Mosedale from Lingmell - What to pack for Scafell Pike
What to pack for Scafell Pike
I’m often asked what’s in my backpack and whilst out guiding on Scafell Pike on Saturday the question came up again. I always think this is a very good and valid question and so am keen to give a detailed answer to anyone who will listen!
But firstly, a bit about our day on Saturday.
I was joined by 3 guys from London, all keen for a good day in the mountains, to enjoy scenic beauty, and to explore some quieter parts of the Scafell Massif but without having a massive day out.
So a plan was hatched to meet at Wasdale Head and for a while to follow the main path alongside Brown Tongue. This was fairly busy, as to be expected on a bright and sunny Saturday.
Crossing Lingmell Gill was exciting, but most of us managed to keep our feet dry. A quick note about this river crossing. If in any doubt about the water levels, don’t attempt to cross it. The flow can be powerful and slipping in is unpleasant at best, but there have been some nasty accidents here. Be careful. Oh and it isn’t worth venturing further upstream to find a better crossing point, there isn’t one.
Upon reaching Hollow Stones we turned off the busy path and set our sights on Mickledore. This route is quiet and much more dramatic as it hugs the base of Scafell Crag. We stopped at The Woolworth Boulder, enjoyed a snack whilst I told stories about about climbing history in this magnificent place. With renewed energy we then forged on towards Mickledore, finishing this ascent with a little scramble to the col where we were met with breathtaking views to Eskdale.
The Corridor Route from the summit - What to pack for Scafell Pike
Now it was just to cross the boulder field to reach the summit. On the way I spotted a fine little crag that may give a few climbs, so one to come back for on a warmer day. The summit of Scafell Pike was predictably busy and cold. Thankfully we were able to find shelter from the wind and enjoy a fairly comfortable lunch break here whilst soaking in the panoramic views. Thick mist enveloped the summit for a few minutes, then dispersed to bring back the view, a reminder of how rapidly conditions can change.
We descended to Lingmell Col, this too was busy, so I suggested to the guys that we make a detour away from this path and they agreed on the proviso that views would be even better. Well yes they will be. We headed over to Lingmell and followed its grassy nose all the way back to Wasdale Head. Stopping a few times to appreciate the fabulous place we were in and so I could point out features of interest to the guys.
A grand day out.
Arriving at Mickledore - What to pack for Scafell Pike
And now ‘What’s in my bag’ and what you might want to pack for a day in the mountains.
The photo gives a quick summary of what I take on a working day in the mountains. If heading out with friends the kit is usually the same.
Contents of my bag - What to pack for Scafell Pike
Waterproof top and bottoms
Hat & gloves
Spare hat
A couple of buffs
Spare laces
Tape - great for fixing so many things
1st Aid kit
Torch - often spare batteries too
Emergency blanket
Emergency shelter
Map & compass
Food - usually just snacks
Water - 1 litre
Apart from the waterproofs, hat and gloves, food and water, most of this isn’t used, it simply stays packed in the back as a just in case. Even a map and compass feels surplus as i’ve walked up Scafell Pike over 500 times and in all weathers, day and night and from all directions.
I know this mountain very well. But, what if we need to make a diversion, what if I’m asked by others to help with directions. Or my clients want to see on a map where they are and what the route holds in store. So it is important for me to carry these items. And for anyone not familiar with the terrain, these are essential items just as food and water are essential.
Why carry a torch when walking in the daytime? Well because we don’t know how the day will unfold. What if there is an injury or incident we need to deal with and this causes us to be out after dark? I always carry a torch, even in the height of summer.
A 1st Aid kit is hopefully an obvious inclusion. Well worth having and can be useful for treating your own injuries or helping others. Remember, ambulances can’t drive up mountain paths, so we need to be as self reliant as possible.
An emergency blanket and shelter are live-saving items and in my opinion are essential. If a person is injured and unable to continue walking, they will quickly become cold. If this is left unchecked hypothermia is what follows and that’s bad. Put them in a foil blanket and / or an emergency shelter and stay with them and they are likely to warm up and remain much more comfortable. These items weigh almost nothing so are no hardship to carry. Find yourself in need of them and without and see the problems escalate rapidly.
Spare laces and tape - walking boots seem to fall apart so easily these days. This little ‘toolkit’ enables us to fix most footwear issues.
For bigger days out I may take more with me, but will always try to pack light. For days when I think there will be lots of standing around or slow movement then an extra warm layer can prove useful for comfort.
I hope this is helpful. If you’d like any advice on kit and what to pack for Scafell Pike please feel free to get in touch.
We offer guided walks and activities throughout the Lake District and have been doing so for 20 years. If you would like any further information about a guided mountain day please get in touch.
Thanks for reading
Mark
Scafell Crag - What to pack for Scafell Pike
Lingmell Gill - What to pack for Scafell Pike