UKC

Climbs 66
Rocktype Limestone
Altitude 170m a.s.l
Faces W

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Huw Davies on Wheelbarrow 2nd ascent © airborne

Crag features

Scout Scar is a small limestone crag perched high above the beautiful Lyth Valley in the quiet south east corner of the Lake District, a couple of miles to the west of Kendal. The views are outstanding with Ingleborough, Morecombe Bay, The Howgills and much of the Central Lakeland Fells in full view from the Scar. The climbing at Scout Scar is hard to define as it is neither a major venue in the mold of Chapel Head nor of minor interest, and here in lies its problem. Many come here expecting too much and leave disappointed but to not visit would be to miss out on some good bolted routes which whilst not particularly big or impressive nevertheless pack in the moves at a pleasant crag. Onsight half a dozen of the routes in an afternoon and you'll go away with a big grin on your face and withered fingers.

Ignore the Rockfax icons, in buttress heading info, that suggest there is morning sun at First Blood + at Born Again Buttress...it's wrong as the whole length of the crag is West facing, i.e. potentially sunny from midday onwards.

Approach notes

15 minute approach.

Park at the carpark at the top of Underbarrow Road and follow the walking path up to the Scout Scar 'Mushroom' viewpoint. The crag is another 300m past here. 

There is a path down from the plateau to the crag. An old fence marks the descent. The descent is quite steep at first, but becomes more gradual. Continue with the escarpment to your left and after about 100m you will reach the first bolted routes. A path winds its way along the base of the crag. Barrowfield Buttress is seperate from the main crag and is typically reached from the South as described below.

Restricted Access

Seasonal Restrictions

Reason: Other

The crag is located on private land which is used for shooting on a number of dates during winter. Access is allowed throughout the year with the exception of these shooting dates.

We witnessed a serious amd big rock fall over Barrowfield buttress. Not sure what caused it or if routes are affected. Take care if youre going to be in this area and wear your helmet.
DixyM - 02/May/23
Witnessed serious rockfall towards the end of the crag past the climbing? Seemingly random or caused by a bird. Probably best to avoid this side of the crag when searching for a wee spot.
DixyM - 01/May/23
Visited with new Lakes sport and slate guide. Great job Cumbria Bolt Fund well done. Some good stuff here if expectations not too high - great moves - grades (low to mid 6 seem very tough!) great location - beware loose stuff probably more than usual for limestone sport. Very worthwhile though.
andy gittins - 28/Sep/20
Not a very extensive crag so it would not take many teams to fill it. But there is some very good climbing to be had. It's usually easy to spot which are the good routes from the ground. Routes seemed tough at the grades but a clipping stick lowers the stress levels.
Wiley Coyote2 - 17/Aug/10
Been Today (Friday) Pissed it down, the lower grade routes are crap, loose and dirty dont climb them, only climb the 3 star routes and some of the 6b+ and higher 2/3 star routes, didn't actually climb anything relly just had a look and tried the starts becuase of the weather.
Liam Copley - 01/Aug/08
Worth taking a clip-stick
Pudz - 22/Mar/05
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Climbs at this crag

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