Scafell Pike Routes

Scafell Pike has several routes to its 978-metre summit. The Wasdale Head route via Hollow Stones is the most popular and the route used for Three Peaks Challenges. Alternative routes from Seathwaite, Langdale and Eskdale are longer but offer different perspectives of England's highest mountain.

Wasdale Head via Hollow Stones

The Wasdale Head route is the shortest and most direct path to the summit of Scafell Pike. Starting from the Lake Head car park at Wasdale Head, the route follows Lingmell Gill before ascending via Brown Tongue to Hollow Stones, where a final steep section leads to the summit plateau.

This is the standard route used for National Three Peaks Challenge events, particularly for night ascents when the shortest route is essential.

Summit Navigation

The summit area of Scafell Pike is a broad boulder field that can be confusing in poor visibility. Cairns mark the main paths but can be difficult to follow in mist or darkness. A compass, map and torch are essential, particularly for night ascents during the Three Peaks Challenge.

The summit itself is marked by a large cairn built on top of the highest point. In clear conditions, views extend to the Isle of Man, the Mourne Mountains, Wales and Scotland.

Scafell Pike on the Three Peaks Challenge

Scafell Pike is typically the second peak on a National Three Peaks Challenge, climbed between Ben Nevis and Snowdon. Many groups tackle Scafell Pike during the night, making the Wasdale Head route the natural choice as it is the shortest and most straightforward to navigate in the dark.

The drive from Fort William to Wasdale Head is approximately 4.5-5 hours. After descending Scafell Pike, the drive to Pen-y-Pass for Snowdon is approximately 3.5-4 hours.

Alternative Routes (Not for Three Peaks)

Several alternative routes reach the summit of Scafell Pike. These are longer than the Wasdale Head approach and are not typically used for Three Peaks Challenges, but offer rewarding walks in their own right.

From Seathwaite via Corridor Route

Starting from Seathwaite Farm in Borrowdale (CA12 5XJ), this route approaches Scafell Pike from the north via Styhead Tarn and the Corridor Route. The Corridor Route traverses beneath Great Gable and Lingmell, offering dramatic views of the surrounding peaks.

Distance	9 miles (14.5km) round trip
Ascent	900 metres

View the full Seathwaite route guide →

From Langdale

A longer approach from the Old Dungeon Ghyll car park in Great Langdale, crossing Rossett Ghyll to Angle Tarn and Esk Hause before the final ascent. This is a full day's walk and not suitable for Three Peaks timing.

From Eskdale

The quietest approach, from the Woolpack Inn or Brotherilkeld in upper Eskdale. This route ascends via the River Esk and the upper basin below Scafell Pike. Remote and demanding, requiring good navigation.

When to Climb

Scafell Pike can be walked year-round, but conditions vary by season:

• Summer (June-August): Longest days, generally best conditions, but summit can still be cold and windy
• Spring (April-May): Variable weather, snow possible on upper sections, days lengthening
• Autumn (September-November): Shorter days, wetter conditions, early snow possible from November
• Winter (December-March): Snow and ice likely on upper sections, short daylight hours, ice axe and crampons may be needed

Three Peaks Challenges run primarily from April to October. Night ascents are common as Scafell Pike is often the second peak, tackled in darkness.