Scafell Pike from Wasdale Head
England's highest mountain by its shortest route, from the head of Wast Water.
- Distance
- 8.9 km
- Ascent
- 980 m
- Time
- 4–5 h
- Grade
- Hard
- Route
- Out and back
- High point
- 978 m
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Route mapped on from OpenStreetMap paths, with heights from EU-DEM terrain data; not yet checked on the ground by TRXO. Added to TRXO on . For planning only: always navigate with an up-to-date map such as OS Explorer or Harvey. How we make our routes.
About this walk
Scafell Pike from Wasdale Head is a hard 8.9 km out-and-back walk with 980 m of ascent, taking 4 to 5 hours. It starts at Wasdale Head (grid reference NY 182 074). It climbs Scafell Pike (978 m), a Wainwright.
Scafell Pike is the highest point in England, a summit of bare boulders above the wildest valley in the Lake District. From the car park at the head of Wast Water, the route climbs beside Lingmell Gill and up Brown Tongue into Hollow Stones.
It continues to Lingmell Col and up the final rocky slopes to the summit cairn. The top is a jumble of boulders, and in mist it's easy to lose the path: take care on the descent.
Route
-
1
Brown Tongue
Follow Lingmell Gill and climb Brown Tongue into Hollow Stones.
-
2
The summit
Climb to Lingmell Col and over the boulders to the summit. Return the same way.
Summit
978 m
Questions about this walk
- How long does Scafell Pike from Wasdale Head take?
- Most walkers take 4–5 hours for the 8.9 km route, which has 980 m of ascent. That allows for short stops; give yourself longer in winter, in poor weather or with a group.
- Where does the walk start, and where can I park?
- It starts at Wasdale Head (grid reference NY 182 074). National Trust car park at the head of Wast Water (charge).
- Can I get there by public transport?
- Not easily: there's no regular bus or train to the start, so you'll need a car, a lift or a long walk in.
- How hard is it?
- It's graded hard. Stepped, stony path; loose scree and a boulder field near the summit.
- Which hill does it climb?
- Scafell Pike (978 m, Wainwright, Hewitt).
- Can I take my dog?
- Yes, dogs are welcome on this walk. Before you go: Sheep graze the fells and moors: keep dogs on a lead near livestock, especially at lambing time (March to May).
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