“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
Scafell Pike is climbed by many thousands of people every year, most starting from either Wasdale Head, Seathwaite or Langdale, but very few people start their walk from sea level.
Starting from the Irish Sea coast adds a long distance onto the walk, but it does allow the walker to climb the full height of Scafell Pike, as well as seeing the wonderful and much quieter approach through the Eskdale Valley, with scenery changing from the coastal sand flats at Ravenglass to the rolling hills around Eskdale to the rugged rocky scenery of the Upper Eskdale Valley and Scafell Pike.
A wonderful long day in the fells, and a great challenge event.
“the greatest display of natural grandeur in the district, a spectacle of massive strength and savage wildness”
A Wainwright
A long day climbing Scafell Pike, the highest mountain in England from sea level.
After meeting outside the Wasdale Head Inn we will head out in the minibus to Ravenglass, the small village on the Irish Sea coast dates back to Roman times when it was a port for the Roman Empire.
From Ravenglass we will head out the village by Muncaster Castle, taking the lower track around Muncaster Fell into the Eskdale Valley.
Following the river Esk we will pass Dalegarth House and Gill Force before crossing the valley into Upper Eskdale, here the route becomes a little rougher underfoot as we approach Scafell Pike, turning up the steep fellside near Cam Spout Crag we climb by the waterfalls to Mickledore and then onto the summit of Scafell Pike.
Our descent from Scafell Pike is a little easier, we will take the main path down to Lingmell Col before descending the Brown Tongue path back to Wasdale Head.
Each participant will be required to bring suitable equipment for their chosen event, please see Kit List tab above.
Where to meet: Outside the Wasdale Head Inn
Postcode: CA20 1EX
Grid Reference: NY 186 087
Directions
Gosforth can easily be found on the A595 road south of Egremont (An easy drive south from Cockermouth and Workington). Follow the road through the village, turning left as the road forks on the High Street.
Follow this road taking the left hand fork (avoiding Nether Wasdale) and follow the road signs for Wasdale Head and Wastwater.
When a junction is reached near the lake (Wastwater) turn left and follow this lane past the end of the lake until after two sharp bends a car park is seen on the right of the road, a short distance away from the Wasdale Head Inn. Park here and we will meet outside the Wasdale Head Inn.
Each participant is expected to have suitable personal equipment for their activity this should include the following:
- Walking shoes / Boots
- Waterproof clothing (Jacket and trousers)
- Suitable clothing for walking (no jeans)
- Warm tops
- Packed lunch
- Spare clothing
- Water
- Hat
- Gloves
- Torch (preferably a headtorch)
- Spare batteries for the above
For winter walks (November to March) events please also bring the following:
- Spare Gloves
- Flask & Hot Drink
The Following equipment may also be useful if owned:
The following equipment will be provided by The Lake District Walker should winter conditions require:
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