Lake District challenge – The 3000’s

Looking over to Scafell Pike from Scafell

Looking to Scafell Pike from Scafell summit

Whilst we walk up and down Scafell Pike on a regular basis, Scafell is a non-regular for us, so today made a very nice change.
Working for Activus Outdoors, I was joined by Neil, who had taken a year off work in order to complete a range of challenge events around the UK and abroad. Last week it was a Lands End to John O'Groats cycle!

This week, it's the Lakeland 3000's, with today being the Scafell range. Following the Lingmell Col route from Wasdale, we encountered a difficult river crossing at Lingmell beck, after some hunting around for a suitable crossing place sure enough we found it.
Through Hollow Stones and up to Lingmell Col before the final push to the summit of Scafell Pike. By now the mist had descended, but visibility was still reasonable.
A brief stop on the summit (it was cold) for photos and we ploughed on towards Mickledore, here we found more shelter from the wind, so stopped for lunch whilst enjoying the spectacular views into Eskdale and of the Scafell crags.

We then continued our descent towards Eskdale until reaching the outflow of Foxes tarn gully, this was in spate, so extra care needed in order to keep dry! Because this ascent involves an element of scrambling, the time goes much quicker and very soon we were on the summit of Scafell, this time the views were far reaching. More photos and a quick bite to eat before our final descent back to Wasdale.

5 hours 40 minutes in total, well done and thanks Neil. Hope you have an equally good day on Skiddaw & Helvellyn tomorrow to complete the challenge. 

For anyone looking for a mountain challenge that's doable within a weekend (or any 2 day period), the Lakeland 3000's  makes an excellent choice. Definitely a proper mountain challenge, has easy access, and involves almost no driving once in the Lakes. Why not give it a try?

​Mark

Mickledore, Broad Stand and the crags of Scafell

Mickledore and Scafell

Scrambling up Foxes tarn gully, Scafell

Foxes tarn gully, Scafell

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