Scafell Pike via Lingmell

Scafell Pike via Lingmell Details

This quieter route from Wasdale starts off on the same route as Scafell Pike from Wasdale routes before heading off uphill to Lingmell rather than following the throngs up the usual path. You can also start the walk from Wasdale Head, it’s even signposted at the start!

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1 Start off from the National Trust Car Park at Wastwater next to the campsite, with the walk setting off directly uphill along Lingmell Beck.

2 You’ll need to head off uphill at OS Grid Ref: NY 18716 07259 – along a faint path that needs a bit of care to find initially. You cross a clearer path from Wasdale Head (that joins the Brown Tongue path) which you do not need to follow, and head uphill.

3It’s a relentless and grassy pull up, but at least you’re not on the ‘Tourist Path’ and you probably will have it largely to yourself. It’s a good path and should be easy enough to follow to the summit of Lingmell. It also makes a better ascent, as it’s definitely rather steep in places.

4 The Summit of Lingmell provides an excellent vantage point to view Scafell, with the Lord’s Rake route somewhere in those steep crags!

5 Once on the summit of Lingmel, you need to descend SE to Lingmel Col, where you’ll re-join the throng. Ensure you take the path up Scafell Pike from this point rather than mistakenly following the Corridor Route, or descending to Wasdale via Brown Tongue! The final ascent to Scafell Pike has a largely clear path, if a bit loose in places that zig zags it’s way up the final 200m of ascent.

6 As you can see from the image above, the final section is rocky and can still be hard to navigate in poor visibility if you happen to get off path. Finally cross the plateau to the summit. You may well need a bearing on poor vis. In the busier season, just follow the throng.