Contents
Scafell Pike Guided Treks from Wasdale Head (April - Oct)
Why book a guided Scafell Pike trek with Mountaineerin?
We guide over 800 people along this route every year!
When you book with Mountaineerin you’re not just booking someone to walk up and down a mountain with. You are booking years of experience and knowledge of how to get the most of the environment, stay safe whilst there, look after it and most of all enjoy it!
For a private group or charity event please contact us.
Scafell Pike is the smallest of the National Three Peaks, but this doesn’t make it an easy climb.
Scafell Pike, standing at 978 metres, is the highest mountain in England. It is also a war memorial cared for by the National Trust, which makes it an irresistible climb, attracting climbers and sightseers from all over the country.
Scafell Pike is set in beautiful scenery with access to the incredible Lake District, and this provides a fantastic mid-mountain trek for the three peaks challenge.
Located in Lake District National Park, Scafell Pike is the smallest of the National Three Peaks, but this shouldn’t make you underestimate the climb. Instead, you should plan and gather as much information as possible if you want to enjoy the experience.
7 Interesting Facts about Scafell Pike
Apart from Scafell Pike being the tallest mountain in England, there are other interesting facts about the mountain that every climber should know. Here are 7 interesting facts about Scafell Pike:
- Scafell Pike is the highest mountain in England. It is 978 meters (3,209 feet) high and is located in the Lake District National Park.
- Scafell Pike is part of the Three Peaks Challenge. This is a challenge to climb the highest mountains in England, Scotland, and Wales (Scafell Pike, Ben Nevis, and Snowdon) within 24 hours.
- Scafell Pike is home to the highest standing water in England. Broad Crag Tarn is located at 820 meters (2,690 feet) above sea level.
- Scafell Pike was donated to the National Trust in 1919. This was done in honor of the men of the Lake District who lost their lives in the First World War.
- Scafell Pike is a popular destination for hikers and climbers. It is estimated that over 100,000 people attempt to climb Scafell Pike each year.
- Scafell Pike has been featured in a number of films and TV shows. This includes the films “Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2” and “The Secret Garden,” and the TV shows “Coronation Street” and “Emmerdale.”
- There are a number of different routes up Scafell Pike. There are about five routes to Scafell Pike.
Key Facts about Scafell Pike
- Height: 978 m or 3,209 ft
- Routes: There are five routes to choose from; Wasdale Head (the most popular and shortest), Dungeon Ghyll in Great Langdale, Corridor route via Wasdale, Boot in Eskdale or Seathwaite in Borrowdale
- Difficulty: Smallest of the National 3 Peaks
Scafell Pike Walking Routes
Like we said earlier, there are five main routes to Scafell Pike. Each of the routes starts from different sides of the mountain, and you should know all your options before climbing.
The routes are:
- Wasdale Head
- Seathwaite, Borrowdale (Corridor Route)
- Great Langdale
- Hardknott Eskdale
- Corridor Route via Wasdale
There are so many things to consider when choosing a route to follow. Do you want the fastest route to the peak? Or are you more of an adventurer who is more interested in details? Ask these questions and many more before making your decision.
Here’s an idea of each of the routes, so you have a clue what you’re signing up for.
Distance: 4.2km Ascent: 910 km. Time: Approx. 3 hours
The Wasdale route is the most popular route and is the usual three peaks route to the peak.
The starting point for Scafell Pike when taking the Wasdale route is the Wasdale National Trust Car Park. This is the ideal location to start climbing Scafell Pike. The car park is next to a campsite with a hot food/drinks trailer, information booth and toilets.
The Wasdale route has a very steep start, and a few rest stops might be needed when climbing Scafell Pike. Even though it’s a tourist option, this route is pretty rough and becomes indistinct halfway up. The final ascent could also be tricky in most. Rocky and stony, the terrain up Scafell is challenging, and in particular, the Wasdale route is a steep one.
This may be a small peak with many narrow and steep paths, but it is indeed mighty, making it the tourists’ choice.
Distance: 7.27km Ascent: 876m. Time: Approx. 3 – 3.5 hours
The Seathwaite is also known as the corridor route. It is one of the most impressive routes in Lake Districts and is usually on the top of every climber’s bucket list. This is an alternative route to the usual Wasdale route. ,
Unlike the Wasdale route, Seathwaite is a more accessible location to get to and is close to the beautiful town of Keswick. It also comes with some perks, such as free parking and higher quality paths to follow. Its gradients are relatively easy, and it claims to have one of the best sceneries in the Lake District.
