Scafell Pike (Wasdale Head Route)

Scafell Pike is the highest mountain in England, standing at 978 metres above sea level. It is located in the Lake District National Park in the northwest of England. This peak is a popular destination for hikers and outdoor enthusiasts, and it is often included as part of the National Three Peaks Challenge, alongside Ben Nevis in Scotland and Snowdon in Wales. The summit of Scafell Pike is rugged and rocky, offering dramatic and awe-inspiring scenery. On clear days, the panoramic views from the top stretch across the Lake District, and it is even possible to see as far as the Irish Sea.

Things to Do	[Hiking]
Scenery

Start at

Wasdale Lakehead Car Park

30 min→

Lingmell Gill

125 min→

Scafell Pike

110 min→

Wasdale Lakehead Car Park

Type	Out and Back
Distance	Approx. 8.5 km
Duration	4 hr 25 min
Supply	None
Exit / Branch	None
Difficulty	Lv. 7 [Advanced – Hard]
Comment	The trail is generally well-maintained, starting with a gentle ascent alongside the Lingmell Gill. Looking back, you’ll be rewarded with breathtaking views of Wast Water, one of the most dramatic sights in the Lake District. As you gain elevation, the slope becomes steeper, and near the summit, the path turns into loose scree, a common feature on British mountains, requiring careful footing. At the summit, you’re greeted with expansive views—the stunning landscapes of the Lake District unfold in every direction. Over the course of just over three months, I completed hikes up Snowdon in Wales, Ben Nevis in Scotland, and Scafell Pike in England, following the more popular and beginner-friendly out-and-back routes for each. While these routes offered memorable experiences, they only provided a glimpse of the true beauty these highest peaks have to offer. I hope to return someday to explore alternative trails and discover even more of their unique charm.

Wasdale Lakehead Car Park

• For Drivers︰The car park is accessible via the A595. The postcode for the car park is CA20 1EX.

• From Manchester︰Take Northern Railway from Manchester Piccadilly Station to Ravenglass Station, transfer to shuttle bus route W2 at Ravenglass Village Car Park (only available on Saturdays, Sundays and bank holidays from April to September each year) and get off at NT Wasdale Campsite station, then walk about 5 minutes to the starting point.

The trail becomes steeper in the latter part, and there is a considerable amount of loose scree along the path, so caution is needed while hiking.

From winter through spring (roughly November to March or April), snow often covers parts of the mountain. During this time, the hike is not recommended for those without proper equipment or experience in winter mountaineering.

When you are in highlands or mountains, it will be cooler in places without sunlight, so you must bring enough warm clothes with you when you go up the mountain.