“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, the highest peak in England and by far our most popular route.
The route climbing Scafell Pike from Wasdale is by far the shortest route up Scafell Pike and although the paths are steep they are generally well made.
“Suddenly, we forgot our aching shoulders, our chafed ankles and toes, and the discomfort of camping on empty stomachs, for the green trough of Wasdale had opened up below our feet and the most noble ring of mountains in England rose up to greet us. These were the hills that we had come so far to see and they did not disappoint us”
A Harry Griffin
A wonderful route climbing the highest mountain in England. The walk begins at the Wasdale Head Inn at the head of the valley, an area steeped in mountaineering history, the Fell & Rock Climbing Club was formed in the Inn and some of the earliest rock climbs were recorded on some of the huge crags surrounding the head of the valley.
From Wasdale Head we climb by Brown Tongue path to the summit of Scafell Pike, the highest mountain in England.
From Scafell Pike we descend over Lingmell, following the western shoulder of Lingmell back down to the valley and the Wasdale Head Inn.
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.
Bus Services
There are no bus services to Wasdale Head.
Stagecoach bus timetables can be viewed here
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80th birthday trek up Scafell Pike Review by Richard Baggott
Hello John
Very many thanks for making it possible for me to celebrate my 80th
birthday with a trek up Scafell Pike. James was a superb guide, very
knowledgeable and informative, helpful and caring at every stage. I
found the soft snow section on the third quarter of the climb a bit hard
going but the crampons provided for the firmer snow of the final quarter
made things much easier. The snow and ice formations were fascinating
and beautiful.
Despite our earlier fears the weather could not have been more perfect
and the crystal clear views of the surrounding peaks in their "winter
dress" were stunning. I could not have had a more perfect birthday
treat. Do pass on my thanks once more to James. I attach a few photo's
including one of sunset reflections in Wast Water as we drove past at
the end of the day. Perfect finish to the whole experience!
Richard Baggott (Posted on 14/03/2016)
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