Scafell Pike
Good walks are even better shared.
Overview
Scafell Pike
Scafell Pike is England’s highest mountain, in the Lake District. Its recorded height is 978.07 metres, normally rounded to 978 metres. Scafell is a separate neighbouring mountain.
Summit and landscape
The rocky summit has a large stone cairn/platform, a war memorial and a nearby trig point. The natural high point is rock beside the trig point. Great Gable and the surrounding fells are visible in good conditions, with distant views towards the Isle of Man when visibility allows.
The mountain belongs to the Borrowdale Volcanic Group. Its ancient volcanic rocks have been shaped by glaciation and weathering.
Approaches
The direct Wasdale approach starts at Lake Head National Trust car park and climbs via Hollow Stones. Wasdale Head village green is a different start. Borrowdale’s Corridor Route involves rough ground and rocky steps; it should not be mistaken for an easy alternative. Eskdale and Langdale approaches are long mountain outings.
Allow at least 5–6 hours from Wasdale in good weather, and a full day for longer approaches. A route’s distance depends on its exact start, ascent and return. Use a detailed map and a complete itinerary rather than treating these overview notes as turn-by-turn navigation.
Safety and conditions
Expect steep ground, loose stones, boulders and difficult navigation in cloud. Lingmell Gill can become unsafe to cross after rain. Do not descend into Piers Gill. Broad Stand between Scafell Pike and Scafell is a rock climb, not a walking shortcut.
Choose a suitable mountain-weather forecast and allow enough daylight. Snow, ice, strong winds and poor visibility can occur; winter conditions require appropriate skills and equipment. Carry a map and compass and know how to use them, as well as warm layers, waterproofs, food, water and a torch.
Access
For the Hollow Stones route, Lake Head National Trust car park is beside Wasdale campsite, at grid reference NY183075. Parking charges apply, with free parking for National Trust members. The Trust lists temporary toilets here. Check current facilities and seasonal transport before travelling, and avoid obstructing narrow roads or access gates.
Name and history
The name’s meaning is disputed; a proposed Old Norse derivation relates to a bald summit and mountain. The sheep/shale translation previously given here is unsupported. The summit was donated to the National Trust in 1919 as a First World War memorial.
Further information
Explore routes near Scafell Pike
Walks starting near this hill. Open a route to check its map, distance and full itinerary.
Scafell Pike via Brown Tongue and Hollow Stones
View route
Scafell Pike from Seathwaite via the Corridor Route
View route
Bow Fell from Langdale
View route
Great Carrs Halifax Wreckage from Wrynose Pass
View route
Route planning notes
These notes describe possible approaches. Check a route's map and access information when planning your walk.
Wasdale via Hollow Stones
From Lake Head National Trust car park beside Wasdale campsite, climb beside Lingmell Gill through Hollow Stones and past Lingmell Col to the summit; return the same way. Allow at least 5–6 hours in good weather. The beck crossing and summit navigation can be difficult. Published distances differ; check the complete route on a detailed map.
Corridor Route from Seathwaite
An out-and-back from Seathwaite via Stockley Bridge, Sty Head, the Corridor Route and Lingmell Col. WalkLakes records 15.2 km. Allow a full day, commonly 7 hours or more. Rocky steps, gullies and navigation make this a serious mountain walk; do not descend into Piers Gill.
Eskdale Route via Esk Hause
A long approach from upper Eskdale near Brotherilkeld, ascending towards Esk Hause before continuing across rough high ground to Scafell Pike. Plan the complete ascent and return on a detailed map and allow a full day.
Langdale Route via Rossett Pike
A long mountain approach via Mickleden, Rossett Pike and Esk Hause. The previous New Dungeon Ghyll itinerary did not specify its return. Published routes commonly start at Old Dungeon Ghyll. Choose a complete mapped itinerary and allow a full day.
Wasdale Head via Great End and Lingmell
WalkLakes circuit from Wasdale Head village green via Sty Head, Sprinkling Tarn, Esk Hause and Great End. Cross the rough ground by Ill Crag and Broad Crag to Scafell Pike, then descend to Lingmell Col, visit Lingmell and return via Hollow Stones. About 15.4 km with 1,107 m ascent; allow a full mountain day.
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
View all
Photo could not load
NY2107 : Scafell Pike Summit
Mike Quinn
Photo could not load
NY2107 : Summit Cairn, Scafell Pike
N Chadwick
Photo could not load
NY2107 : Summit shelter on Scafell Pike - looking to Great Gable
Andy Waddington
Photo could not load
NY2107 : Scafell Pike summit and trig point
Gareth James
Photo could not load
NY2107 : Large group on Scafell Pike summit
Gareth James
Photo could not load
NY2107 : The summit of Scafell Pike
Tim Glover
Photo could not load
NY2107 : Triangulation pillar, Scafell Pike
James T M Towill
Photo could not load
NY2107 : Scafell Pike looking southwest towards Scafell
Zoe Blackbourn
Photo could not load
NY2107 : Summit of Scafell Pike
Sandy Gerrard
NY2107 : Summit of Scafell Pike
Anthony Foster
Hill facts and local notes
Classifications
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
Scafell Pike belongs to the Borrowdale Volcanic Group, a complex succession of ancient volcanic rocks shaped later by glaciation and weathering.
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’s origin is disputed. One interpretation links Scafell to Old Norse words for a bald summit and mountain; the previously stated sheep/shale translation is not supported.
Historical Significance
England’s highest mountain. Its summit was given to the National Trust in 1919 as a memorial to people from the Lake District who died in the First World War.
Getting There & Facilities
Parking
For the direct Hollow Stones route, use the National Trust Lake Head car park beside Wasdale campsite (NY183075; CA20 1EX). Charges apply, with free parking for National Trust members. Wasdale Head village green is a separate starting point. Park considerately and return another day if designated parking is full.
Public Transport
Limited bus services operate from nearby towns; check with local operators for current schedules.
Nearby Facilities
The National Trust lists temporary toilets at Lake Head car park. Wasdale Head has an inn; check opening times and availability before relying on food or other services.
Safety Information
Known Hazards
- Steep, rough mountain ground, loose stones and boulders, severe weather and difficult navigation in cloud.
- Lingmell Gill may become unsafe to cross after rain. Do not descend into Piers Gill.
- Broad Stand between Scafell Pike and Scafell is a rock climb, not a walking shortcut. Carry navigation equipment and know how to use it.
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
Community Discussion
Comments
Location
Grid reference: NY215072
View on OpenStreetMapOpens a map in a new tab, centred on the hill.
No comments yet. Be the first.