Nab Scar facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Nab Scar |
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 Nab Scar
Location in Lake District
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| Highest point | |
| Elevation | 455 m (1,493 ft) |
| Prominence | c. 5 m |
| Parent peak | Heron Pike |
| Listing | Wainwright |
| Geography | |
| Location | Cumbria, England |
| Parent range | Lake District, Eastern Fells |
| OS grid | NY356073 |
| Topo map | OS Explorer OL5, OL7 |
Nab Scar is a small mountain, called a fell, located in the beautiful Lake District in England. It's part of the Fairfield mountain group, which is in the eastern part of the Lake District. This fell stands proudly above Rydal Water, a lovely lake in the area.
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What is Nab Scar?
Nab Scar is actually the very steep end of the southern ridge of a bigger fell called Heron Pike. However, the name "Nab Scar" is also used for the entire ridge that stretches south from a spot called Lord Crag. A famous writer and fell-walker named Alfred Wainwright decided to give Nab Scar its own special status as a separate fell in his guidebooks. Many people still follow this idea today.
The Fairfield Horseshoe Walk
Nab Scar is a key part of a very popular walking route known as the Fairfield horseshoe. This long walk takes you around a horseshoe-shaped ridge. Hikers often start or finish their journey on Nab Scar. There's no "right" way to do it – some people go one way, and some go the other!
This exciting route also includes several other fells that Wainwright listed. These include Heron Pike, Great Rigg, Fairfield itself, Hart Crag, Dove Crag, High Pike, and Low Pike. The whole walk circles around the valley of Rydale.
The Ridge and Its Features
From the top of Heron Pike, a grassy ridge slopes down towards the southwest. It gets narrower as it goes, then drops more steeply at Lord Crag. After that, the path levels out a bit, curving slightly to the east. You'll pass over a couple of small bumps, and the second one is considered the summit of Nab Scar.
A short distance further, you'll find the "scar" itself. This is a very steep drop down to Rydal Water, with trees covering the lower slopes. Right by the lake, below the fell, is Nab Cottage. This old house was once home to famous writers known as the Lake Poets.
To the west of Nab Scar is a small valley with a stream called Dunney Beck. This stream separates Nab Scar from another ridge that runs down to the River Rothay. To the east, you'll find the quiet valley of Rydale. All the water from these areas eventually flows together near Rydal village before heading south towards Windermere, a much larger lake.
Dockey Tarn
Just a little to the west of Nab Scar's summit, you'll discover Dockey Tarn. A tarn is a small mountain lake. Dockey Tarn is one of the smallest tarns that is actually named on maps! This shallow, rocky pool is home to a special plant called water starwort.
Views from the Top
The summit of Nab Scar has a large pile of stones called a cairn. From here, you can see amazing views, especially towards the west. You'll get a fantastic look at the Central Fells, which are some of the most impressive mountains in the Lake District.
How to Climb Nab Scar
The most common way to climb Nab Scar is by following a path up the ridge from Rydal village. This path has been recently repaired, making it easier to use.
Another way to start your climb is from the White Moss car park. From there, you can walk up Dunney Beck towards Alcock Tarn. Then, you would turn east to join the main ridge leading up to Nab Scar.
