Scafell Pike – 5 ways to walk
Following on from our popular Blog – Coniston Old Man – 5 Ways to Walk we’ve decided to extend our guides to other iconic Lake District Mountains.
And for many visitors to the Lakes, the top of the “to do” list is the highest mountain in England; Scafell Pike. Its lofty status as #1 fell in all classification categories, makes it one of the most popular walks in the Lakes – well who doesn’t want to be able to say they’ve conquered England’s highest peak?
But which route is the best? Which route is the easiest (is there an easy way?) And which is nearest to your accommodation with the least driving required? To try and answer your Scafell Pike-based questions, we’ve listed 5 ways to walk the Lake District’s most famous fell of all.
Just remember – whichever route you choose, plan ahead, check the weather forecast (and be prepared to reschedule your day out for more better weather), wear suitable shoes/boots and clothing, bring plenty of water (and snacks, lots & lots of snacks) and ensure you have everything you need to stay safe in the fells.
- Direct route from Wasdale Head One-way Distance: 4.2km / 2.6 miles
The shortest, most straight-forward (and popular) route up Scafell Pike is from Wasdale Head. The drive to get there is an amazing experience and impressive in its own right – taking in breath-taking views of Wastwater the deepest lake in England as you weave your way towards the tallest mountain in England.
The route is fairly simple – from the National Trust Car Park at Wasdale Head, head out and up towards Lingmell Gill. The pitched stone path follows the gill steeply uphill and is straightforward to follow.
As the path bears left to leave the gill behind take the left-hand fork to continue up the main path (the right-hand fork leads up to Broad Stand & Mickledore via scree and is not recommended in poor weather or for less experienced walkers).
Stone cairns mark the path and are pretty easy to follow in good weather (in low cloud try to ensure you’ve spotted the next cairn before setting off from the one you’re at). The summit will eventually some into sight and from here you can enjoy truly spectacular views which include surrounding mountains such as Great Gable, the Irish Sea and Morecambe Bay. Enjoy the moment and make the most of the selfie opportunities before making your descent along the same route.
Scafell Pike summit is boulder-strewn and can be rather confusing – particularly in mist or low cloud. Stone cairns mark the various paths from the summit down to the valleys below. When descending, take extra care to make sure you choose the correct path to avoid ending up in the wrong valley and miles from your car!
2. From Langdale via Rossett Gill & Esk Hause One-way distance: 9.3km / 5.8 miles
For those staying in or around Coniston (you lucky people you), or indeed in the stunning Langdale Valley itself, then the nearest starting point for Scafell is from Great Langdale.
From the National Trust car park head west. The path initially follows the flat Mickleden Valley floor with Mickleden Beck on your left for 3km before finally veering left over a footbridge and climbing steeply into Rossett Gill. Following the pitched stone path, you’ll quickly gain height as you head upwards towards Angle Tarn. Should you need to pause to catch your breath (as we certainly did), you’ll be treated to stunning views down the beautiful Langdale Valley and the prominent Pike O’Stickle.
As you near the end of the steepest part of the climb you’ll see Rossett Pike on your right (Wainwright Baggers may wish to take a short diversion here). Angle Tarn will appear ahead with the path curving to the right of the tarn. Continue ahead to Esk Hause where the path joins up with others and begins to head west then southwest across the rocky, barren landscape of the Scafell massif. Continue towards Ill Cragg via a steep scramble then beyond via Broad Crag Col ridge, with stone cairns marking the way, and finally on to Scafell Pike summit itself.
3. From Seathwaite via The Corridor route and Styhead Tarn One-way distance 14km / 8.7 miles
This route begins at the end of Seathwaite Road in Borrowdale. Pass through the farmyard and exit through a gate at the far side. Follow this rough track around the edge of one enclosure and on southwards into the valley, with a beck on your right.
Pass through a couple more gates and swing right to cross Stockley Bridge.
Go through the gate ahead and follow the path as it rises to another gate. Through the gate and immediately turn right to cross a beck and continue on the path rising in a sweeping arc above the ravine.
The path now swings southwest and climbs steadily. Eventually the gradient eases and the path comes alongside Styhead Gill. Cross the gill at the footbridge then bear left. Styhead Tarn soon comes into view.
