At 978m above sea level, Scafell Pike is the highest mountain in England. The summit was donated to the National Trust in 1919 by Lord Leconfield “in perpetual memory of the men of the Lake District who fell for God and King, for freedom, peace and right in the Great War” and is England’s highest war memorial.
Wasdale is the birthplace of British mountaineering, an iconic farmed landscape and a popular gateway to England’s highest mountain Scafell Pike; a lofty 978 metres or 3210 feet. From the summit of Scafell Pike you can enjoy spectacular panoramic views and on a gloriously clear Lakeland day, you can see other peaks as far away as the Isle of Man.
Due to the complex nature of the terrain along with the variety of ways up and down, navigation is challenging on Scafell Pike, especially when tackled at night.
There are various different routes to take, all of which have their challenges. Please read this information from the National Trust carefully before you plan your trip or check out Wasdale Mountain Rescue Team’s guide to ascending from Wasdale.
Getting There
Scafell Pike is part of the Southern Fells, located within the Lake District National Park. Scafell Pike can be accessed from Borrowdale, Wasdale, Eskdale or Langdale. Most people doing the Three Peaks start from Borrowdale or Wasdale, as the walking distance is shorter, although it is still a strenuous mountain climb over rough terrain. Always check your route before you travel, take along a road map and don’t rely on a Satnav to get you there or expect to be able to get there quickly. Take care on rural roads and be mindful of sheep and cattle.
If completing the challenge over more than 24 hours or if checking out your routes and training for it, you can reach the start points conveniently and sustainably using public transport. Seatoller can be reached by the frequent Borrowdale bus, every half hour in summer and hourly in winter. During the summer months the Wasdale Explorer provides access from the railway station at Ravenglass to Wasdale Head.
Please think of others before you park and use public car parks. Parking on verges or in gateways can damage the environment, block access for emergency vehicles, farmers and buses.
Wasdale
Please park at Lakehead car park (NY182 074) which is pay and display and has toilets and a staffed information office. Avoid parking on Wasdale village green.
Borrowdale
Please remember Seathwaite is a tiny hamlet, the single track road is the only access for farm vehicles. Using the car park at Seatoller (CA12 5XN) eases pressure and every penny supports conservation work in Borrowdale.
Toilets Wasdale
There are free public toilets available Lakehead car park. All waste has to be transported out of this ecologically sensitive valley, so please try to go before you arrive. There are free public toilets at Gosforth village car park on your way in.
Please help us to keep these facilities as clean as possible for all our visitors.
Borrowdale
There is a small public toilet available at Seathwaite farm. Please keep the toilet tidy and litter free. There are also free public toilets at Seatoller on your way in.
Please avoid using the mountain as an outdoor toilet, this has significant impacts on local water supplies, ecology, residents and other visitors.
Weather
For local weather advice please visit Weatherline.
Please be prepared for all weather, even in summer it can be freezing on the fell tops and the weather can change rapidly.
Conservation
With such a lot of people visiting Scafell Pike,and the wear and tear on the paths it is an ongoing task to repair erosion and prevent further damage. Please can you help look after this beautiful place by sticking to paths and not cutting corners.
If you can please consider giving back to this wonderful place through donating to Fix the Fells.