Lingmell
Good walks are even better shared.
Overview
Lingmell is an 807 m Wainwright above Wasdale, beside Scafell Pike.
Lingmell
Lingmell rises to 807 m above Wasdale, beside Scafell Pike. Its summit lies at NY 20933 08176. Summit record.
Finding the summit
The large cairn reached from Lingmell Col marks the Wainwright top. A more slender cairn stands on the north top. Wainwright summit.
For the surveyed high point, look for rock 3 m east of the main cairn; a finger of rock on the north top is recorded as at least as high. Survey notes.
Brackenclose circuit
Start at Lake Head / Brackenclose car park and follow the Scafell Pike path beside Lingmell Gill. Branch left onto the faint path up Lingmell’s western nose, climbing past Goat Crags to the summit. Descend to Lingmell Col, cross the ruined wall and join the Hollow Stones path downhill. Follow it beside Lingmell Gill, then rejoin the outward approach to the car park. The full circuit is about 7.9 km with 762 m ascent. Route description.
Expect a sustained, steep climb and rocky ground. In clear weather, views take in Scafell Pike, Great Gable and Wastwater. Walk photographs.
Mountain safety
Stay clear of crag edges and navigate carefully to Lingmell Col. Piers Gill has dangerous drops: never follow its stream bed as a shortcut. Return through Hollow Stones instead. Do not rely on mobile reception around the gill. Rescue team advice.
Check the mountain forecast, carry navigation equipment, waterproofs, food and water, and leave your route with someone. Allow daylight for the descent. Wet rock, wind and mist increase the difficulty; snow and ice require winter skills and equipment. Walking safety.
Volcanic landscape
Lingmell belongs to the Borrowdale Volcanic Group. The local Lingmell Tuff Formation contains layered tuffs, volcanic breccias and lavas, recording a varied volcanic history. Geological detail.
Getting there
Lake Head car park is at NY182075. Parking is charged for non-members and free for National Trust members; overnight parking is prohibited. Toilets include an accessible toilet. Parking and facilities.
The Wasdale Explorer’s 2026 season ended in August. Check the next season’s timetable before relying on a bus, or arrange an onward connection from the coast. Seasonal transport.
Check current path notices before travelling and follow any closures or diversions on arrival. Access updates.
Explore routes near Lingmell
Public walks starting within 80 km of this hill. Nearby does not mean a route reaches the summit; check its map and access before setting out.
Scafell Pike via Brown Tongue and Hollow Stones
View route
Scafell Pike from Seathwaite via the Corridor Route
View route
Great Carrs Halifax Wreckage from Wrynose Pass
View route
Tarn Hows Fast Route
View route
Route planning notes
These notes describe possible approaches, not verified navigable routes or permission to cross land. Check current paths, local access rules and conditions before setting out.
Brackenclose and Hollow Stones circuit
Climb Lingmell’s western nose from Brackenclose, then return via Lingmell Col and Hollow Stones to the same car park.
Make a day of it, together
Find someone to share the walk with, or organise a day out along a route you like.
Photo Gallery
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NY2008 : Summit Cairn, Lingmell
Michael Graham
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NY2008 : The top of Lingmell Crag
Bill Boaden
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NY2008 : Lingmell and Great Gable from the northern side of Scafell Pike
Richard Law
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NY2008 : A view to Lingmell
James T M Towill
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NY2008 : Rocks along ridge descending from summit of Lingmell
Trevor Littlewood
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NY2008 : Lingmell Summit
Michael Graham
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NY2008 : Cairn on Lingmell
Gareth James
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NY2008 : Lingmell summit cairn
Stephen Middlemiss
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NY2008 : High ground on Lingmell
David Medcalf
NY2008 : Lingmell summit
Callum Black
Hill facts and local notes
Classifications
Elevation
807m
2,648 ft
Prominence
72m
Coordinates
54.4628, -3.2213
NY209081
OS Map
89 90
Explorer: OL6N
At the Summit
Rock 3 m east of the cairn at NY2093308176; a finger of rock on the north top is recorded as at least as high.
Terrain & Geology
Borrowdale Volcanic Group. The local Lingmell Tuff Formation includes tuffs, volcanic breccias and lavas.
Views & Scenery
Scafell Pike, Great Gable and Wastwater in clear weather.
Getting There & Facilities
Check current local access restrictions, parking rules and transport timetables before travelling. These notes do not confirm public access to the summit.
Parking
National Trust Lake Head / Brackenclose car park, NY182075. Charged for non-members, free for members; no overnight parking. Check current payment arrangements.
Public Transport
The Wasdale Explorer’s 2026 season ended in August. Check future seasonal services or arrange an onward connection from the coast.
Nearby Facilities
Toilets, including an accessible toilet, at Lake Head car park. Bring food and drinking water.
Safety Information
Known Hazards
- Keep clear of crag edges and navigate carefully to Lingmell Col.
- Never descend Piers Gill’s stream bed. Use the Hollow Stones return, and do not rely on mobile reception around the gill.
Seasonal Hazards
Wet rock, mist and wind increase difficulty; snow and ice require winter skills and equipment.
General Safety Tips
- Check weather conditions before setting out
- Carry appropriate clothing and equipment
- Let someone know your planned route
- Take a map, compass, and GPS device
- Carry emergency supplies: food, water, first aid kit, torch
Hills
Some common questions about the hills answered
Are there group walks up Lingmell?
Many walkers use Walkmates to join or organise walks with others. You can check for group walks around Lingmell through the maps
Are there other walkers around Lingmell?
Activity varies by location and time, but Walkmates lets you see whether others have shared walks or shown interest in this area. Find other people through the walking friends search walking friends for Lingmell search or of course create your own walk for Lingmell
Can I organise a walk to Lingmell?
Yes. If there aren’t any walks listed already, you can create a walk and make it available for others to join.
If you're signed up to Walkmates, you can create a walk to Lingmell.
How do I find a walk up this hill?
There are often multiple ways to walk this hill, depending on experience and route preference. Walkmates helps you explore walks and routes that others have shared.
Can I suggest a new route up Lingmell?
Yes. You can suggest or create routes to share with others. Walkmates focuses on the social side of walking, so routes are used to help people organise walks and explore areas together, rather than as detailed navigation tools or route libraries.
Other uses really appreciate knowledgeable walkers sharing their routes. Share your favourite route to Lingmell here
The is an error or something incorrect about this hill. How do I let you know?
We always strive to keep the information on Walkmates as accurate as possible. If you find an error, please let us know through the contact form and we'll aim to correct it as quickly as possible
Community Discussion
Comments
Location
Grid reference: NY209081
View on OpenStreetMapOpens a map in a new tab, centred on the hill.
Hills within 30 km
Straight-line distance, not a walking route or confirmation of access.
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