You’ll spot a Mountain Rescue stretcher box at Sty Head, as you near it bear left to cut across the lowest point, crossing some wet ground via stepping stones. Continue over on grass and swing left to round a knoll and pick up a faint path behind it. The Corridor Route is now across the depression of Spout Head.
Reaching the Corridor Route just before Skew Gill turn right, cross the gill and climb the bank on the other side. Bearing left climb further, join the stone pitched path. After a short rise bear right and climb less steeply southwards, following the obvious path. The towering crags above and to the left belong to Great End.
Rounding a corner, the infamous ‘rocky step’ appears. Once negotiated, at the bottom of the step continue to the head of the ravine keeping level and without decending into it. Cross the open ground and swing right below Broad Crag. Ignore the path off to the left and continue right. Rounding another corner cross the head of the dramatic Piers Gill. Lingmell Col is now ahead and above. Keep left and look for the cairns marking the way over rocky ground to the col. Remember the last cairn as you will need it as a landmark on the return journey.
On Lingmell Col, turn left and join the path coming up from Wasdale.
The path is now loose scree over boulders with a succession of cairns marking the way. The edge of the plateau is marked by a substantial cairn, Scafell Pike summit finally comes into view across the final boulder field.
Retrace your steps for the return journey. However, in mist finding your way off the summit needs care if you are not to end up in the wrong valley.
4. From upper Eskdale via Great Moss Distance: 8.5 km / 5.3 miles (one-way)
If you’re looking to walk Scafell but without the crowds, then this could be the route for you. Upper Eskdale is a lonely but staggeringly beautiful place – where the highest peaks in England tower around you like a cathedral of mountains.
The walk begins by the red phone box in Brotherikeld, at the foot of the Eskdale side of Hardknott Pass. Take the lane heading north from the phone box. At the farm take the footpath which roughly follows the River Esk on your left. With the river on the left continue up into Upper Eskdale Valley. After approximately 3km and just past a sheep enclosure, cross the footbridge over Throstle Gill, with the diminishing River Esk still on your left, to continue up towards Great Moss. At the open and dramatic expanse of Great Moss, the river needs to be crossed again in order to begin the ascent towards Broad Stand. The path roughly follows How Beck with the 2 highest mountains in England on either side of those walking this rugged route; Scafell on your left and Scafell Pike on your right.
Once at Broad Stand, which divides the 2 Lakeland giants Scafell and Scafell Pike, you’ll all of a sudden be treated to magnificent views down to Wasdale and Wastwater (and likely pick up a few walkers summiting from Wasdale as well) . From Broad Stand turn right and follow the cairns across the boulder field to Scafell Pike Summit.
5. From Langdale via Bowfell, Esk Pike and Great End 10.1km / 6.3 miles (one-way)
For experienced walkers and dedicated Wainwright baggers, this route takes in not only Scafell Pike, but 3 other hefty Wainwrights – all of which fall within the highest 11 Wainwright fells. It’s a long day – but one you’re likely to never forget.
Throughout the walk you’ll be treat to spectacually rugged mountain scenery as you go from the lush, green valley floor to the rocky, grey summit of the highest mountain in England.
Starting in Langdale near the Old Dungeon Gill, make your way southwest along the road for around 1km and continue through the gate. From here, follow the lane for another 1km, passing through Stool End Farm to arrive at “The Band.” Turn right here ascend the shoulder of Buscoe, to begin making your way up to the summit of Bowfell. At a collection of small mountain tarns that lie between the summits of Crinkle Crags and Bowfell, turn right to begin your final, steep ascent of the latter. The summit of Bowfell is a compact and rocky affair and the views are nothing short of incredible.
From Bowfell continue northwest as you descend, then ascend again to the summit of Esk Pike, your second peak of the day. From here continue on the main path to Eskdale Hause. Pick up the obvious path heading west keeping left for 0.8 mi as you work around the peaks of Great End and Ill Crag.
From here, keep heading straight to arrive at a T-junction next to Broad Crag Col.
Head left here and make the short but steep climb up to the summit of Scafell Pike.
Congratulations – you just climbed the highest mountain in England!
