Signpost at the base of the mountain - Best Route to Scafell Pike
Best Route to Scafell Pike: Number 1 - Wasdale
We are often asked, what is the best route to Scafell Pike and this isn't a straightforward one to answer. It depends on the type of day and walk you're looking for. Less experienced mountain walkers will almost certain prefer the route starting from Wasdale and that's what we describe here.
The journey to the Wasdale valley is an adventure in itself, with world class scenery all the way. Passing Wastwater with Great Gable in the distance and the famous Wasdale screes to your right is magnificent. It’s well worth building in some additional journey time so a few stops can be made to savour these world class views.
If you’re visiting the Lake District purely to summit Scafell Pike, consider staying in the Wasdale valley or in West Cumbria, thus making access to the mountain easier. There are many places to choose from, if looking for serviced accommodation why not check out either Gosforth Hall or Wasdale Head Inn.
Starting from the National Trust car park (chargeable to non-members) at Lake Head. The route begins on a good path near which follows the cascades of Lingmell Gill as far as Brown Tongue. This section of path is easy to follow and leads directly to the river crossing. Beware, after heavy rain crossing the river can be hazardous.
Once across the river the path becomes steeper (the steepest section of the day) as it rises towards Hollow Stones. There will still be a stream to your right. Some of the stones hereabouts are slippery when wet, take extra care, especially when descending this way.
A path junction is reached and this marks the beginning of the Hollow Stones boulder field. A dramatic landscape of giant boulders, flung around during the last ice age and left in place by the retreating glacier.
Go left at the junction. The terrain is easier angled now, but rougher and the path is vague at best. Once through the boulders a wide track is met and this leads up to Lingmell Col, a rare flat section. You’re now at about 750 above sea level.
The path bears rightwards going steeply uphill once again. More of a steep scree slope than a path, but it does some zigzagging to easy the angle. A very large cairn (pile of stones) marks the edge of the summit plateau and from here the top can be seen and is an easy stroll away.
From the summit it’s possible to see as far as the Isle of Man, Galloway, Ingleborough, Blackpool tower and so much more. But for many it is the surrounding mountains that will captivate the gaze, stunning as they are.
Quick facts:
Where to start? National Trust car park, Lake Head, Wasdale
How far is it? 5 walking miles in total
How long will it take? Around 4 & 6 hours is normal, but timing depends on fitness levels and weather
How much ascent is there? Around 900 metres
What to take:
Waterproof jacket & over trousers
Hat & gloves
Warm clothing
Walking boots / sturdy footwear
Map & Compass
Packed lunch & snacks
Water – at least 1 litre
Backpack suitable for carrying the above kit
Would you like the reassurance of a qualified & experienced guide?
We have been offering guided ascents of Scafell Pike for around 15 years and know the mountain very well from all directions. If you would like to arrange a guided walk up Scafell Pike or any other mountain in the Lake District please do get in touch. And for more information about all things Scafell Pike check out our dedicated website Climb Scafell
And for more about all the Adventurous Activities we offer please do check out our Activities page
Descending from the summit plateau of Scafell Pike - Best Route to Scafell Pike
Styhead Tarn - Best Route to Scafell Pike
Best Route to Scafell Pike: Number 2 - The Corridor Route
Starting point is Seathwaite, in the Southern reaches of the Borrowdale valley. Parking is available at Seathwaite Farm and they have an honesty box for payment, so be sure to take some cash (£5 per vehicle)
Quick facts
How far is it? About 10 miles
How long will it take? Guideline is 6 - 8 hours
How much uphill / downhill? Around 1000 metres of ascent & descent
Level of difficulty: High
What's the terrain like? Many of the paths are good and some are easy to follow, particularly so on the lower reaches of the mountain. Beyond Styhead Tarn, which is where the Corridor Route proper starts, paths are rough and navigation can be very challenging. There are steep drops on this route and care is required to avoid these.
