Scafell Pike – Snow in May!

Yesterday’s walk up Scafell Pike was part of a last minute weekend away for Alysha and Sergio and as it was their first visit to the Lake District they were keen to walk up to the summit of England’s highest peak. 

We started from Seathwaite, at the head of Borrowdale and had some clear views to the snow covered mountain tops from Styhead Tarn despite the cold sleety rain, then as we headed up the Corridor route the weather got progressively worse and the cloud descended over the tops. There was a strong, cold wind so warm clothes, hats and gloves were on all day – it felt like winter had returned!  Even so our route up the Corridor route was very busy with a couple of big groups heading for the summit, along with the usual walkers – groups of friends, families with children and dogs and quite a few fell-runners.  

We found an excellent sheltered spot near Lingmell Col for a quick bite to eat and then headed to the summit – the path joins the route up from Wasdale at this point and there were now crowds of people on their way up and down the mountain.  The ground covering of snow started to increase and with the cloud down conditions were slowing many walkers down.  However the snow was soft and although slightly slippery in places Alysha and Sergio were sure footed and managed without any problems.  We managed a brief stop on the summit for photos but didn’t linger due to the cold wind, then back to Lingmell Col and another quick stop for a sandwich behind the same rock before heading back down to the valley.

All in all a very wet and cold day but still a lovely day out, with great views and in very enjoyable company.

Thank you Alysha and Sergio!