Distance: 9.3km Ascent: 1026m. Time: Approx. 4 hours
This is a longer route to take to Scafell Pike. If you’re an adventurer and you’d love to experience more out of the climb, then this route might be for you. You have the Old Dungeon Ghyll Hotel at route start. Through this route, you’d experience lofty views into several of Lake District’s most famous valleys and impressive rock scenery.
There should be sufficient parking space in Great Langdale using the National Trust car part at Stickle Ghyll or the National Park’s Langdale car park.
Distance: 17.3km Ascent: 966m. Time: Approx. 6 hours
This is the wilder and quieter option among all routes. You will find The Woolpack Inn if you choose to climb using this route. It is a lesser-known route compared to Wasdale and the others. If you want to avoid the crowds you’d find in the Wasdale Head route during the summer times, then this route might be for you.
Distance: 7.7km Ascent: 967m. Time: Approx. 3 – 4 hours
If you decide to climb through this route, some facilities you’d find are; the Pub in Wasdale Head and the campsite at Wastwater.
Although climbers would usually start the corridor walk from Seathwaite, it can also be done from Wasdale Head. It’s not as steep as the Wasdale route, but it’s the longer and more technical option. The walk starts from Wasdale Head at the National Trust Car park, so there’s ample space to park your car.
Scafell Pike Route Map – Wasdale Route
The Wasdale route is the most popular route and is the usual three peaks route to the peak.
What is the best time of year to climb Scafell Pike?
Timing matters a lot when it comes to climbing Scafell Pike if you plan to make the best out of your experience. You need to pick a time when the mountain will be snow-free and when there will be fewer rainfalls and high winds.
May to October
As with any walk-in Britain, the best conditions will be between May and October. Although the summer offers the warmest temperatures and potential for low cloud and rain, it is also the most popular.
Getting the timing right for the trek will ultimately help make it more enjoyable; it is generally best to avoid July and August as the school holidays will most certainly mean crowds and a less authentic experience.
Early May to Late June
A weekday during late May/early June or the middle of September will give you plenty of parking options and space on the mountain. Ascending with no one in front of you will be much more scenic than trudging in someone else’s wake.
October to May
It is not unusual to find snow high up on the mountain from October through to May. Whenever temperatures are sub-zero, water ice can form, and winter equipment should be carried.
An advice is to prepare for low temperatures.
Whenever you climb, remember that the summit temperature is likely to be between five and 10 degrees lower than the valley temperature. The summit plateau can experience severe windchill at any time of year.
Mountain Weather Scafell Pike
It is essential that you check the weather forecast before attempting to climb any mountain, including Scafell Pike.
It is impossible to predict the weather more than a couple of days in advance and even then, the weather can change suddenly in the mountains.
Attempting Scafell Pike during the summer months is likely to be the best time for weather, although strong winds, severe windchill and even snow are possible year-round.
It is not unusual to find snow high up on the mountain from October through to May.
The temperature can be 5 – 10 degrees lower at the summit of Scafell Pike than at the bottom of the valley, so it’s important to be prepared for all weather conditions.
When the temperature reaches zub-zero, ice can form and you will need winter walking equipment such as crampons.
If you are ill-equipped for these conditions, you should be prepared to turn around and abandon the climb to ensure your safety.
You can check the Met Office Mountain weather forecast for up to date information.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes a beginner can climb Scafell Pike but it is advised that you go with a guide who knows the route. The climb is tough and should not be underestimated.
It is hard to predict the weather and it is possible to experience strong winds, severe windchill, and even snow at any time of the year.
If you choose to climb the mountain on your own, ensure:
- That you have an OS map and you know how to navigate (don’t rely on GPS alone). In a emergency mountain rescue will ask for a grid reference of your location
- That you are prepared with the correct clothing, footwear, first aid kit, food and water
- That you have checked the mountain weather forecast before setting off
- That someone knows where you are going, when you are expected back and has details of your route. Don’t forget to let them know when you are back down safely!
Join a professionally guided trek
Don’t fancy going it alone?
- Book a guided trek along the Wasdale Head Route
- Alternatively, for a private group or charity trek we can arrange professional, guided expeditions tailored to your needs. Make an enquiry.
No matter what route you take, the climb is challenging and needs adequate planning and preparation. A good number of climbers successfully get to the peak without any help. Those unlucky few – who may not have prepared adequately – fail and need to be rescued.
Join a professionally guided trek
Don’t fancy going it alone?
- Book a guided trek along the Wasdale Head Route
- Alternatively, for a private group or charity trek we can arrange professional, guided expeditions tailored to your needs. Make an enquiry.
How long it will take you to climb Scafell Pike depends on the route you choose to take. The fastest and shortest route is the Wasdale route. It also depends on how fast you climb and what the weather conditions are like.
Join a professionally guided trek
Don’t fancy going it alone?
