The highest mountain in England, Scafell Pike, lies in the western part of the English Lake District – an area of breathtaking scenery mostly within the Lake District National Park. The mountain at 978 metres or 3210 feet is generally accepted as being a harder walk than the slightly higher Snowdon in Wales, and though a very popular hike it is probably less climbed than Helvellyn in the eastern part of Lake District. Scafell Pike lies in probably the least accessible part of the region and all of the routes to it cross excessively rough and stony ground. That’s without the weather – we’ll come to that later!
Scafell Pike though is one of Lakeland’s best outings and here I have outlined the main routes of ascent and their individual merits. None have any technical difficulties but you will become well acquainted with large stones – lots of them.
For the walker approaching from Borrowdale to the north – easily accessible from the Keswick area – there are two main routes to Scafell Pike. The path via Esk Hause is probably the most used and the easiest. This well marked and usually busy path leaves Seathwaite which is as far as you can drive up Borrowdale, and continues up the Borrowdale valley to Stockley Bridge – a picturesque stone bridge spanning the stream. Just beyond the bridge, the left fork of the path is taken leading eventually to Esk Hause at 2490 feet – the pass about 400 – and the highest ground in England. From Esk Hause different routes branches off: The Right Hand Path (old Way) – The White Horse (new way) – The Greatericultures
For the first route – The Right Hand Path it is basically a relaxed walk covering mostly the Borrowdale and Esk area. Some wonderful views of the cliffs and ripples in the water are enjoyed every so often as you approach Esk Hause though the route becomes increasingly exposed as you reach the summit of Scafell Pike. There is no ground safety until about halfway up Scafell Pike where a manhole cover needs to be crossed and you need to yield to the mountain bottom below you.
The route itself is marked by blue blazes and can be done in 7 hours. Described below are some key stages that make up this route.
stage 1 – Elterwater to Drifton
The Elterwater part of the route roughly sees the Lake District’s highest point at Stockley Bridge and, of course, Stockley itself as well as Borrowdale and Esk Hause. There are several paths running up to this part of the 288 miles (480 km) of West Cumbria’s main roads but the main way to do this is via the Lakes shortcut – also known as the White Barn route. This is the route followed by most tourists towards the summit of Scafell Pike and includes a stop at the Esk Hause Hotel.
Stage 2 – unveiled to Kirk Yetholm
You will be aware of the possibility of a weather front sweeping you into Yorkshire and the worries about having to remain outdoors whilst the pole pieces do their job.edged left intogary horseshoe valleywith modest hills and dales amid the grey accommodating countryside. The path sees some wonderful views of the Kirkstone Visitor Center just beyond and the hidden splendour of jewels in the dales ahead.
Stage 3 – Clanslan to Bald Rock
This is the stage that has to be experienced for true mountain riding adventure. The route involves a definite climb of over 2000 feet. The 1979 movie ‘The Happy Valley’ was filmed here and you can still see some of the original equipment at the ready. This is the part of the mountain where the scramblers find many of their climbing tips from the few mountain experts that remain. They also rely on the Boundary Line for climbs as well.
Stage 4 – Bald Rock to Rosechurch
The scramblers have had their eyes on the summit for the last five days running and it is finally here. This is the part of the mountain that has attracted the greatest number of tourists and teams of both novice and expert climbers. People camping here have been known to climb the mountain in 9 hours. Although there are a few routes to the top this is the one most people choose to do as it is a ‘sure’ path.
Stage 5 – From Wasdale Head to Diamond Grade Scafell Pike summit
This stage varies considerably depending on which part of the mountain you tackle. For those who fancy a shorter and easier climb Scafell Pike summit is merely a mile or so away. The next stage though is the most vertical and exposed and will involve a near free climbing ascent up a scree slope and exposed treeline. It is only the second highest peak in England and overlooks the Crystal Palace in London.
