On the summit plateau - Best path to Scafell Pike
Best path to Scafell Pike
Well this is a subjective one and could easily be debated for ever and a day. My personal favourite route to the summit of the Pike would be from Eskdale via Little Narrowcove, taking in a few scrambles along the way. But here isn’t about my favourites, it’s about what’s likely to be best for most people wanting to reach the summit of Scafell Pike.
A quick round up of the options are:
Starting point from Seathwaite in Borrowdale - this is around 17km in length and over 1000m of ascent over predominantly rocky terrain. Difficulty level is medium - high and a good level of fitness is needed to enjoy this route. If staying in or near to Keswick this is a very convenient starting point.
Starting from the Old Dungeon Ghyll in Langdale - closer to 19km and over 1000m of ascent on rocky terrain. This gives a high level of difficulty and best enjoyed by regular hill-walkers. The additional summits of Ill Crag and Broad Crag must be traversed in order to reach Scafell Pike. This is a good starting point if staying in the Ambleside area.
For a wilder feel, consider starting in the Eskdale valley. Walk over more gentle terrain to and across The Great Moss then up Little Narrowcove (rocky). Returning via Mickledore and the amazing rocks of Sampsons Stones. Around 16km and 900m of ascent, this one sounds slightly easier than those mentioned above, but it isn’t. The terrain is wilder so overall it’s a tough day out.
Now onto what most people will choose - starting from Wasdale Head:
This is only around 8km and has 900m of ascent, all of which is rocky. From Wasdale Head there are still multiple route choices, here is an outline description of two we feel are most suitable for most people.
Route 1 - via Mickledore: From the National Trust car park at Wasdale Head we follow the path next to Lingmell Gill, passing through a couple of gates and for now keeping the watercourse on our right. The path comes to meet Lingmell Gill and this needs to be crossed to reach the base of Brown Tongue.
Until now the terrain has been mildly steep. Once across the Gill the gradient increases significantly. After a while there is a split in the path, go right here onto a smaller track that starts to fade quite soon. Aim for the lowest point ahead, this is Mickledore.
If the route has been busy as far as this, things will now change as most will choose to turn left at the path junction.
Some care is required to stay on the best path now, so keep a lookout and always be aiming for the big col ahead. Pikes Crag is to the left and the massive crags of Scafell to the right, all of this adds much to the atmosphere of this route. There is a steep section of scree to reach Mickledore and some will find they need to use hands on occasion.
Once at Mickledore the view changes completely with far reaching views over Eskdale to Morecambe bay.
Turn left onto a rocky path and follow this and the many Cairns to gain the summit of Scafell Pike.
Please note, we do not recommend descending via Mickledore. It is best to descent via Lingmell Col.
Route 2 - via Lingmell Col: As for Route 1 above as far as the path junction. Bear left here to enter the Hollowstones boulder field. This used to be difficult to navigate through but in recent years has become much easier. The National Trust have done some path improvement works which are excellent. Please take heed of their advice to stay on the path in order to minimise erosion, thanks.
Above the boulder field a wide track is reached and this goes up to Lingmell Col where the terrain levels briefly. Soon bear to the right on the rocky path leading steeply uphill. This eventually reaches the Scafell Pike plateau which is crossed to gain the summit.
The views are less dramatic on this route, but still fabulous. It can be busy at weekends and during holiday periods, so arrive early to have the most peace and quiet.
There is lots of advice now available online about how to stay safe in the mountains, about route choice for Scafell Pike, about what to take and how to prepare. I believe there are even videos showing the various routes. Whilst lots of this can be useful, none of it takes the place of experience and knowledge. The Adventure Smart website is a good starting point.
If you are at all unsure of how to look after yourself and how to navigate in the mountains please consider using a local mountain guide. There are plenty of us to choose from and a mountain guide will always aim to add interest to the day by pointing out features in the landscape, showing flora and fauna, or simply with local anecdotes and fun tales of mountain adventures.
We have been providing guiding services on Scafell Pike and throughout the Lake District for over 15 years and would be delighted to help you achieve your mountain goals and dreams. Please get in touch and we’ll help in any way we can.
Thanks for reading.
Mark
Scafell Pike summit - Best path to Scafell Pike
Descending via Lingmell Col - Best path to Scafell Pike