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Scafell Pike

978m Elevation
912m Prominence
England Country
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Walks starting near this hill. Open a route to check its map, distance and full itinerary.

Scafell Pike via Brown Tonge and Hollow Stones

8.1 km ~4h Hard

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Scafell Pike from Seathwaite via the Corridor Route

14.1 km ~7h Hard

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Great Carrs Halifax Wreckage from Wrynose Pass

4.6 km ~3h Hard

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Tarn Hows Fast Route

4.1 km ~1h Moderate

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Route planning notes

These notes describe possible approaches. Check a route's map and access information when planning your walk.

Wasdale Head Route

This is the most popular and direct route to Scafell Pike, starting from the National Trust car park at Wasdale Head. The path follows Lingmell Gill, passing the iconic Hollow Stones before a steep ascent to the summit. The views of Wast Water on the descent are breathtaking.

10 km ~5 hours Moderate

Corridor Route from Seathwaite

Starting from Seathwaite in Borrowdale, this route takes walkers through the scenic Styhead Pass before joining the Corridor Route. The path offers dramatic views of the surrounding fells and a more gradual ascent compared to the Wasdale route.

15 km ~6.5 hours Hard

Eskdale Route via Esk Hause

A quieter approach to Scafell Pike, this route begins near Brotherikeld in Eskdale. It follows the River Esk, passing through stunning valleys and ascending via Esk Hause. The tranquil setting makes this a rewarding but challenging route.

17 km ~7 hours Hard

Langdale Route via Rossett Pike

Starting from the New Dungeon Ghyll car park, this route takes walkers through Mickleden Valley and up to Rossett Pike. From here, it joins the main path towards Esk Hause and onwards to Scafell Pike. A long but scenic route with varied terrain.

20 km ~8 hours Very Hard

Wasdale Circular via Great End

This circular route starts and ends at Wasdale Head. It ascends via Styhead Tarn and climbs Great End before reaching the summit of Scafell Pike. The descent loops back through Broad Crag and Lingmell. A fantastic option for experienced walkers.

12 km ~6 hours Hard
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Hill facts and local notes

Classifications

Marilyn Furth Simm Hewitt Nuttall High Hills of Britain Wainwright Birkett Synge Fellranger Historic County Top (pre-1889) Administrative County Top (1889 to 1996) Current County/UA Top

Elevation

978m

3,209 ft

Prominence

912m

Coordinates

54.4543, -3.2117

NY215072

OS Map

89 90

Explorer: OL6N

At the Summit

The summit is marked by a large stone cairn and boasts a trig point, providing the perfect spot for a well-deserved selfie.

Terrain & Geology

Rocky and rugged with steep ascents interspersed with scree and patches of grass.

Scafell Pike is primarily composed of volcanic rock, specifically andesite, formed during the volcanic activity of the Borrowdale Volcanic Group. Its rugged crags and steep slopes are a testament to glacial erosion.

Views & Scenery

From the summit, you can behold views of Great Gable, the valleys of Wasdale and Borrowdale, and on a clear day, the distant hills of the Isle of Man.

History & Heritage

Name Origin

The name 'Scafell Pike' is derived from the Old Norse word 'Skaf' meaning ‘shale’ or ‘sheep’ and 'fell' meaning ‘mountain’, reflecting its rugged nature.

Historical Significance

It is the highest peak in England and has been a popular destination for hikers since the Victorian era.

Getting There & Facilities

Parking

Wasdale Head – a small car park is available but can fill up quickly on sunny days.

Public Transport

Limited bus services operate from nearby towns; check with local operators for current schedules.

Nearby Facilities

The nearest facilities are in Wasdale Head, including a cafe and toilet facilities.

Safety Information

Known Hazards

  • Loose rocks and scree; weather can change rapidly, leading to poor visibility in fog; steep drops.

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 Scafell Pike?

Many walkers use Walkmates to join or organise walks with others. You can check for group walks around Scafell Pike through the maps

Are there other walkers around Scafell Pike?

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 Scafell Pike search or of course create your own walk for Scafell Pike

Can I organise a walk to Scafell Pike?

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 Scafell Pike.

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 Scafell Pike?

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 Scafell Pike 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

Location

Scafell Pike location map

Grid reference: NY215072

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Opens a map in a new tab, centred on the hill.

Nearby Hills

Scafell

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 Great Gable

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 Esk Pike

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 Bowfell

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Hard Knott

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