Scafell Pike is the highest and the most prominent mountain in England, at an elevation of 978 metres above sea level. It is located in the Lake District National Park, in Cumbria, and is part of the Southern Fells and the Scafell massif. Scafell Pike forms part of the inactive Scafells volcano.
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Day two of a quick jaunt up to the Lake District to bag a few summits saw us tackle Scafell Pike. This swiftly followed the previous day of hiking up Scales Fell, Sharp Edge, Blencathra, Halls Fell Ridge and then on to Catbells.
Intent on climbing Scafell Pike, the day started with a 27 mile drive over Hardknott Pass to Wasdale Head in rather grim conditions. This drive was bad enough before even factoring in the hiking. If Wasdale Head is your planned starting point then unless you want a long drive to avoid Hardknott Pass then ‘over the top’ it has to be, just be prepared for a challenging drive and ensure your driving skills and car is up to it..!!
Grasmere to Wasdale Head was best part of a 1 hour 40 minutes drive each way so factor this in to your plans.
Arriving at Wasdale Head there is a sufficiently big and free car park and we had no trouble getting parked although, the weather may have had something to do with that.
Walking straight from the car park you quickly pass through a gate and start the anti-clockwise route up and around Scafell Pike. On the best of days this route demands a certain level of skill, grit and fitness but today the weather was horrendous and demanded a little extra. Torrential rain, wind and low cloud accompanied us for the whole route making this a ‘memory maker’ of a day.
Our route took us past Hollow Stones, Mickledore and up to the summit of Scafell Pike. At the top the weather was pretty unbearable with horizontal rain and winds meaning we didn’t hang around for long and the vista was zero!! That said, there’s something weirdly exciting summiting in such challenging conditions. Don’t forget to acknowledge the WW1 memorial at the top of this mountain.
The route down commenced picking out the cairns through the cloud and periodically glancing at the GPS. On a good day a minor detour to Lingmell Crags for the view is well worth it but today was pointless so we beared right picking up Piers Gill which is one vicious and deep gorge, the home of white water rapids and angry black vertical cliff faces. This was one atmospheric place to be. Cautiously following the edge of the gorge down hill provided a mix of ‘easy’ walking and vertical slippery rock face descents. Some quite dangerous moments kept presenting themselves to us but with extreme caution they were passable.
From the Fells to your right the water flowing down was full bore meaning several water crossings had to be made. All were reasonably ok to cross except one was wide and full on. With no obvious and safe place to cross we walked up and down stream to try and find a safe zone but sadly that didn’t exist. The two options were turn back (no way) or boots off, trousers up and wade across, carefully picking our spot wading across was the right thing to do.
Beyond this things quickly improved to easier going as we got to lower levels which even allowed us to finish the last leg by running.
Finally we arrived back as the car and what a welcome sight that was. A quick change of clothes and off we went leaving the beast behind.
This was an amazing challenge and one to never forget so get it on your mountain bucket list. A little over 7 miles and just over 4 1/2 hours.
Sadly no photos of this experience as the weather wasn’t camera friendly so for now..... use your imagination based on the...
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As an experienced hiker, I can confidently affirm that Scafell Pike is not only a thrilling challenge but also a hidden gem of unparalleled beauty. Despite its reputation as England's highest peak, Scafell Pike often remains overshadowed by more famous mountain ranges around the world. However, those who venture to explore its rugged terrain are rewarded with breathtaking vistas and a sense of awe-inspiring wonder.
Ascending Scafell Pike presents a thrilling yet challenging endeavor that demands respect for its rugged terrain and unpredictable weather conditions. The climb begins with a gradual ascent along winding trails, which soon give way to steeper inclines and rocky paths. While the route is well-marked, the uneven terrain requires careful footing and a steady pace to navigate safely.
As the elevation increases, so does the intensity of the climb, testing both physical endurance and mental fortitude. The final stretch to the summit can be particularly demanding, with steep gradients and exposed sections adding an extra layer of difficulty. Moreover, the weather on Scafell Pike is notoriously fickle, with conditions ranging from clear skies to dense fog and sudden storms. As such, hikers must be prepared for rapid changes in weather and ensure they have appropriate clothing and equipment to stay safe.
Despite the challenges, the sense of accomplishment upon reaching the summit is truly unparalleled. Standing atop England's highest peak, surrounded by panoramic views of the Lake District's stunning landscapes, is a moment of triumph that rewards the effort and perseverance invested in the climb. Moreover, the descent, while physically taxing, allows hikers to reflect on their achievement and soak in the natural beauty that surrounds them.
Overall, while the climb up Scafell Pike is undeniably challenging, it is also immensely rewarding for those who are prepared to face its obstacles head-on. With careful planning, determination, and a healthy dose of respect for the mountain, conquering Scafell Pike is an adventure that promises unforgettable memories and a profound sense of...
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An absolutely stunning place, but be warned - this is not to be underestimated. Me and my partner climbed to the summit on a hot day and it was tough. We are both pretty fit, we have physical jobs (we're both posties) and it was a slog in parts. We both climbed Snowdon and that was horrible due to the weather but in terms of difficulty of terrain there was no contest; Scafell Pike is miles more difficult. It is unrelenting, there are virtually no flat sections and it is very rocky underfoot. We used the path from Wasdale as that is the "easiest" but do not let that fool you! We lost count of the amount of people we saw on our way down who were really struggling to continue climbing - lots of people with unsuitable footwear/clothing and looking like they didn't have the required fitness.
Having said all that, the views you get from the summit in clear weather make the climb worth all the effort. It is absolutely beautiful. On the day we went there were probably 30 people at the summit when we got there around midday. In total we got up and back in 3h 50m but that included 20 minutes at the top. The staff at the bottom were really helpful, we signed up for National Trust membership there and then. The parking machines are coins only but you can pay with notes at the visitor centre. Another thing to note is that the RAF use the Lakes to train fighter pilots so you may be lucky enough to see some roar over your heads as we did!
In summary I would definitely recommend attempting the climb but only if you are reasonably fit and have suitable clothing and footwear. Water is also a must, we saw a lot of people with nothing to drink wishing they'd bought some. Some food would be helpful for energy also. Have fun and above...
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