Scafell Pike Guide
The Lake District, England
3 out of 5: Moderate
Up to 8 Hours
1:10
From £220
Scafell Pike Overview
Scafell Pike, standing at 978m, is England’s highest mountain and one of the most iconic summits in the Lake District. Known for its dramatic, rugged landscapes and panoramic views, it’s a must-climb for hikers and outdoor enthusiasts. The mountain is also featured as part of the renowned National Three Peaks Challenge, alongside Ben Nevis in Scotland and Snowdon in Wales, which attracts visitors worldwide.
In 1971, legendary fell runner Joss Naylor completed the Three Peaks Challenge in 11 hours and 56 minutes, running up and down Ben Nevis, Scafell Pike, and Snowdon. This feat remains a benchmark of endurance and determination.
There are three main routes to the summit, each offering a unique experience:
Wasdale: The shortest and most popular route.
Seathwaite: A longer, scenic route through Borrowdale Valley.
Langdale: The most challenging and remote option, ideal for experienced hikers.
Each route involves steep climbs, rocky terrain, and sections of loose scree, so preparation and a good fitness level are essential. Weather conditions can change rapidly on Scafell Pike, often creating low visibility and challenging navigation.
At Northwest Mountaineering, our professional guides ensure you experience Scafell Pike safely and confidently. Whether you’re a first-time climber, completing the Three Peaks Challenge, or climbing the mountain for a personal milestone, our team is here to lead the way.
Book your guided hike today and enjoy a memorable adventure on England’s highest mountain.
Length
Guided days on Scafell Pike are often between 6 and 8 hours, so be prepared for a big day on England's highest mountain.
Cost
Our private guided Scafell Pike days start at £220 per day for 1-5 people and £320 for up to 10 people
We also do larger groups, but we will need further guides. Get in touch and we can organise this for you.
Experience Needed
Reaching the summit of England's highest mountain requires a strong level of fitness, and prior experience on other mountains is highly recommended.
When
Whenever suits you. Get in touch and we can organise something.
Overview of Scafell Pike Routes
Scafell Pike, standing proudly at 978 meters, is England’s highest mountain and a bucket-list challenge for those into the outdoors. With its rugged landscapes, varied terrain, and stunning panoramic views of the Lake District, Scafell Pike offers multiple routes suitable for all levels of hiking experience.
We guide routes from Wasdale, Seathwaite, and Langdale, however, with this being a much longer and challenging route, we often recommend either Wasdale or Seathwaite. Each route has its unique challenges and highlights. Below, you’ll find an overview of each route to help you decide which suits your group best.
All routes involve steep inclines, rocky paths, and variable weather. Hiring a professional guide ensures your safety, enhances your experience, and gives you the best chance of summiting successfully.Wasdale Route: The Shortest & Most Popular
(5-6 Hours, Moderate Difficulty, 6 Miles)
Starting from the breathtaking Wasdale Valley at the National Trust Lake Head Car Park, this is the most popular and shortest route to Scafell Pike, often referred to as the “short and steep path.” At a distance of 6 miles (round trip), it offers a direct ascent but remains a challenging climb. The route begins at Wasdale Head, following well-defined paths before transitioning into steep inclines and rugged, rocky terrain, particularly as you approach the summit plateau.
Interesting Fact: Wasdale Valley is home to Wastwater, England’s deepest lake, surrounded by dramatic scenery that has been recognised as among the UK’s best views.
We grade this route as moderate and estimate that it typically takes between 5 to 6 hours to complete. It’s an ideal choice for those seeking a shorter and more direct ascent of Scafell Pike while enjoying some of the most awe-inspiring landscapes the Lake District has to offer. For a safe and fulfilling experience, consider hiring a professional Scafell Pike guide to enhance your journey to this iconic summit.
Seathwaite (Borrowdale) Route: Scenic and Challenging
(6-8 Hours, Challenging Difficulty, 9 Miles)
Beginning in the picturesque Borrowdale Valley at Seathwaite Farm, this route to Scafell Pike offers a longer and more scenic climb, perfect for those seeking a rewarding adventure. Covering approximately 9 miles (round trip), it follows the stunning Corridor Route, renowned for its dramatic ridges, rocky scrambles, and breathtaking views.
The varied terrain includes well-trodden paths, steep inclines, and sections of rugged, rocky scrambling that add to the challenge. As you climb, you’ll pass iconic landmarks like Styhead Tarn and the Corridor Route, which showcase some of the most photographed views in the Lake District.
Interesting Fact: The Corridor Route is celebrated for its dramatic scenery and was once a favoured route for early pioneers exploring Scafell Pike.
