Scafell Pike

Scafell Pike is England's highest mountain, rising 978 m above sea level in the Lake District National Park, Cumbria. It belongs to the Scafell massif, the remains of an extinct volcano, and is counted among the Southern Fells. The summit is a plateau of broken boulders, and on a clear day the views take in lakes, neighbouring ridges and, far off, Morecambe Bay.

What makes Scafell Pike special?

Height is only part of the story. The mountain is also a war memorial: after the First World War it passed into the care of the National Trust in remembrance of Lake District men who died in the conflict. A slate tablet is set into the summit cairn, which Trust rangers rebuilt in 2018 for the centenary of the Armistice. Scafell Pike is one of fourteen Lakeland summits given to the Trust in what became known as the Great Gift.

How do you climb Scafell Pike?

Your choice depends on fitness and navigation skills.

• From Wasdale Head is the shortest and most popular option: roughly 6 km each way, about 900 m of ascent, and usually around 3 hours up. It starts at the National Trust's Lake Head car park.
• The Corridor Route from Wasdale Head (about 7.7 km, nearly 970 m of ascent, 3-4 hours) is less steep but longer and more demanding to follow. It includes short stretches of easy scrambling and a few narrow, exposed paths.
• From Seathwaite in Borrowdale makes a bigger day: about 15 km round trip, around 1,000 m of climbing and six hours or more.

For the full round trip from Wasdale Head, plan on 5-6 hours including the descent and a stop at the top.

Where do you park?

The main car park is Lake Head at Wasdale Head. It holds a few dozen cars, is free for National Trust members and pay-and-display for everyone else. Do not leave vehicles on the village verges. Seathwaite offers only limited roadside spaces, which fill fast on summer weekends, and the narrow lane is unsuitable for large vehicles.

When should you go, and what should you watch for?

Late spring, summer and early autumn are the best seasons, but Lake District weather changes quickly. In cloud, finding the way across the rocky summit area is genuinely difficult. Carry a map and compass or a reliable navigation device, a warm layer, waterproofs, sturdy boots, water and food. After heavy rain, Lingmell Beck on the Wasdale Head approach can be awkward to cross because there is no bridge. In winter you need proper equipment and the skills to use it.

What else can you combine it with?

Walkers often pair the climb with neighbouring Scafell or the Corridor Route, and many treat Scafell Pike as the English leg of the Three Peaks Challenge, which links the highest mountains of Scotland, England and Wales within 24 hours. If it is your first trip to the area, consider staying in Wasdale or nearby Eskdale so you can set off at dawn, before the crowds arrive.

Frequently asked questions

How high is Scafell Pike?

978 m (3,209 ft), making it the highest and most prominent mountain in England.

How long does the ascent take?

About 3 hours one way by the shortest route from Wasdale Head. Longer routes from Seathwaite take six hours or more for the round trip.

Do you have to pay for parking?

At Lake Head car park in Wasdale Head, non-members of the National Trust pay. Members park free.

Is it suitable for beginners?

The paths are clear, but this is a full mountain walk with a lot of climbing and fast-changing weather. Good footwear, a map and navigation skills are essential, especially in poor visibility.