Langdale to Scafell Pike

The Langdale route up Scafell Pike is the best way up Scafell Pike if you’re staying in Langdale or nearby as it saves a very long drive around.   It might be the longest route up – 12 miles round trip but apart from Eskdale it is possibly the quietest way up and of course the start is fabulous, walking down Mickleden under the craggy tops of Pike O’Stickle and Gimmer Crag on your right and Broad Band on your left leading your eyes up to the mighty Bowfell. 

I took Suzie, her 14 year old daughter Emelye and friend Katie on this lovely walk.  It was perfect walking weather – sometimes sunny, sometimes cloudy and a good breeze to keep up cool!

On our way up to Esk Hause we could hear a farmer whistling and calling commands to his dogs to gather in his sheep.  It was a while before we could see him high up on the mountain heading down from Ore Gap with a large flock of sheep running ahead of him and his four dogs – a lovely sight!

As ever the view of Scafell Pike is very welcome and not seen until you reach Broad Crag – being school holidays it was very busy.

We made excellent progress with Emelye and Katie finishing in 8 hours (they had boundless energy and finished by running back along Mickleden!) whilst Suzie and I finished half an hour later!