If you are considering climbing Scafell Pike, this is the best place to start.

Towering at 3209 feet high, the summit of Scafell Pike in the heart of the Lake District is England’s tallest mountain, making it a magnet for climbers and sightseers alike.

Scafell Pike has something for everyone.

To the intrepid walker, the challenge of climbing England’s highest peak creates an irresistible lure, drawing people from all walks of life and all corners of the globe.

For the more recreational rambler and sightseer, the mountain provides a spectacular backdrop to leisurely walks or picnics around the valleys of Wasdale and Borrowdale. Even for those who prefer not to stray from the car, it is still possible to get close enough to feel the mighty presence of Scafell Pike and the many surrounding Lake District mountains.

For those who undertake the climb (learn more about Scafell Pike's routes) and reach the summit, the sense of achievement is well deserved, and the effort is rewarded with magnificent views encompassing all four nations of The British Isles.

For those seeking a less challenging experience, including families, couples, and even the solo traveller, there is an excellent variety of things to see and do around Scafell Pike. From quiet romantic walks, family picnics beside meandering rivers, natural attractions including cascading waterfalls and imposing rock formations, or quaint traditional market towns to explore at leisure.

The valleys below

The remote and scenic valley of Wasdale lies immediately to the west of Scafell Pike, and many people start the climb from here. At the heart of the Wasdale Valley lies Wast Water, England’s deepest lake at 258 feet deep. See Scafell Pike from Wasdale Head.

To the north of Scafell Pike, the Borrowdale Valley runs from the market town of Keswick along the shores of Derwentwater, one of the prettiest of all the lakes, toward the small farming community of Seathwaite, another popular start point for ascending Scafell Pike (see: Scafell Pike from Borrowdale) but also with much easier low-level walks along the valley.

Year-round destination

Each season brings its own distinct feel to Scafell Pike. In summer, the area bustles with holidaymakers engaging in all manner of activities on the mountains and lakes while others take in the scenery at a more leisurely pace. Spring and autumn are quieter, and the autumn colours can be especially fine indeed. In winter, crisp, clear days can be breathtakingly beautiful, but a word of warning – this is not a time of year to be climbing Scafell Pike unless you are fully trained in the specialist skills of winter mountaineering.

Enjoy it however you choose

The popularity of Scafell Pike is reflected in the great variety of holiday accommodation options on offer nearby, from campsites to guesthouses, forest lodges to luxury hotels and spa resorts; so whatever your preference and budget, it’s easy to organise a visit to Scafell Pike.

And with so much to see and do in the local area, it’s sure to be a destination which will appeal to everyone.

Quick facts about Scafell Pike
  • Scafell Pike is the tallest mountain in England measuring 978 m (3,209 ft) high.
  • Scafell Pike is home to the highest standing water in England, known as Broad Crag Tarn. It lies at about 820 m (2,700 ft), a quarter of a mile south of the summit.
  • Scafell Pike’s original name was ‘The Pikes of Sca Fell’, and this term was used to describe Broad Crag and Ill Crag, as well as Scafell Pike itself. The change was caused by an error on an Ordnance Survey map and stuck. The Scafell Pike OS Map sold today is, however, completely accurate.

Read more Scafell Pike Facts, Stats & History.

Estimated driving times to Scafell Pike
Scafell Pike on a UK map

Prepare for hiking Scafell Pike

Learn how to properly plan and prepare for your hike with our resources and advice

Popular Routes to Scafell Pike's Summit

Great Langdale

Scafell Pike from Great Langdale

Advanced

A full day out in the mountains, starting and finishing in the Langdale valley. This route takes in several other peaks as well as Scafell Pike.

Read the full guide
Borrowdale

Scafell Pike from Borrowdale

Challenging

The route from Borrowdale is a long, but less steep, ascent of Scafell Pike. It is a full day’s walk, climbing up into the mountains alongside a river, then joining with the Langdale route at Esk Hause.

Read the full guide
Wasdale Head

Scafell Pike from Wasdale Head

Best for beginners

No route up Scafell Pike is easy, but the climb from Wasdale is the most direct and the shortest. Although that does mean you’re walking uphill from your first step, right up to the top!

Read the full guide

Frequently Asked Questions

    How long does it take to climb Scafell Pike?

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    Is Scafell Pike suitable for children?

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