May 2022 · Lake District

Wasdale to Scafell Pike

A chilly, dry climb from Wasdale to the roof of England—followed by a descent that turned out to be rather more adventurous than intended.

Scafell PikeEngland's highest mountain
978 metresThe summit above Wasdale
May 2022Chilly and dry, with strong summit winds

Hike at a glance

Distance
Not recorded
Time
Not recorded
Parking
Not recorded
Difficulty
Hard mountain walking over steep, rocky and uneven ground. Loose shale made the improvised descent particularly difficult.
Tea/Pub stop
Not recorded
Map planning
Open OS Maps

John’s recommendations to follow.

Details from this walk’s report. Times reflect this outing; check parking and access before travelling.

Up the sensible way

A classic climb from Wasdale

I started from Wasdale and followed the National Trust path towards the summit of Scafell Pike. The weather stayed chilly but dry, which made for good walking conditions as the route climbed away from the valley and into increasingly rocky mountain terrain.

The higher I went, the rougher the landscape became. Green slopes gradually gave way to boulders, shale and exposed crags, while the views back towards Wast Water grew more impressive with every bit of height gained.

At the summit it was extremely windy, so this was not the place for a leisurely picnic. There was just enough time to take in the achievement, grab the photographs and enjoy the view before beginning the return.

Plan the walk

Practical information

A serious mountain day where the safest return is the recognised path.

Route

Started at Wasdale and climbed by the National Trust path to Scafell Pike. The exact distance and total time were not recorded.

Terrain and difficulty

Hard mountain walking over steep, rocky and uneven ground. Loose shale made the improvised descent particularly difficult.

Conditions

Chilly but dry on the climb, with very strong wind on the summit.

Useful kit

Mountain boots, full waterproofs, warm layers, gloves and hat, food, water, headtorch, paper map and compass as well as offline navigation.

Important safety note

Do not copy the off-path descent described here. It was very steep and slippery on loose shale. Return by a recognised route, check the mountain forecast and turn back if wind, visibility or ground conditions become unsafe.

From valley to summit

The hike in photographs

Wast Water, mountain streams, dramatic crags and the stony upper slopes of England's highest mountain.

The road beside Wast Water beneath the Wasdale mountains
The approach through Wasdale beside Wast Water.
A tumbling mountain stream on the route to Scafell Pike
Running water among the rocks on the lower slopes.
John on the ascent with Wast Water in the valley behind
Gaining height above Wasdale.
National Trust path repair sign on the Scafell Pike route
Following the maintained National Trust path uphill.
Sheep grazing among rocks on the mountain
Local observers taking the rocky terrain in their stride.
Dramatic grey crags and scree slopes below Scafell Pike
Cloud brushing the upper crags as the route climbed higher.
John among the rocks during the ascent of Scafell Pike
The greenery rapidly giving way to stone.
Wide panorama of the rocky Lake District mountains
A superb panorama across the surrounding fells.
The rugged Scafell Pike massif beneath cloudy skies
The rugged mountain face dominating the landscape.
A broad slope covered in loose stones near the summit
The stony upper slopes below the summit.
View across rocky summits and distant Lake District valleys
Wide views from high on Scafell Pike.
John at the summit shelter on Scafell Pike
At the summit of England's highest mountain.
John taking a windswept selfie on Scafell Pike summit
A quick windswept summit photograph.
Wast Water seen far below from the Scafell Pike route
Wast Water framed by the mountains of Wasdale.
Summit reached

A memorable day on England's highest mountain

The classic Wasdale ascent delivered tremendous scenery and a very windy summit. The improvised descent supplied the day's final lesson: sometimes the proper path really is the better idea.

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Location & getting there

Wasdale and Scafell Pike, Lake District, Cumbria

Find Wasdale on a map

This map locates the place named above; use the report’s route links to follow the walk.