Scafell Pike from Wasdale Head

Lake District National Park

Hike the tallest mountain in England

Hiking Moderate

Distance: 8.3 km
Ascent: 902 m
Descent: 902 m
Duration: 3-4 hrs

Low Point: 69 m
High Point: 971 m
Gradient: 17˚

Scafell Pike is the highest peak in England, although it’s only a few metres above its close neighbour Scafell.

Photo from Scafell Pike from Wasdale Head

Description

There are several routes up the tallest mountain in England, but the most popular for the Three Peaks Challenge is from Wasdale Head. This is a very direct route that’s almost entirely uphill. Parking close to the base of the mountain, you take a steep hike up to the fells and then turn south to summit.

Scafell Pike is usually completed second by 24 hour Three Peaks Challengers. Apparently that means it’s slightly harder to climb than Snowdon, but we’d contest that. It depends so much on the weather, for a start.

The Lake District doesn’t seem to get winter conditions (ie. snow and ice) as consistently as Snowdonia. Not that most people take on the Three Peaks Challenge in winter… although if you’re looking for a theme that wouldn’t be a bad one!

There are no obvious highway-of-a-path routes all the way up to the summit of the highest peak in England, so that’s probably why it’s classed second hardest.

https://www.muchbetteradventures.com/magazine/highest-peaks-uk/?

Difficulty

Moderate

Hiking along trails with some uneven terrain and small hills. Small rocks and roots may be present.

Medium Exposure

The trail contains some obstacles such as outcroppings and rock which could cause injury.

Remoteness

Little chance of being seen or helped in case of an accident.

Best time to visit

Features

Similar routes nearby

122 m away

Scafell Double Dose

An exciting loop taking in both Scafell and Scafell Pike

Severe Hiking

Distance: 18 km
Ascent: 1.3 km
Descent: 1.3 km

123 m away

Bob Graham Round: 4 Wasdale to Honister

This is a fantastic circuit around the head of Wasdale on generally quiet fells, Great Gable being the obvious exception, with equally fantastic views both towards Lakeland and out across the Irish Sea.

Difficult Hiking

Distance: 16 km
Ascent: 1.8 km
Descent: 1.5 km

1.6 km away

Yewbarrow and Pillar Circle

Climb several notable Lake District Peaks in one day: Yewbarrow, Red Pike, Scoat Fell and Pillar.

Extreme Hiking

Distance: 17 km
Ascent: 1.2 km
Descent: 1.2 km

6.3 km away

Scafell Pike and Great End by the Corridor Route

This stern, stony mountain sprawls over a large area, its many impressive corners offering some of the grandest mountain scenery in the Lake District.

Difficult Hiking

Distance: 13 km
Ascent: 931 m
Descent: 969 m

6.5 km away

The Eskdale Round

Taking in the major fells that ring the head of Eskdale, this round includes many of the highest, most interesting and most popular peaks in England, allowing the walker to fully enjoy this wonderful corner of the Lake District.

Severe Hiking