About the route:
Follow the wide track through the farm buildings and towards the hills, this is a gentle introduction and brings us to the picturesque Stockley Bridge. From here we follow Styhead Gill uphill all the way to the tarn of the same name. This footpath ascends quite close to Taylor Gill waterfalls which can be dramatic after heavy rain. Soon the gradient eases and the path becomes less obvious. Stay close to the watercourse and soon enough you’ll arrive at its source, Styhead Tarn. This may look like an inviting place for a swim, but it’s actually quite disappointing (i’ve tried) as it is shallow and full of reeds.
After the tarn take a left then a right turning to join The Corridor Route. This is now a narrow path leading into un-probable terrain, with steep cliffs all around. The path cuts a reasonable way through this but does occasionally ascend steeply.
The ‘bad step’ is a notable feature. This is an exposed but straightforward down climb and care is required. Don’t be tempted to find an ‘easier’ route around this, there isn’t one. Another short scramble before returning to walking terrain.
After crossing the top of Greta Gill take a right turning on a small but well made path leading steeply uphill. The path soon becomes indistinct, just stay in the middle of the valley and soon the base of a steep scree slope is reached.
Climb this via any of the rough paths that zigzag up to the col between Broad Crag and Scafell Pike. This is the steepest part of the day but short lived and worth it.
Once at the col turn right, the summit of Scafell Pike is now only a few minutes away.
To return to Seathwaite it’s nice to initially follow the Wasdale route as far as Lingmell Col. Then turn right at the path junction and this is once again The Corridor Route, so will deliver you back to Styhead Tarn in due course.
Stunning conditions on The Corridor Route - Best Route to Scafell Pike
Best Route to Scafell Pike: Number 3 - The Langdale Route
Best Route to Scafell Pike - summit success 🙂
Quick facts:
Starting place is The Old Dungeon Ghyll in Langdale
How far is it? 12 miles
How long will it take? Between 7 - 9 hours
How much uphill / downhill is there? Around 1000 metres of ascent & descent
Level of difficulty: High
What's the terrain like? Sections of flat walking on wide tracks, interspersed with steeper sections on smaller paths. As with the other routes, paths deteriorate and are very rocky as the summit is neared.
About the route:
Langdale, the most viewed skyline in The Lake District. And what a skyline it is.
This route to Scafell Pike begins at the foot of the Langdale Pikes at the traditional walkers & climbers pub, The Old Dungeon Ghyll Hotel. - parking is at the National Trust car park adjacent to the hotel. Fees apply to non-members.
Follow the Cumbria Way for just over 3km and once over the newly installed footbridge keep left on the path ascending towards Angle Tarn. A long yet steady ascent follows and brings us to a brow overlooking the wild setting of Angle Tarn. Descent a short way to tarn level before the steady climb on a good path goes onwards toward Esk Hause and the stone wind-shelter, a good place to rest and snack before more easy going terrain taking us to Esk Hause proper.
Bear right at Esk Hause then the path veers left, with Great End on the right and the rocky slopes of Ill Crag ahead. Cross over this summit plateau and descend to a col before re-ascending to the boulder strewn summit plateau of Broad Crag. It is easy to loose the path here so take great care. Proficiency with map and compass is essential. Drop down a short way to reach another col, this is the top of Little Narrowcove and only the final ascent remains.
To return to Langdale we suggest retracing your outbound route. It will feel and look very different.
Looking back along the Langdale Valley - Best Route to Scafell Pike
So there you have it. Our 'Best Route to Scafell Pike' 1, 2, & 3. What's your best route to Scafell Pike, do you have a favourite or a preference?
Would you like the reassurance of a qualified & experienced guide?
We have been offering guided ascents of Scafell Pike for around 15 years and know the mountain very well from all directions. If you would like to arrange a guided walk up Scafell Pike or any other mountain in the Lake District please do get in touch. And for more information about all things Scafell Pike check out our dedicated website Climb Scafell
And for more about all the Adventurous Activities we offer please do check out our Activities page