Scafell Pike
Hiking Highlight
This Highlight is in a protected area.
Please check local regulations for: Lake District National Park
Hikes to Scafell Pike are always spectacular and take you to the highest point in England. The mountain is rough and rugged, as is befitting of such an accolade. An ascent to its hallowed summit rewards you with jaw-dropping views of Lakeland and a real sense of achievement.
Any final approach to the apex is a pathless clamber over a sea of huge rocks; cairns indicate the way ahead. Adorning the summit is a large circular windbreak, with steps to the very top. From this vantage, the Lake District falls away in every direction, with all the major summits in view. The view across to the Western Fells, to the likes of Great Gable and Pillar, is particularly special.
A strenuous but unforgettable adventure
If you are looking to connect Scafell Pike to neighbouring Scafell, be warned: there is no direct route. Mickledore, a glorious ridge, connects the two masses but runs aground against Scafell’s intimidating buttresses. A rock climbing route, Broad Stand, ascends the crag directly and has tempted many unsuspecting walkers down the years. It is an accident blackspot and should only be attempted by those with relevant experience.
Every approach to Scafell Pike is strenuous and a unique expedition in its own right, with the only direct routes starting in Wasdale, where the historic Wasdale Head Inn and campsites are found. An adventure through Eskdale is magnificent but committing. The sense of remoteness in Upper Eskdale, as you walk dwarfed by the surrounding mountain walls, is tangible.
Ascents from Langdale and Borrowdale both have the potential for a traverse of the full, boulder-strewn ridge from Esk Hause. Subsidiary summits Ill Crag and Broad Crag can be bagged en route, as well as Great End via an easy detour. Both Langdale and Borrowdale have a plethora of accommodation options. It goes without saying that the Scafell range is serious in winter conditions; only those equipped with mountaineering skills and equipment should attempt the peaks.
Tips
- Dan Hobson
At 3,209 feet (978 m) Scafell Pike is England's highest mountain. The summit is also one of the most stunning due to its remote location and awe-inspiring views. While many people conquer Scafell Pike every year, the climb to the top should not be underestimated. Make sure you are fully prepared (clothing, compass, water, etc). Enjoy!
October 17, 2018
- Craig Taylor
Scafell Pike is England's highest peak. And although eager mountaineers might scoff at the mere 978 metres of elevation you have to conquer to get to the top, the views from England's highest point are spectacular — and all the better that they can be enjoyed by hikers of all levels. The shortest and most direct route up the mountain starts at the Wasdale Car Park, which is unsurprisingly also the most popular trail to the top. As ever when going outside in the UK, pack a raincoat!
August 4, 2017
- David
The highest point in England! It is well worth a visit, but try and pick a route other than the main one coming straight up from Wasdale. Other routes are far better and there are some great features to explore along the way too.
March 6, 2018
- Tom
Among the best views in the country from here, the top can be very busy during the summer months.
April 27, 2018
- Tom
From the top of Pike you get great views of Scafell, if you have the time id suggest doing both summits.
June 18, 2019
- Alex Taylor
The scramble route to Scafell via Mickledore is an excellent route to take, away from the crowds and not really too technical, just take time and enjoy the route.
August 17, 2019
- Wayne Ruddy
There are ongoing repairs to the "tourist" path upto Scafell Pike ufn due to the amount of people using this route from the NT car park below. There are numerous other much quieter routes to do. Bag Scafell aswell along the way and you'll miss this path but your starting point is the same. For a more technical route further up once you reach Hollow Stones you can scramble upto the stretcher box at Mickledore or ascend Lords Rake, West Wall Traverse to descend to foxes tarn before the final ascend again to the Pike which makes a great day.
September 4, 2019
- Trail Magazine
England’s highest summit is not easily won. Whichever way is taken to the summit demands an investment of time and effort, but whether it starts from Wasdale, Eskdale, Langdale or Seathwaite, it’s a journey full of epic Lakeland landscape. It’s a complex beast, but one that offers ample reward for time spent figuring it out.
December 13, 2019
- Wayne Ruddy
Ascend the Pike from Eskdale valley to miss the queues of people at weekends, or alternatively ascend from Mickledore/Lords rake to foxes tarn then ascend to the stretcher box.
September 2, 2020
- David
England's highest point on a sky blue summer evening doing the UK three peaks. A stunning outing!
January 1, 2021
- David
What can you say, the highest trig point in England. A beautiful trig point on top of a beautiful mountain. Fair play England, you have a world class playground here!
June 29, 2021
- BCW (FB Bedfordshire Circular Walks)
Fabulous by day with great views 360 degree views. Top tip for night walkers - Three Peaks Challenge - if you can visit and walk to the summit in day light first it will help. Consider taking glow sticks with you when you walk in the dark It will help find your way back down! Remember to collect them up again when you leave 👍
April 29, 2020
- Keith
Fantastic climb, such beautiful scenery, on a good weather day😀 England’s highest mountain.
August 5, 2020
- Wayne Ruddy
Much quieter and the often overlooked little brother/sister of Scafell Pike.
September 2, 2020
- Grzegorz Bajurski
From a little car park at the Yewbarrow you have climb it for excellent view on the Wast Water with crags...then decent to pass and start climbing on the Red Pike, Pilar,Kirk Fell and Great Gable and decent to the village and walk by road to your car. Distance 15 miles, climb over 1600m, 4500calories...700 photos hahaha if you have good weather, plenty sunshine and lovely clouds. Strong recommend this direction and this trip...only for those who have good condition and fit.
May 23, 2021
- Andrew
Highest peak in England, a very busy hill. Park early and get to the summit before the crowds arrive.
July 4, 2021
- Andrew
The highest peak in England and easily accesible via path from Wasdale head, where a large car park is. Very popular with three peaks challengers. In the summer expect queues up the path.
October 5, 2021
- Andrew
A great viewpoint with much of the Lake District to be seen on the horizon. Spring and Summer months you may find yourself in a bit of a queue to stand at the trig point.
October 13, 2021
- Wi La
There is not much more to say about the highest mountain in England. The tip, however, is that when there are large numbers of people storming the summit via the shortest anti-clockwise route, you should do a clockwise loop. I also recommend coming from the north along the ridge to the Great End and not choosing the normal descent, but instead taking the variant over the Lingmell. There is an extremely rewarding view of the lake below. If it's as nice as it is here and it's already late afternoon, the light is all the nicer...
June 7, 2022
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