Highlight • Summit
Hiking
4.9
(500)
Mountaineering
5.0
(12)
Scafell Pike Summit, standing proudly at 978 meters (3,209 ft) above sea level, is England's highest mountain. Located in the heart of the stunning Lake District National Park in Cumbria, this iconic peak is part of the Southern Fells and the rugged Scafell massif. Its summit is famously characterized by a vast boulder field, a unique natural feature that adds to its challenging yet rewarding ascent.
What truly captivates visitors to Scafell Pike is the profound sense of achievement upon reaching England's highest point, coupled with the awe-inspiring panoramic views. From the summit, the Lakeland fells unfold in every direction, offering breathtaking vistas that can stretch across to the Western Fells, including Great Gable and Pillar, and even distant lands on a clear day. The mountain's remote location and rugged quality contribute to an unforgettable adventure.
An ascent of Scafell Pike is always strenuous and requires careful preparation. Hikers should be well-equipped with appropriate clothing, navigation tools like a compass, and plenty of water, as the terrain is rough and rugged. The final approach to the apex involves a pathless clamber over a sea of huge rocks, with cairns guiding the way. While direct routes often start from Wasdale, home to the historic Wasdale Head Inn, other approaches offer different challenges and scenery. It's crucial to note that winter conditions demand mountaineering skills and specialized equipment.
Hiking is the primary way to experience Scafell Pike, with many undertaking it as part of the challenging National Three Peaks Challenge. While the Wasdale route is popular, many hikers suggest exploring less crowded routes up Scafell Pike to discover hidden gems and enjoy the varied terrain, which includes waterfalls, gorges, and moorland. Choosing a route that suits your fitness level and experience is key to a rewarding journey.
Reaching the summit reveals a large circular windbreak, providing shelter and a perfect spot to take in the expansive views. The feeling of remoteness in Upper Eskdale, where you are dwarfed by the surrounding mountain walls, is a standout moment for many. Along the way, some routes allow for bagging subsidiary summits like Ill Crag and Broad Crag, adding to the sense of exploration and achievement.
With numerous Scafell Pike routes available, from the direct Wasdale ascent to more committing expeditions through Eskdale, Langdale, or Borrowdale, there's a challenge for every level of hiker. To plan your visit and explore the best ascent routes, including options for parking for Scafell Pike Wasdale Head and information on cafes and pubs near Scafell Pike routes, you can find detailed maps and trail information on komoot.
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October 17, 2018
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March 6, 2018
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August 17, 2019
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Nearby routes
Best routes near Scafell Pike summit
4.6
(137)
1,002
hikers
9.14km
05:09
940m
940m
Embark on a difficult hike to England's highest mountain with the Scafell Pike loop from Wasdale. This 5.7-mile (9.1 km) route, typically taking around 5 hours and 9 minutes, challenges you with a significant ascent of 3077 feet (938 metres) through dramatic Lake District scenery. You will navigate steep sections like Brown Tongue and a rocky path that can become indistinct, leading to a "giant boulder field of shattered rock" near the summit. From the top, enjoy panoramic views of the Lakeland Fells, and on clear days, you might even spot the Isle of Man, Scotland, Wales, and Ireland.
While the Wasdale Head route is popular, especially for those attempting the National Three Peaks Challenge, be prepared for strenuous conditions. The terrain is demanding, with loose scree and challenging navigation, particularly on the summit plateau where mist, rain, or wind are common. Good fitness, appropriate gear, and strong navigational skills are essential for this demanding mountain environment. Always check weather conditions before you set out.
This route leads you to the summit of Scafell Pike, which stands at 978 metres (3,209 feet) and holds historical significance as a war memorial. The entire summit was donated to the National Trust in 1919 to honor the men of the Lake District who died in World War I. The Wasdale valley itself is an iconic and awe-inspiring location, featuring glacial carved valleys and views over Wastwater, England's deepest lake, adding to the wild and remote feel of your adventure.
4.6
(56)
637
hikers
19.4km
07:18
1,070m
1,070m
Embark on a challenging journey through the Lake District with the Scafell Pike and Bowfell Loop from Great Langdale. This difficult hiking route spans 12.0 miles (19.4 km), demanding a significant 3501 feet (1067 metres) of elevation gain over an estimated 7 hours and 17 minutes. You will traverse dramatic landscapes, encountering rugged terrain and expansive views across valleys like Oxendale and Eskdale, with the serene Angle Tarn nestled below imposing fells providing a moment of calm.
