Scafell Pike from Wasdale
Quick facts:
About the route:
The journey to the Wasdale valley is an adventure all by itself, with world class scenery all the way. Passing Wastwater with Great Gable in the distance and the famous Wasdale screes to your right is magnificent.
The route follows near to the cascades of Lingmell Gill as far as Brown Tongue. This section of path is good and easy to follow. After crossing the river the path becomes steeper (the steepest section of the day) as it rises to Hollow Stones.
Hollow Stones is a dramatic landscape of giant boulders, flung around during the last ice age and left in place by the retreating glacier.
On a misty day the path through Hollow Stones is unclear and numerous options present themselves. We may choose to ascend beneath the mighty rock faces of Scafell to Mickledore, as this provides a fine circular walking route for the day.
Or you may prefer the more straightforward route to the summit via Lingmell Col. Whichever you choose, rest assured the scenery will be world class.
Our return route will be along the Lingmell Col path.
- Starting point: Wasdale Head
- How far is it? 5 walking miles in total
- How long will it take? Between 4 & 6 hours
- How much uphill / downhill? Around 900 metres of ascent & descent
- Level of difficulty: Medium - high
- What's the terrain like? Steep uphills are encountered almost immediately on this route. Footpaths are well maintained as far as Hollow Stones. From here onwards the terrain changes and becomes rough & rocky, especially so if the Mickledore route is chosen.
About the route:
The journey to the Wasdale valley is an adventure all by itself, with world class scenery all the way. Passing Wastwater with Great Gable in the distance and the famous Wasdale screes to your right is magnificent.
The route follows near to the cascades of Lingmell Gill as far as Brown Tongue. This section of path is good and easy to follow. After crossing the river the path becomes steeper (the steepest section of the day) as it rises to Hollow Stones.
Hollow Stones is a dramatic landscape of giant boulders, flung around during the last ice age and left in place by the retreating glacier.
On a misty day the path through Hollow Stones is unclear and numerous options present themselves. We may choose to ascend beneath the mighty rock faces of Scafell to Mickledore, as this provides a fine circular walking route for the day.
Or you may prefer the more straightforward route to the summit via Lingmell Col. Whichever you choose, rest assured the scenery will be world class.
Our return route will be along the Lingmell Col path.
