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Scafell Pike Walk

5.10 miles (8.2 km)

Ordnance Survey Map Open Streetmap Climb the highest mountain in England on this spectacular walk in the Lake District. Scafell pike stands at a height of 978 metres (3,209 ft) between Eskdale and Wasdale, at the northern end of Wast Water. The route below is the shortest, most direct way to the summit. Although very challenging it is probably the easiest route up Scafell Pike. It starts from the car park in Wasdale Head village and heads to Lingmell Gill, Lingmell Scars and Hollow Stones before finishing at the highest point where you will find an Ordnance Survey triangulation column beside a huge cairn. The views are stunning with the coast, the Isle of Man and Snowdonia all visible on a clear day.
For a different, more scenic route to the summit you can try the Scafell Pike from Borrowdale route. This longer route takes you around Styhead Tarn and along the famous Corridor Route. The Scafell Pike from Langdale route is another popular route. It is a longer and more challenging climb, but with some wonderful views of the Langdale Valley and a visit to Angle Tarn.
Another great climb also starts from Wasdale Head. The circular climb to Pillar is a splendid walk taking you to the eighth highest point in the Lake District.

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Scafell Pike OS Map Ordnance survey map - Mobile GPS OS Map with Location tracking

Scafell Pike Open Street Map Open Streetmap - Mobile GPS Map with Location tracking

Pubs/Cafes

Head to the Wasdale Head Inn for some well earned post walk refreshments. Described as the the birthplace of climbing the inn has an interesting history stretching back over 200 years. They do very good food and have a decent selection of ales too. It's located close to the car park at postcode CA20 1EX for your sat navs. The inn is also dog friendly and will provide water bowls for your thirsty friend.

Photos

Scafell from Scafell Pike - geograph.org.uk - 535718

Scafell from Scafell Pike. The "ridge" of Mickledore in centre frame, crossing to Broad Stand

Memorial Cairn on Scafell Pike. - geograph.org.uk - 496212

 Memorial Cairn on Scafell Pike. A few feet from the trig point and built in memory of the men of the Lakes who lost their lives in WW I.

Cairn amongst a boulderfield on Scafell Pike - geograph.org.uk - 1519808

Cairn amongst a boulderfield on Scafell Pike. Cairns are essential to beable to follow the path on an otherwise featureless landscape

Trig Pillar, Scafell Pike - geograph.org.uk - 327868

Trig Pillar. Spring appears to have come early to Scafell Pike with daffodils growing out of the trig pillar. Looking north over Great Gable on one of the best fellwalking days of the winter.

Boulder strewn channel of Lingmell Gill - geograph.org.uk - 1329482

Boulder strewn channel of Lingmell Gill

Wasdale Head Inn Hotel, Wasdale Head - geograph.org.uk - 1331892

Wasdale Head Inn Hotel, Wasdale Head. A fine place for refreshments after your exercise.

Large Cairn by the path down from Scafell Pike - geograph.org.uk - 1331379

Large Cairn by the path down from Scafell Pike. Note Mickledore in the distance.

Large boulder by the path down from Scafell Pike, with the valley of Lingmell Gill behind - geograph.org.uk - 1331378

Large boulder by the path down from the Pike, with the valley of Lingmell Gill behind.

Elevation Profile

Video

GPS Files

GPX File

Scafell Pike.gpx (On Desktop:Right Click>Save As. On Ipad/Iphone:Click and hold>Download Linked File)

Memory Map Route

Scafell Pike.mmo (On Desktop:Right Click>Save As. On Ipad/Iphone:Click and hold >Download Linked File)