Planning your visit requires careful consideration, as this is a strenuous and physically demanding hike not suited for beginners. Ensure you have good fitness levels and strong navigational skills, especially since the route can be difficult to follow in poor weather conditions. The hike typically begins from the Old Dungeon Ghyll Hotel in Great Langdale, which offers convenient amenities at both the start and end of your adventure.
This loop offers spectacular mountain scenery, leading you to England's highest peak, Scafell Pike, and the prominent Bowfell. It is designed for experienced hikers seeking a full day out in the mountains, providing a true test of endurance and a deep immersion into the wild beauty of the Lake District National Park. The route promises a memorable experience for those prepared for its rigors.
4.8
(255)
2,555
hikers
15.4km
05:57
870m
870m
Hard hike. Very good fitness required. Sure-footedness, sturdy shoes and alpine experience required.
Details
Informations
Elevation 970 m
Good to know
Family Friendly
yes
Wheelchair access
no
Dog Friendly
yes
Weather
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Tuesday 5 May
11°C
4°C
4 %
Additional weather tips
Max wind speed: 10.0 km/h
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The most popular ascent is from Wasdale Head, often considered the most direct but also very steep. Other well-known routes include those from Langdale, Borrowdale, and Eskdale. The Wasdale route is generally shorter but relentless, while routes from Langdale and Borrowdale are longer, offering more varied scenery and the chance to traverse subsidiary summits like Ill Crag and Broad Crag. For a more challenging experience, some routes involve scrambling sections, such as the approach via Mickledore, which can lead to Scafell (not Scafell Pike) but requires careful navigation.
Yes, to avoid the busiest paths, especially during peak season, consider routes from Eskdale or Langdale. These approaches are longer and more committing, offering a greater sense of wilderness and often fewer hikers. The scramble route to Scafell via Mickledore is also noted by hikers as a way to escape the crowds, though it requires good navigation and some scrambling ability.
The terrain on Scafell Pike is notoriously rough and rugged. The summit plateau is characterized by a massive boulder field of shattered rock debris, requiring careful foot placement and often a pathless clamber. Even on established paths, expect rocky, uneven surfaces. The mountain can be exposed to harsh weather, and visibility can drop quickly, making navigation challenging, especially in the boulder field where cairns guide the way.
Scafell Pike in winter conditions is a serious undertaking and should only be attempted by experienced mountaineers. It requires specialized equipment, including crampons, an ice axe, and appropriate winter clothing. Mountaineering skills, including winter navigation and self-arrest techniques, are essential. The conditions can be extreme, with snow, ice, high winds, and rapidly changing weather.
While dogs are generally welcome on the fells, hiking Scafell Pike with a dog requires careful consideration. The rocky, uneven terrain, especially the boulder field near the summit, can be tough on paws. Some sections may require dogs to be lifted or assisted. Ensure your dog is fit, accustomed to long hikes, and always keep them on a lead, especially near livestock or steep drops. Carry extra water for them.
The main parking area for the Wasdale Head route is at the National Trust car park near Wasdale Head. This car park fills up very quickly, especially on weekends and during summer. Arriving early in the morning is strongly recommended to secure a spot. Other routes also have designated parking areas, such as those in Langdale or Borrowdale, but these also have limited capacity.
Near the Wasdale Head starting point, you'll find the historic Wasdale Head Inn, which offers accommodation, food, and drinks. Other valleys like Langdale and Borrowdale, which also serve as starting points for longer routes, have a wider range of amenities, including pubs, cafes, and various accommodation options. It's advisable to check opening times, especially outside of peak season.
Beyond the iconic boulder field at the summit, hikers can encounter several notable features. Depending on your route, you might pass Broad Crag Tarn, which is the highest body of standing water in England. The dramatic landscape of Upper Eskdale, with its towering mountain walls, offers a profound sense of remoteness. On a clear day, the panoramic views from the summit can extend as far as the Mourne Mountains in Northern Ireland, Snowdonia in Wales, and the Isle of Man.
Scafell Pike is England's highest mountain at 978 meters (3,209 ft), making it the lowest of the three peaks in the National Three Peaks Challenge. Ben Nevis in Scotland is the highest in the UK at 1,345 meters (4,413 ft), and Snowdon in Wales is 1,085 meters (3,560 ft). While shorter, Scafell Pike is known for its particularly rugged and rocky terrain, especially the summit boulder field, which can make it feel just as challenging as its taller counterparts, particularly in poor weather.
The summit of Scafell Pike was donated to the National Trust in 1919 by Lord Leconfield. This significant act served as a perpetual memory to the men of the Lake District who died in the First World War, ensuring its preservation for public enjoyment and remembrance.