Scafell Pike

Scafell Pike, in the Lake District National Park, is the tallest mountain in England - it is 978 metres high, the smallest of the National Three Peaks of Great Britain.

While Scafell Pike has several paths, most Three Peaks Challengers will begin at Wasdale Head, to the North of Wast Water. Paths on Scafell Pike are marked on the OS Explorer OL 6 map, South Western Lakes (at the Three Peaks Shop).

Scafell Pike Carpark Postcode

The postcode for Wasdale Head is CA20 1EX. A detailed map of the parking location is shown below.

The postcode for the Seathwaite route start is CA12 5XJ. There is limited parking along the roadside leading to the farm.

Accommodation at Scafell Pike

Scafell Pike Routes

Two usual routes are available for walking Scafell Pike, from Wasdale Head and Seathwaite. Longer routes are available from Langdale and Eskdale.

Route from Wasdale Head

For the Wasdale Head route, park at the Lake Head car park, grid reference NY 182 074. This is to minimise the impact on the local community.

From the National Trust Wasdale Campsite car park, follow the footpath ascending alongside Lingmell Gill, crossing the river after 500 metres and continuing to ascend towards Brown Tongue and Hollow Stones.

The Wasdale Head route is six miles long, up and down, and includes 989 metres of ascent.

Route from Seathwaite

The roadside at Seathwaite is a really popular place to park if you plan to visit Scafell Pike. Unfortunately, at busy times, this can cause access problems for people who live locally, including farmers and potentially emergency vehicles. Make sure you're parked sensibly, not blocking any routes - use alternative parking if neccessary. The National Trust car parks at Seatoller and Honister Pass are just up the road.

From the end of the road at Seathwaite, walk through the farm, over Stockley Bridge, to Styhead Gill. From Sty Head, continue to Corridor Route to Lnigmell Col, and on to the peak of Scafell Pike.

The Seathwaite route is 9.5 miles long, up and down, and includes 996 metres of ascent.

Both routes can be seen below, with Seathwaite in the North, and Wasdale Head in the West.

See the map of Scafell Pike in full screen.

Scafell Pike GPS/GPX route

Right click and 'Save As' here, to download our Scafell Pike Wasdale Head route for GPS devices.

• How long does it take to climb Scafell Pike?

  It takes around 4 hours to climb Scafell Pike from Wasdale Head

• Are there toilets on Scafell Pike?

  There are toilets by the car park in Wasdale Head. There are no facilities on the mountain itself, unlike Snowdon, where there is a summit cafe open during the summer season.