Quick Guide to Scafell Pike Routes

Standing at 978 metres (3,209 ft), Scafell Pike is England’s tallest mountain and an iconic outdoor destination for hikers, adventurers and passionate nature enthusiasts. Nestled in the heart of the strikingly beautiful Lake District, it combines everything we love about great mountain walks – a physical challenge, spectacular surroundings and a real sense of adventure and achievement.

However, with four main routes up the mountain, you may need assistance selecting the most appropriate. So we put together a quick Scafell Pike route guide to help you.

1. The Wasdale Head Route

• Distance: 6 miles (10km) round trip
• Time: 4 – 6 hours
• Difficulty: Moderate

The Wasdale Head route is the most popular route up the mountain. As such, you may hear it called the “Tourist Route”. Though easier than the other routes up the mountain, it still requires a good fitness level and an understanding of the dangers posed by walking in the mountains. The route is relatively well-marked but can be more difficult to follow in challenging conditions.

Starting at the Wasdale National Trust car park, the route takes you up through the pretty Wasdale Valley before ramping up slightly. There are several steeper sections with rockier terrain and loose scree towards the top of the route, but this is by far the best option for inexperienced walkers or those who are not confident in their abilities.

2. The Corridor Route (Seathwaite)

• Distance: 10 miles (16km)
• Time: 6 – 8 hours
• Difficulty: Moderate to difficult

Longer and more physically challenging than the Wasdale route, the Corridor Route begins in Seathwaite in Borrowdale. Those who have climbed both tend to consider it the more scenic of the two routes, too. For most people, it is the perfect step up from the Tourist Route and a great intermediate option to help you prepare for the more challenging routes.

Starting from Seathwaite car park, the trail takes you over Stockley Bridge and ascends Styhead Pass. You then connect with the traditional Corridor Route and walk the mountain’s western slopes, passing Great End and Broad Crag as you do. The route joins the Wasdale Head Route for the last section. Overall, it is a fantastic option for walkers who value quieter trails and a slightly more challenging experience.

3. The Eskdale Route

• Distance: 11 miles (17.5km) round trip
• Time: 7 – 9 hours
• Difficulty: Difficult

Significantly harder to navigate and a much more strenuous physical challenge than the aforementioned routes, the Eskdale Route is a favourite among walkers who want that feeling of remoteness and love rugged terrain. Though tough, the dramatic scenery and real sense of wild seclusion make this a hugely rewarding and enjoyable experience.

The route starts from Brotherilkeld Farm and follows the River Esk up through the beautiful Eskdale Valley. One of the longer approaches to the summit, the incline is initially quite gradual and the path passes a host of spectacular natural features, including waterfalls, gorges and sweeping moorland. The higher you go, the more rugged it becomes, with the summit coming into full view as you approach the head of the valley. The final section is fairly steep and will involve some scrambling. It is rough and tough going and can be draining, especially after the long approach.

4. The Langdale Route

• Distance: 12 miles (19km) round trip
• Time: 7 – 9 hours
• Difficulty: Difficult

The longest of the four main routes up Scafell Pike, the Langdale Route is physically demanding and requires a good amount of time to complete. It is not one to attempt if you set off late or are worried about running out of light. Despite this, it is one of the most beloved routes up the mountain thanks to the varied terrain and incredible vistas.

The route departs from Old Dungeon Ghyll Hotel in Great Langdale, where you will pick up the Cumbria Way and head west into the Mickleden Valley. You will cross Stake Gill, head for Rossett Pass and drop down to Angle Tarn. From there, you walk for Esk Hause and follow the cairns onto the high ridge. This will take you between Ill Crag and Broad Crag. Finally, you will join a path that momentarily loses elevation before quickly shooting up to the summit.

For the descent, walkers can return the way they came or descend via the Corridor Route and turn off at Sty Head to rejoin the Langdale Route. After the long ascent, this descent can be tricky. So make sure you have enough food and water to keep you energised and hydrated.

Key tips for climbing Scafell Pike

While choosing the most appropriate route is important, staying safe in the mountains also requires you to understand the weather, dress appropriately and make sensible decisions. With this in mind, here are our top five safety tips for climbing Scafell Pike.

1. Watch the weather – the weather in the Lake District is incredibly changeable. Just because it is sunny when you set out does not mean it will stay that way. Always check trusted weather forecasts before setting out. We recommend MWIS, Windy and the Met Office Mountain Forecast.
2. Navigation – some of the routes up Scafell Pike are well marked. Others really are not. Make sure you take your map and compass. Even more importantly, make sure you can use them.
3. Clothing and equipment – sturdy hiking boots and waterproof clothing are essential on Scafell Pike. Temperatures can drop rapidly, so make sure you have plenty of layers, as this will help you manage your temperature more effectively. Check out our comprehensive kit list »
4. Fitness – Scafell Pike is the tallest mountain in the country and reaching the summit is no mean feat. Make sure you respect the mountain and only tackle what your current fitness level allows.
5. Supplies – carry enough snacks, food and water to last you the entire hike and remember to carry out everything you pack in.

Enjoy inspiring adventures with Climb Scafell Pike

At Climb Scafell Pike, we want to empower people to enjoy the mountains and explore the UK’s beautiful natural landscapes. However, climbing peaks like Scafell Pike can be risky, and we encourage all walkers to consider walking the mountain with an experienced guide to build confidence and guarantee a stress-free, pleasurable experience. Our Scafell Pike guided walks enable you to experience the majesty of England’s tallest peak in a supportive environment, ensuring you get the most from your journey to the summit.

Book your guided walk now »

If you have any questions or require additional information, reach out to our friendly team. You can also watch our Scafell Pike – Know Before You Go video.