Scafell Pike via the Corridor Route from Wasdale Head

By Dave Roberts   

on January 5, 2021   5/5 (2)

Posted in Scafell Pike from Wasdale, Walks in the Lake District

Scafell Pike via the Corridor Route from Wasdale Head

Further Details

Route Summary:

An alternative start to the Corridor Route.

Start and Finish: Wasdale Head - Scafell Pike

Distance: 7.7 km

Ascent: 967 m

Time: 3-4 hours

Timings are approximate and depend on the individual. Calculate the time using Naismith’s Rule and factor in your own pace.

Facilities:

Pub in Wasdale Head, and campsite at Wastwater.

Public Transport:

Traveline for UK Public Transport

Hazards:

Scrambling skills needed on a few sections

Remember that we cannot outline every single hazard on a walk – it’s up to you to be safe and competent. Read up on Keeping Safe on the Wales Coast Path,  Navigation and the Gear and Equipment you’ll need.

Scafell Pike Guidebooks:

Recommended Scafell Pike Maps

Scafell Pike via the Corridor Route from Wasdale Head Ordnance Survey Map and GPX File Download

Download file for GPS

Scafell Pike via the Corridor Route from Wasdale Head

The Corridor Route up Scafell Pike is normally done from Seathwaite, but can also be joined quite easily from Wasdale Head. It’s not as steep as the Wasdale Route, but it’s longer and definitely more technical as it involves a couple of sections of easy grade 1 scrambling and a few narrow and exposed paths. Heavy rain would also make all the streams forded on the route a bit more of an undertaking!

1 The walk starts from Wasdale Head, where there’s a large National Trust Car park. Pass the Wasdale Head Inn to the footpath beyond, where the Moses Trod  bridleway continues pleasantly into the valley, past an old pack horse bridge.

Scafell Pike via the Corridor Route from Wasdale Head

2 The track soon ascends, with views towards the iconic Great Gable dominating the view in one direction and Lingmell in the other. It’s a bit loose in places, and involves a couple of sections of easy scrambling. However, the emerging views across towards  the Scafell Massif certainly make up for the path.

Scafell Pike via the Corridor Route from Wasdale Head

3 Sty Head makes a natural stopping point. If your’e not the first on the hill, try and find the Corridor Route on the slopes ahead. From the mountain rescue point at Sty Head, cross the boggy col along the stepping stones and descend right to join the Corridor Route proper.

Scafell Pike via the Corridor Route from Wasdale Head

4 The route is straightforward to follow, with the path clear in most places. The only hard bit is the descent to Greta Gill on the Bad Step (there’s one of those on most mountains it seems), which is a short, but steep scramble down. There are some sections of the path that are narrow and exposed, and while they shouldn’t worry a seasoned hill walker, it’s not somewhere to discover that you’ve got a fear of heights! The path continues onwards, passing through the various gills, with impressive views in all directions. Piers Gill has to be the most spectacular, but it’s a close run thing! In the other direction, the crags form an imposing view.

5 Just just after passing Piers Gill the path ascends to Lingmel Col, where it joins the popular ascent route from Wasdale Head.

Scafell Pike via the Corridor Route from Wasdale Head

6 Follow the main path left, as it zig-zags through the scree paths to the summit of Scafell Pike. The final section can be indistinct, and you’ll need some navigational skills in mist.

In descent, it’s pretty much the above in reverse. The bad step is easily identified by a large arrow scratched into the rock to show the direction of the scramble! Makes finding your footing no easier mind! Also, make sure that you don’t descend into Piers Gill in poor visibility – the initial descent from Lingmel Col is short and it then continues by contouring around. If you find yourself in a scree chute, you’ve probably lost the Corridor Route!

Keep an eye out for this cairn just before you reach Lingmell Col, and turn right along the Corridor Route if following in descent.

Scafell Pike via the Corridor Route from Wasdale Head

 

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Dave Roberts

Dave Roberts founded Walk Eryri in 2004, with the aim of providing routes that are off the beaten track. Walk Eryri is now part of Mud and Routes which continues to provide more off beat routes and walks in Snowdonia and beyond. Dave has been exploring the hills of Eryri for over thirty years, and is a qualified Mountain Leader. Dave also established Walk up Snowdon, Walk up Scafell Pike and Walk up Ben Nevis just to mention a few.

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