We grade this route as challenging, with an average time of 6 to 8 hours to reach the summit and return. It’s an excellent option for those looking for a longer, more scenic ascent to Scafell Pike, surrounded by some of the most iconic landscapes in the Lake District National Park. For a safe and memorable journey, hiring a professional Scafell Pike guide ensures you get the most out of this incredible route.
Langdale Route: Remote & Demanding
(7-9 Hours, Challenging Difficulty, 12 Miles)
The Langdale Route to Scafell Pike is the most challenging of the three main ascents, making it an ideal choice for individuals with good mountain fitness seeking a quieter and more secluded adventure. Starting from Old Dungeon Ghyll at the head of the Langdale Valley, this route covers approximately 12 miles (round trip) and takes you over steep passes, including Esk Hause and the breathtaking Angle Tarn, before heading towards Scafell Pike over the rough and rocky tops of Ill Crag & Broad Crag.
While the terrain is demanding, with long ascents and rugged trails, the rewards are truly exceptional. You’ll encounter fewer crowds and enjoy panoramic views of the Lake District fells, including iconic peaks like Bowfell and Crinkle Crags.
Interesting fact: Scafell Pike, England's highest mountain, was shaped more than 450 million years ago by the intense volcanic forces of the Borrowdale Volcanic Group. Its dramatic landscape tells the story of a time when fire and stone sculpted the land.
We grade this route as challenging, with an average completion time of 7 to 9 hours. For experienced individuals seeking a more remote and peaceful ascent to Scafell Pike, the Langdale Route offers an unforgettable journey through some of the most scenic and historic areas of the Lake District National Park. Hiring a professional Scafell Pike guide ensures your safe navigation while fully immersing yourself in the route’s beauty.
Why Hire a Guide for Scafell Pike?
Hiring a professional guide for Scafell Pike ensures:
Safety First: Navigate challenging terrain confidently, with an expert who knows the mountain inside out.
Enhanced Experience: Learn about the area’s history, geology, and wildlife.
Peace of Mind: No worries about navigation, pacing, or weather changes.Climbing England’s highest mountain demands a high level of fitness, and previous experience on other mountains is strongly recommended.
At Northwest Mountaineering we run guided days on Scafell Pike throughout the year. The best conditions are often between March and October, however we still get favourable weather all year round.
Scafell Pike Guide Prices
Our guided Scafell Pike days are perfect for small and large groups.
1-5 people: £220
6-10 people: £320
For more than 10 people, please get in touch.
Guided Walks to the Summit of Scafell Pike
Take in the stunning views of the Lake District with a guided walk to Scafell Pike, the highest summit in England, with North West Mountaineering. Our experienced and friendly guides will lead you safely to the top, ensuring an enjoyable and memorable experience, no matter your walking level. Whether you're hiking Scafell Pike for the first time or seeking a new challenge, we’ll tailor the route to suit you. Book your guided walk today and experience the breathtaking beauty of the Lake District from the summit of Scafell Pike.
Wasdale Lake Head National Trust Car Park (Wasdale)
To reach the Wasdale Lake Head National Trust Car Park, head towards Wasdale Head, in the western Lake District. Follow the road towards the lake and continue until you reach the car park, which is located just as you pass the end of the Lake on the right. Not long past a cattle grid. If you get to the end of the valley you have gone too far! This car park is a popular starting point for heading up Scafell Pike from the Wasdale side. You can find the location on Google Maps HERE. The parking fee is £8 for a full day, and it operates on a pay-and-display system.
Seathwaite Farm (Borrowdale)
To get to Seathwaite Farm, take the B5289 road through Borrowdale, heading south from Keswick. Follow the road past the village of Rosthwaite, not long before heading up Honister Pass, on a right bend, you'll turn left and you’ll eventually reach Seathwaite Farm, which lies at the head of the valley beneath Scafell Pike. There is a parking located at the farm, and you’ll see signs indicating where to park. But, there is plenty of parking on the side of the road before reaching the farm. For directions, check the location on Google Maps HERE. The parking fee is £5 for the day, paid via an honesty box system.
The Old Dungeon Ghyll (Langdale)
To get to The Old Dungeon Ghyll, head to the Langdale Valley in the southern Lake District. From Ambleside, take the A593 road towards Langdale, and after passing through Chapel Stile, follow the signs for Great Langdale and The Old Dungeon Ghyll. The car park is situated at the foot of the valley, next to the historic Old Dungeon Ghyll Hotel. You can view the location on Google Maps HERE. The parking fee here is £8 for the day, payable on arrival.
