“This is it: the Mecca of all weary pilgrims in Lakeland; the place of many ceremonies and celebrations, of bonfires and birthday parties; the ultimate; the supreme; the one object above all others; the highest ground in England; the top of Scafell Pike”
A Wainwright
One of the longer routes to the summit of Scafell Pike, but a more accessible start point for many people. This route has the option of returning over Great End and Rossett Pike.
“Nobody who is familiar with the topography of the Scafell area will have any doubts why Great End was so named: there could not have been a more descriptive choice for the tremendous northern buttress of the mass”
A Wainwright
From the Old Dungeon Ghyll Hotel we will follow the track up Mickleden, the wide head end of Great Langdale, surrounded on all sides by the high mountains.
Quickly feeling remote and far from civilisation, we ascend the steep sides of Rossett Gill to the beautiful Angle Tarn and continue to Esk Hause, where we finally have a view of the Scafell massive beyond. From here you can also see right over the park to Helvellyn and Skiddaw in the distance.
Once past Esk Hause we are on the Scafell massive itself and pass by the major peaks of Great End, Ill Crag and Broad Crag before the final ascent to the roof of England, Scafell Pike itself.
Our route then returns the same way back down to Great Langdale, giving us time to admire the mountains we passed earlier in the day. We also have the option of including Rossett Pike on the way back, descending via the Stake Pass rather than Rossett Gill.
Each participant will be required to bring suitable equipment for their chosen event, please see Kit List tab above.
Where to meet: The Old Dungeon Ghyll Hotel, Langdale
Postcode: LA22 9JY
Grid Reference: NY 286 061
Directions
From Ambleside: Leave on the A593, signposted to Langdale and Coniston, follow this road until the junction with Ellers Brow, turn right onto Ellers Brow, signposted to Chapel Stile and Langdale.
Follow this road through the village of Chapel Stile and continue past the New Dungeon Ghyll Hotel to the right, continue along this lane to the Old Dungeon Ghyll Hotel, on the right, there is a National Trust pay and display car park outside the Hotel for walkers.
Bus Services
The New Dungeon Ghyll is serviced by the 516 bus from Ambleside, the bus stop is 100m from the meet point.
The 516 runs between Ambleside and the Langdale Valley.
Stagecoach bus timetables can be viewed here
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Scafell Pike Review by Dan
John.
Thanks once again for a great day out.
The weather was a challenge at times and I'm sure my own personal lack of fitness gave Jack a bit to think about.
He was excellent on the day. Like James before, a credit to you to pick such good young mountain leaders.
Very safe. Attentive. Prepared. Great local knowledge. I have enjoyed hiking to Scafell twice in the last 6 weeks, with my daughter and my fiancée TLDW. Successful days thanks to two very good guides and your company.
I would not want to tackle SP without them!
We will be back this year. I spoke to Jack about an idea for a trip with a group of grads from my company.
Will be in touch.
Thanks to you and Lyanda personally from me for looking after us.
Regards.
Dan (Posted on 09/01/2017)
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