Scafell Pike
If you would like an expert walking guide to accompany you on this walk Boot Routes can help…
There are a number of different routes up the highest mountain in England; some of the longer walks in from Langdale and Eskdale are stunning, where the shorter walks in from Wasdale are generally for the hoards of tourists and National 3 Peakers. Here we have selected a route in from Borrowdale, starting at Seathwaite and climbing Scafell Pike via the Corridor Route.
From Keswick continue down the Borrowdale valley, and at Seatoller turn left towards Seathwaite. There is plenty of parking at Grid Ref NY 23535 12179, and the walk begins through the farm yard and up Grains Gill keeping the river to your right until you eventually arrive at Stockley Bridge. Here cross the bridge and through the gate where you need to take the path up the steep section towards the woods at Greenhow Knott. At the trees take a breather and enjoy the views down the valley.
Continue of the path for about a mile keeping the stream to your right, the gradient is fairly easy here and after a while you will pass Styhead Tarn and arrive at the Mountain Rescue stretcher box at Styhead.
Here you need to turn left and head East for about 300 metres where you will find a path veering off to the right towards Spout Head and Stand Crag. Initially you will lose some height but you’re quickly back on the ascent on the Corridor Route. Keep on this path, there is a small rock step but nothing too difficult and eventually you will pass the top of the gaping chasm that is Piers Gill. It isn’t that far to go now to Lingmell Col, and for those feeling energetic you could always take in the top of Lingmell which is also a Wainwright.
At Lingmell Col turn left and continue in a South Easterly direction until you come across the boulder field which is the summit of Scafell. At the summit there is a trig point, and a large structure with a plaque on which you can climb up onto. Further South on the summit are a couple of summit shelters, which aren’t worth visiting as they are regularly used as a toilet and not a place to be eating your sarnies.
Once you’ve had your fill at the summit head North East dropping down the steep and well worn path towards Broad Crag, at the Col carry on up the other side where you will skirt around the summit of Broad Crag before dropping down to Esk Hause.
Here turn left and head towards Sprinkling Tarn, eventually you will cross the stream on your right and head down Ruddy Gill, which in turn changes into Grains Gill. Before you know it you’ll be back at the car park.
Look out for map lichen, Pixie cup lichen, Pied Wagtails, Buzzards, Wheatear, Meadow Pipits and Ravens.
“The mountains are calling, and I must go” - John Muir