- Book a guided trek along the Wasdale Head Route
- Alternatively, for a private group or charity trek we can arrange professional, guided expeditions tailored to your needs. Make an enquiry.
Yes it is possible to climb Scafell Pike in a day. The length of time it takes will depend on which route you take, how fast you walk, how many times you stop for a break and the weather conditions. It usually takes around 3-4 hours to summit and return along the Wasdale route.
Join a professionally guided trek
Don’t fancy going it alone?
- Book a guided trek along the Wasdale Head Route
- Alternatively, for a private group or charity trek we can arrange professional, guided expeditions tailored to your needs. Make an enquiry.
The most popular route up Scafell Pike is the Wasdale route. It is the shortest and most direct route, but also the steepest.
Join a professionally guided trek
Don’t fancy going it alone?
- Book a guided trek along the Wasdale Head Route
- Alternatively, for a private group or charity trek we can arrange professional, guided expeditions tailored to your needs. Make an enquiry.
Yes! Mountaineerin provide guided day walks up Scafell Pike along the Wasdale Route. The guided treks run between April and October. You can book here.
We also organise bespoke treks for private groups or charity fundraising treks on a date that suits you. Please get in touch to enquire.
Join a professionally guided trek
Don’t fancy going it alone?
- Book a guided trek along the Wasdale Head Route
- Alternatively, for a private group or charity trek we can arrange professional, guided expeditions tailored to your needs. Make an enquiry.
Join a professionally guided trek
Don’t fancy going it alone?
- Book a guided trek along the Wasdale Head Route
- Alternatively, for a private group or charity trek we can arrange professional, guided expeditions tailored to your needs. Make an enquiry.
Wild camping in the Lake District is accepted as long as you are within recognised guidelines. Read about the guidelines here on the National Trust website.
Join a professionally guided trek
Don’t fancy going it alone?
- Book a guided trek along the Wasdale Head Route
- Alternatively, for a private group or charity trek we can arrange professional, guided expeditions tailored to your needs. Make an enquiry.
Join a professionally guided trek
Don’t fancy going it alone?
- Book a guided trek along the Wasdale Head Route
- Alternatively, for a private group or charity trek we can arrange professional, guided expeditions tailored to your needs. Make an enquiry.
The postcode for Scafell Pike
- via the Wasdale route (the most popular route) from Wasdale Head is CA20 1EX
- along the Corridor Route from Wasdale is CA20 1EX
- via the Seathwaite route from Borrowdale (the Corridor route) is CA12 5XJ
- from Langdale is LA22 9JY
Join a professionally guided trek
Don’t fancy going it alone?
- Book a guided trek along the Wasdale Head Route
- Alternatively, for a private group or charity trek we can arrange professional, guided expeditions tailored to your needs. Make an enquiry.
- Take a whistle and a head torch with you which can be used to attract attention and signal for help – you will get tired very easily by shouting
- To alert other walkers that you are in need of help you can blow six blasts at regular intervals on your whistle, or if it is dark, six flashes on your torch
- In a real emergency, you can dial 999 and ask for the police first and then Mountain rescue. You will need to know the grid reference of your location, the number of people in the party and the nature of the incident
Join a professionally guided trek
Don’t fancy going it alone?
- Book a guided trek along the Wasdale Head Route
- Alternatively, for a private group or charity trek we can arrange professional, guided expeditions tailored to your needs. Make an enquiry.
We recommend wearing sturdy walking boots with ankle support. You will need to dress appropriately for the weather conditions. It is also important to bring plenty of water and snacks. You may also want to bring walking poles, especially if you are climbing the Wasdale route.
Join a professionally guided trek
Don’t fancy going it alone?
- Book a guided trek along the Wasdale Head Route
- Alternatively, for a private group or charity trek we can arrange professional, guided expeditions tailored to your needs. Make an enquiry.
Book a private trek or charity event
Mountaineerin provide professional, guided expeditions tailored to your needs. It doesn’t matter if it’s a small group of friends or a fundraiser for a worthy cause.
Tell us a bit about your group and what date you have in mind and I will get back to you as soon as possible to discuss your guided trek! ENQUIRE TODAY
Best wishes,
Simon
Simon Ogunlana, Founder & Director
Take on the 3 Peaks Challenge!
Mountaineerin run organised National 3 Peaks Challenge events running between April and October each year.
Our qualified and first aid trained UK mountain leaders will guide you as you climb each mountain, guaranteeing a safe, fun and fulfilling climb to each summit.
Alternatively, why not consider the Yorkshire 3 Peaks Challenge?
Happy Trekking!
Simon
Simon Ogunlana, Founder & Director
