Scafell Pike via Scafell – The Walker’s Route
Further Details
Route Summary:
A more satisfying outing for the seasoned walker to bag both Scafell and Scafell Pike.
Start and Finish: Wastwater - Wasdale
Distance: 5.6 km
Ascent: 1134 m
Time: 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 at Wasdale Head. Campsite and catering van at start.
Public Transport:
Traveline for UK Public Transport
Hazards:
Steep Ground and scree
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 Scafell – The Walker’s Route Ordnance Survey Map and GPX File Download
Download file for GPS
Scafell Pike via Scafell – The Walker’s Route
Scafell was once thought to be the highest mountain, with the remaining hills merely the pikes of Scafell. This walk up Scafell from Wasdale allows the walker to cover both Scafell and Scafell Pike in one trip whilst avoiding the climb on Broad Stand. Instead it descends via Fox’s Tarn, losing a bit more height than you would on Broad Stand but much more suited to those of us who don’t climb.
Scafell Pike via Scafell – Route Information
The walk starts off from the Wasdale Campsite – splitting off the popular Wasdale Path almost immediately and heading off up towards Green How. It’s a short, but steep slog as you reach Scafell’s summit in only around 3.5km. The descent over Symond’s Knott and down to Foxes Tarn needs care, especially to ensure you don’t continue over Broad Stand (for which you’ll need to be a climber and fully equipped for the descent). It’s a traverse across to the col of Mickledore and then up to Scafell Pike from there.
You can choose to descend the Wasdale Path, but we’d suggest descending either via Lingmel or the Corridor Route to Wasdale Head.
Dave Roberts
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