Scales via Mousthwaite Comb up Souther Fell: route map, distance and time
522 m · Lake District N · OS grid NY354291
Souther Fell is a 522m whaleback ridge at the eastern end of the Blencathra group, climbed from Mungrisdale or Scales.
Climb Mousthwaite Comb to the col, then follow the ridge north-east to the top.
Scales via Mousthwaite Comb at a glance
| Distance | 2.8 km one way, to the top |
|---|---|
| Ascent | 336 m |
| Time up | 1h 5m by Naismith's rule |
| There and back | 1h 40m, down the same way |
| Grade | Moderate |
| Start | Scales, near Threlkeld |
| Start grid reference | NY 343 269 |
| Summit grid reference | NY354291 |
Scales via Mousthwaite Comb 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 Scales via Mousthwaite Comb takes
| Pace | To the top | There and back |
|---|---|---|
| Brisk 6 km/h, 8 min per 100 m up | 0h 55m | 1h 25m |
| Steady (Naismith) 5 km/h, 10 min per 100 m up | 1h 5m | 1h 40m |
| Relaxed 4 km/h, 12 min per 100 m up | 1h 20m | 2h 5m |
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 07:48, sunset 18:05. Start by 15:25 to be down before dark, allowing 1h 40m for the walk and an hour for stops.
- Tomorrow: sunrise 07:50, sunset 18:02. Start by 15:22 to be down before dark, allowing 1h 40m for the walk and an hour for stops.
Souther Fell summit weather for this route
-
Good Today Monday 19 October
Overcast, up to 12°C at the summit, feeling as cold as 1°C, summit wind 18 mph gusting 22 mph, 6% chance of rain. Rated Good. Sunrise 07:48, sunset 18:05.
-
Good Tomorrow Tuesday 20 October
Light drizzle, up to 9°C at the summit, feeling as cold as 2°C, summit wind 19 mph gusting 23 mph, 47% chance of rain. Rated Good. Sunrise 07:50, sunset 18:02.
Best day of the next seven for Scales via Mousthwaite Comb: Monday 19 October, with summit gusts around 22 mph and a 6% chance of rain.
Hour-by-hour Souther Fell forecast
Before you go, also check: MWIS Lake District forecast · Met Office mountain forecast.
What to take today
- A warm layer, hat and gloves: it feels like 1°C on top.
- A waterproof jacket. It can rain on the tops in any forecast.
- Map and compass, and the skills to use them. A phone is a backup, not a plan.
- A head torch, food, water, a charged phone and a small first aid kit.
About Souther Fell
Souther Fell is a 522m whaleback ridge at the eastern end of the Blencathra group, climbed from Mungrisdale or Scales. More about Souther Fell, with the live forecast.
On the lists: Wainwright, Birkett.
Extend the walk: tops near the summit
- Bannerdale Crags (684 m), 1.9 km west
- Bowscale Fell (702 m), 2.5 km north-west
Challenges that include Souther Fell
More walks from Scales, near Threlkeld
Routes in Peakify's guides that start within 500 m of this one, for another day from the same car park.
- Scales via Scales Fell up Blencathra
- Scales via Sharp Edge up Blencathra
Other routes up Souther Fell
| Route | Distance | Ascent | Time up | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mungrisdale via the north ridge | 2.5 km one way | 293 m | 1h 0m | Easy |
In an emergency
Call 999, ask for the police and then mountain rescue. Give your location (the start is at NY 343 269, the summit at NY354291), 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.
Scales via Mousthwaite Comb: questions and answers
How far is Scales via Mousthwaite Comb?
Scales via Mousthwaite Comb is 2.8 km one way to the summit of Souther Fell, with 336 m of ascent. There and back by the same way is about 5.6 km.
How long does Scales via Mousthwaite Comb take?
About 1h 5m to the summit of Souther Fell and 1h 40m 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 2h 5m for the round trip.
Where do you park for Scales via Mousthwaite Comb?
Scales via Mousthwaite Comb starts from Scales, near Threlkeld. The grid reference is NY 343 269.
Is Scales via Mousthwaite Comb 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 Scales via Mousthwaite Comb today?
By 15:25 at the latest. Sunset on Souther Fell today is 18:05, Scales via Mousthwaite Comb takes about 1h 40m there and back, and that leaves an hour for stops. Start earlier in winter or if the forecast turns.
Is there a GPX for Scales via Mousthwaite Comb?
Not yet. The Peakify iPhone app can plan the route and export a GPX (Peakify Pro).