A Guide to Scafell Pike

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A Guide to Scafell Pike

Published on April 14, 2025

5 min read

Push yourself to your limit by conquering one of the greatest challenges in England – Scafell Pike! As England’s highest mountain – standing at 978 metres, this is a brilliant way of challenging yourself to beat your personal best. Located in the stunning Lake District National Park, Scafell Pike is steeped in beauty and history, and offers a fantastic experience for climbers of all ages.

Walking Up Scafell Pike

Thousands of people make their way up the steep paths of Scafell Pike each year – following in the footsteps of some of the country’s most celebrated climbers, writers, and artists. From the poet, Samuel Taylor Coleridge – who was the first recorded climber to reach the summit, to the celebrated fell walker Alfred Wainwright, and many any writers – the mountain has been a source of inspiration and wonder for people from all backgrounds, and features as the backdrop to some of the nation’s most beloved books and poems.

The summit of Scafell Pike reflected in a tarn at Bowfell

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Some surprising facts about Scafell Pike

It’s England’s highest mountain, at 3208 ft, or 978m

It’s believed that Scafell Pike was formed over 450 million years ago.

The original name for the mountain was ‘The Pikes of Sca Fell’, changed in error by an Ordnance Survey map. The error wasn’t reversed so the name stuck!

In good weather you can see the Isle of Man, Scotland and Wales from the summit

Scafell Pike is pronounced SCAWFELL (rhymes with awful!) PIKE and not SCARFELL PIKE!

As well as the incredible views from its summit, beautiful, natural surroundings and wonderful open air, Scafell Pike is the perfect base for an invigorating activity break, for everyone from experienced hikers, couples looking for a romantic getaway, and families after a fun, exciting activity to enjoy together.

The Three Peaks Challenge

Each year hundreds of people come to Scafell Pike to climb it as part of the Three Peaks Challenge. No small feat, the Challenge involves climbing three of the tallest mountains across the UK – all within 24 hours! After walkers attempt to summit Ben Nevis in Scotland – at a whopping 4408 feet – Scafell Pike features as the mid leg of the challenge, at a respectable 3208 feet, followed by Snowdon in Wales at 3558 feet.

The Three Peaks Challenge is not one for the faint hearted, but definitely a rewarding experience if you succeed! It takes months of serious preparation, but seeing the incredible views from the peaks of three of the UK’s greatest mountains is indescribable. As more and more people take on the Challenge each year, you’ll be in good company if you decide to have a go too.

Scafell Pike: Britain’s Favourite View

With truly breathtaking views across the valleys, lakes and ravines across the Lake District, The summit of Scafell Pike offers a spellbinding sight that will stay with you forever. Towards Wasdale, you can see the deep blue waters of Wastwater, reflecting the surrounding peaks and clouds in the tranquil lake. As the deepest lake in England, at 258 feet, Wastwater provides a dramatic contrast to the rugged mountain terrain, and looks stunningly picturesque in all seasons.

It’s not surprising that this view was voted as Britain’s Favourite View in 2007! With no buildings obscuring the view from the summit, you can enjoy a magnificently serene and peaceful experience – surrounded by the tranquil beauty of the Lake District.

Towards the north of the Pike, you can see Borrowdale Valley, leading on from the bustling little town of Keswick and following along Derwentwater, towards Seathwaite, a small farming area. Beautiful wooded landscapes and softly undulating valleys epitomise the best of England’s natural landscape. And of course, walkers might also want to visit Kendal to get a taste of the famous Kendal mint cake, popular with climbers and walkers all over the country as a sweet energy boost.

Practical pointers for walking up Scafell Pike

As Scafell Pike is so popular with walkers and climbers, the surrounding region is well equipped with everything you will need along the way. From finding spare equipment at local outdoor shops, to meeting fellow ramblers and trading stories in a local country pub, you’ll always be made to feel welcome wherever you go.

You can choose one of several different routes to reach the summit of Scafell Pike, either unaccompanied, or with the aid of a local guide. However be aware that many of the routes cross over and intersect with each other, so it’s helpful to have a map and even a GPS to ensure you stay on the right path.

Find Scafell Pike Routes – OS Maps

Scafell Pike From Wasdale via Hollow Stones

The most popular route up Scafell Pike starts at Wasdale Head via Lingmell Gill, Brown Tongue, Hollow Stones and Lingmell Col. There are many excellent routes of descent, but the most simple option is to return down the path you ascended. Parking is limited at Wasdale so plan ahead to avoid delay.

Scafell Pike Route From Wasdale – OS Maps

However you make your way up Scafell Pike, having the right equipment is an absolute must. The lofty heights mean that you will often be subject to more extreme weather conditions, so you should plan ahead before you set out. Expect a moderate degree of difficulty – while you won’t need a pack of huskies and miles of rope, some decent hiking boots and poles, as well as suitable clothing to deal with sudden changes in temperature and weather conditions will certainly help improve your experience!

Ordnance Survey Paper Maps

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This guest blog comes from Doug Belchamber at scafellpike.org.uk – the website that provides a complete guide to Scafell Pike, England’s highest peak. It was originally posted in 2015 and has been updated and added to since.

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