Scafell Pike Corridor Route from Seathwaite via Greenhow Knott
By Dave Chick 
Scafell Pike Corridor Route from Seathwaite via Greenhow Knott
Further Details
Route Summary:
The Corridor Route is one of the most impressive routes in the entire Lake District, a must on any hill-walkers list. This is an alternative start to the usual route.
Start and Finish: Seathwaite Farm - Scafell Pike
Distance: 7.27 km
Ascent: 876 m
Time: 3.5 hours
Timings are approximate and depend on the individual. Calculate the time using Naismith’s Rule and factor in your own pace.
Facilities:
Camp site at start with pubs in Borrowdale. Toilet block at Seathwaite Farm
Public Transport:
Though no public transport runs into Seathwaite, it is possible to get buses to Seatoller. The 78 runs an hourly service from Keswick to Seatoller (half hourly at weekends) while the 77/77A ‘Honister Rambler’ also calls at Seatoller every hour.
Traveline for UK Public Transport
Hazards:
Paths are generally well-defined but can become indistinct on occasions. The summit plateau of Scafell Pike can be confusing in the mist so good navigation is essential. A couple of short, rock steps will need to negotiate along the Corridor Route; one at Skew Gill and one at Greta Gill.
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:
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Recommended Scafell Pike Maps
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Scafell Pike Corridor Route from Seathwaite via Greenhow Knott Ordnance Survey Map and GPX File Download
Download file for GPS
Scafell Pike Corridor Route from Seathwaite via Greenhow Knott
Along with the Hollow Stones path from Wasdale, this route up Scafell Pike from Seathwaite is arguably one of the most popular. However, unlike Wasdale Seathwaite is a much easier location to get to and has proximity to Keswick. Combine this with ample free parking and fell walkers flock to the area in their droves.
For this reason, paths in the area are of a high quality and generally easy to follow, even in poor weather. That said, good navigation will be required to ensure you don’t stray onto the wrong path, particularly at Sty Head.
The Corridor Route is one of the best routes up Scafell Pike and one of the best in the Lake District altogether. The combination of relatively easy gradients and awe-inspiring scenery make it a ‘must-do’ on any hikers list.
Scafell Pike Corridor Route from Seathwaite via Greenhow Knott Route Description
1 – From the end of the lane, head between the buildings of Seathwaite Farm, passing through the yard to the other side. Make your way through a gate and keep to the track as it follows the course of Grains Gill. A small footbridge will cross Hind Gill if the stream is in spate.
2 – After some gradual climbing you will reach Stockley Bridge (NY 23464 10908), a fine packhorse bridge that crosses Grains Gill. Cross the bridge and pass through a gate in the drystone wall immediately in front of you. Here, the path begins to climb more steeply, zigzagging up the hillside below Black Waugh and Greenhow Knott.
3 – The gradient eases shortly after you pass through another gate. The path heads towards Styhead Gill before it turns southwest to follow the edge of the valley. You will notice the stream climbing up to meet you and, eventually, you will be right alongside it. Keep following the stream as you climb to Styhead Tarn.
4 – Styhead Tarn (or simply Sty Head) is a great meeting place of paths. From here you can get to Borrowdale (from where you have come), Wasdale, Great Langdale and Eskdale. You can also reach some of the great Lakeland fells such as Scafell Pike, Great Gable and Glaramara. For these reasons, it is not the place to take a wrong turn. To reach the beginning of the Corridor Route, follow the path along the shore of the tarn as climbs, eventually leaving the tarn behind. You will reach a cairn close to a Mountain Rescue Stretcher box (a large, rectangular metal box located at NY 21889 09512). Take a left here and follow a path as it crosses some boggy ground and then over a rocky outcrop. Keep following this path until another cairn is reached with a path heading off at a right angle to the right (NY 22181 09458). This is the start of the Corridor Route.
5 – Initially, the path along the Corridor Route dips downhill for a few hundred metres to cross Skew Gill before a short, rocky clamber out of the gill. As you climb, the path swings left, gaining height alongside the gill. Upon reaching a cairn, the path turns right to continue its traverse of the fell side.
6 – Keep following the pitched path as it winds between rocky outcrops to reach an interesting rocky section close to Greta Gill (NY 21917 08453). This requires some very easy scrambling down before returning to the path as it crosses the gill itself.
7 – From here, the path passes beneath Round How, climbing across more open fellside. Ignore the pitched path forking left (NY 21557 07939), heading for Broad Crag Col, instead keep to the right and keep following the path to bring Piers Gill into view. Pass around the head of the Piers Gill ravine, giving a view down the canyon. You can probably see why people mistakenly enter, looking for a way down. Follow the Corridor Route east as it climbs up some rocky outcrops to reach Lingmell Col. Here, the path from Hollow Stones arrives, usually bringing a significant number of people with it (NY 21073 07691).
8 – You’re on the final stretch now. Follow the main path left, as it zig-zags through the scree to the summit of Scafell Pike – following cairns as you go. The final section can be indistinct, and you’ll need some navigational skills in the mist.
Dave Chick
Related Posts
Circular Routes up Scafell Pike
Best Fell Walks in the Lake District
