the route and export a GPX (Peakify Pro).