Scafell Pike

Scafell Pike at 978 metres and 3210 feet is the highest mountain in England. Wainwright, who wrote distinctive guides to this area, described it as, “Every inch a mountain.” Its rough crags and general ruggedness add to its character.

Scafell Pike is located in the Lake District and has magnificent views from the summit. The Scafell range has a number of peaks which include Great End, Ill Crag, Scafell Pike, Lingmell and Scafell. The best vantage point to see Scafell Pike is from the summit of Bowfell on Langdale.  

Walkers can start their journey up Scafell Pike from a number of valleys namely Wasdale Head, Borrowdale, Eskdale and Great Langdale. Anyone who has walked from Borrowdale, Eskdale and Langdale will know the sheer amount of walking involved because there are several fells and peaks to traverse before Scafell Pike comes into view. Wasdale Head is a shorter and more direct route for walkers.  

Ascending via Wasdale cars can be left in the car park at Wast Water. A track goes up through the camping site to Brackenclose Climbing Hut and then joins a footpath by the waters of Lingmell Gill.

After a kilometer and with a steeper rougher path the track follows Brown Tongue as the terrain levels and the imposing ridge of Mickledore joining Pikes Crag and Scafell Crag come into view. There is a well trodden path to the summit or the more challenging path heading towards the col and Mickledore. This is an area to be treated with respect as the rock falls here can be treacherous. Onwards to the summit of Scafell Pike and those rewarding Lake District views after climbing England’s highest mountain.