What’s The Best Time Of Year To Climb Scafell Pike?
Standing at 978 metres, Scafell Pike is the highest peak in England and a popular destination for hikers and climbers. The mountain is a great introduction to longer summit walks for those relatively new to hill walking. Still, it boasts enough of a challenge and plenty of spectacular scenery to keep experienced hikers coming back too.
Located in the heart of the Lake District, Scafell Pike is surrounded by the breathtaking landscapes of one of the country’s most iconic stretches of countryside and is a joy to explore. Whether you’re visiting in winter, spring, summer or autumn, the area guarantees beautiful walking and unforgettable natural beauty.
However, the walking experience can differ drastically depending on the season and the weather will significantly impact how much you enjoy the climb. In this quick guide, we discuss the best time of year to climb the mountain and what climatic conditions you can expect from each season.
Winter (December to February)
|In the winter, the cold descends and snow and ice cover the summit. This makes a summit walk dangerous if you do not have experience walking and climbing in winter conditions. Below-freezing temperatures also ensure you need to be well-equipped with warm clothing. Many winter walkers heading up Scafell Pike at this time of year will carry specialist winter gear, such as crampons and an ice axe.
However, if you have winter walking experience, this can be a wonderful time of year to explore Scafell Pike and its surroundings. The stark scenery is special and the peaks are at their most impressive and imposing.
Advantages
- • Scafell Pike is a winter wonderland and looks fabulous in the cold conditions.
- • The mountain presents a real challenge in these conditions. Consequently, walkers get a real sense of achievement from reaching the summit.
- • Scafell Pike is a great place to hone any skills and knowledge you acquire on a Winter Mountain Skills course.
Considerations
- • Winter conditions mean Scafell Pike is unclimbable for most people at this time of year.
- • Specialist skills, equipment and expertise are required to reach the summit.
- • Cold temperatures and extremely changeable weather mean walking Scafell Pike is more dangerous in winter than any other time of year.
Spring (March to May)
Spring is a season of transition on the mountain, with the winter’s icy and snowy conditions making way for milder weather. This makes Scafell Pike much more accessible and opens up the possibility of a summit climb to hikers without previous winter climbing experience. Of course, the weather is still highly changeable and there can be significant temperature variations between the valley floor and the summit. Snow can linger until May, but it typically starts to melt away in late March and April.
Advantages
- • Spring brings the mountain to life and the whole region looks spectacular.
- • Visitor numbers are still relatively low, meaning you enjoy a more peaceful experience.
- • The weather has started to warm up slightly.
Considerations
- • Snow and icy conditions can linger late into the spring.
- • The weather remains changeable, which can put ill-prepared walkers in danger.
Summer (June to August)
Summer is the easiest and most popular time to climb Scafell Pike. And for good reason. The mountain is at its most accessible, the weather is at its most consistent, and the days are at their longest. Generally, there are a lot more visitors in the area and the trails can feel busier. But you can also time your walk to avoid the worst of the crowds. If possible, plan your visit for mid-week and skip bank holiday weekends and school holidays.
Of course, this is still the UK, and you’re still walking in a mountain environment, so summer does not guarantee perfect conditions. Always check the weather forecast beforehand and prepare adequately. Warm weather also means you need to stay hydrated, so pack plenty of water and sun protection.
Advantages
- • Summer benefits from the most consistent and pleasant weather conditions you are likely to experience in the Lake District.
- • Reaching the summit requires no specialist equipment.
- • The days are at their longest, so you are in no rush to get back before the light goes.
Considerations
- • Warm days can take their toll – stay well hydrated, fed and protected from the sun.
- • The weather can still be deceptive and change quickly. Just because the weather is great at your departure location, don’t assume it will be at the summit.
- • There will be more people on the mountain, which can affect the experience for people who enjoy the peace and solitude of the mountains more than anything else.
Autumn (September to November)
Autumn arrives and the colour of the landscape changes, the trees introduce more oranges and reds and take on that wonderfully rusty hue, and temperatures start to drop. The early part of the season is an excellent time of year to visit, as the crowds have dispersed, the area is undeniably beautiful and the conditions remain relatively good.
However, as we move into the season, the weather becomes increasingly changeable and the snow and ice arrive. While full winter conditions won’t set in until the end of November, walkers do need to pay particular attention to the weather and summit conditions and prepare for every eventuality. Wind chill and exposure are serious concerns, as the weather often feels much nicer lower down the mountain and becomes increasingly bitter as you head towards the summit.
Advantages
- • The Lake District in the autumn is something you will never forget and it can be the most spectacular time of year to visit the region.
- • The worst of the summer crowds have subsided and the trails are less busy.
- • You can still get pockets of good walking weather, particularly earlier in the season.
Considerations
- • The weather is becoming more changeable, so the risk of encountering uncomfortable or potentially dangerous conditions mid-way up the mountain increases.
- • Snow and ice can return to the summit toward the end of the season, making it inaccessible to those without winter climbing equipment and expertise.
Climb Scafell Pike
At Climb Scafell Pike, we organise guided walks for those who want to get the most from their climb. Led by experienced, fully qualified guides who know the region and mountain like the back of their hand, our walks are a great way to take the pressure off, so you can enjoy every moment of the walk. From ensuring the weather is right and conditions won’t put you in danger, to navigating Scafell Pike’s numerous routes, our guides are trained to deliver safe, sociable and fun mountain adventures that help build your confidence.