Region: Scafell Pike, Lake District National Park, Cumbria
Places To Stay: Wasdale Head is the closest spot to the popular route, but Keswick and Ambleside are excellent nearby bases with more facilities. Book early in peak months: Lake District accommodation | Wasdale Head stays.
Looking for more Lake District walks? Try Catbells, Old Man of Coniston, Helvellyn, Buttermere
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At 978m (3,209ft), Scafell Pike is the highest point in England and a bucket-list mountain for walkers across the UK. Most people tackle it from Wasdale, a direct but demanding route with a steady, rocky climb that leads to unforgettable summit views, on a clear day! This isn’t just a walk; it’s a serious mountain hike with some rough terrain, but it’s well worth the effort.
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Getting There: Directions, GPX and App Link
- Start point: Wasdale Head car park (postcode: CA20 1EX)
- Google Maps link: Wasdale Head National Trust car park
- Download the GPX file here for use on your GPS device or watch
- You can also view and follow this route on my Outdooractive profile
Hike Profile
- Distance: 6 miles / 9.6 km (Circular)
- Duration: 4 – 5 hours
- Highest point: 978m / 3,209ft (Scafell Pike summit)
- Difficulty: Strenuous – steep ascents, rocky paths, and mountain terrain
- Route conditions: Very rocky and exposed – good boots and proper gear required
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Hike Description
The Wasdale route begins beside Wastwater, England’s deepest lake, and climbs steadily along Lingmell Gill to Lingmell at 807m. The path is rocky from the outset, gaining height quickly as you leave the valley floor. On a good day, the route is busy with fellow hikers, but don’t be fooled, this is still a mountain with real risks in poor conditions.
After passing Lingmell Beck, the trail steepens as you approach the stony upper slopes. The final section is a moonscape of loose scree and boulders, tricky footing at times, especially in fog. There’s a summit cairn and trig pillar at the top (Scafell Pike), and on a clear day you’ll spot peaks across England, Wales, Scotland and even the Isle of Man.
Walk this route yourself in 3D!
The Video is a 3D walk through of this route; it will give you a unique sense of having walked through the route before you start.
I have created 3D Videos of my adventures and have shared them with the OutdoorActive community as well as my walking community.
Scafell Pike, Lake District – England’s Highest Mountain at 978m - 3D VideoFrom the top you will drop down to 830m to Mickledore, then climb again to 959m at Symonds Knott. Once past this point you are heading down, heading back to the car park next to the lake.
Take your time coming down – knees and ankles take a pounding here. This is a true mountain day and one of the most rewarding hikes in the UK. With the English highest peak in the bag, you can then head over to Wales to take on Yr Wyddfa (Snowden), then Ben Nevis in Scotland to complete the main-land trio.
Scafell Pike FAQs
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