A stroll up Scafell Pike

A walk up Scafell Pike England’s highest mountain. A Very Popular activity in the Lake District.

Before our stay In Bowness-on-Windermere we decided that it would be a fantastic opportunity to walk up Scafell Pike, located within the lake district national park.

Although the drive seemed prolonged we were certainly rewarded with some dramatic scenery along the way. Which concluded with driving past Wast Water, over 3 miles long and half a mile wide. England’s highest league above sea level.

We parked our car at the National Trust owned car park at Wasdale. Unusually for a National Trust car park it was free with a donation box located there instead. With the car parked up it was here that we started our walk up to the summit of Scafell Pike.

We started our walk through an idyllic green field, with many different breeds of sheep grazing on the lush grass. I was starting to think that this mountain walking malarkey doesn’t seem so bad.

There are many routes to the top of Scafell Pike. Although my wife and I are reasonably fit we are not experienced mountain walkers, so we decided to take the shortest the shortest and quickest route from Wasdale.

When doing my research, the route from Wasdale was the quickest and shortest. What I disregarded it was also the hardest route up to the summit, with steep elevation from the start continuing right to the top of the mountain.

Having completed a few mountain walks in home country of Wales, not short of a mountain or two, where we climbed Snowden and Pen-Y-Fan.

I was surprised at the terrain on Scafell Pike, where I am more used to proper paths and trails, this was full of boulders gravel and rough rocks. Route signage is also very poor compared to other paths I have walked.

As we started to climb up the west side of Scafell Pike you will get an obstructed view of Wast Water, which is situated in the middle of the Wasdale Valley. This is a glacial lake which is the deepest in England at 258 feet deep.

This remote and scenic Valley is home to England’s deepest lake and highest mountain. The valley is described as flat bottomed with bracken and trees on the hillside, which in my opinion greatly underplays it’s magnificence.

Onwards and upwards. One thing that needs to be taken into consideration, is that despite the mountains relatively low elevation, Scafell Pike should be treated with respect, it’s a formidable walk and should not be taken lightly, Although this route was only 2.5 miles it was quite a challenge getting up to the summit.

Be sure to come prepared as Scafell Pike is a relentless climb. Make sure your legs are fresh and wear appropriate footwear, bring layers of clothing as temperatures will change as you climb up the mountain and bring some water and high energy snacks.

Another good bit of advice is to have a detailed map and compass, when we claimed the path was very busy and the route was fairly obvious. However there is no signposting which makes navigation difficult, at quieter times on the mountain or changing increment weather, it would be relatively easy to get lost.

Nearing the summit and all that hard slog suddenly starts to become worth it. If you are lucky enough to have a clear day you will be treated to beautiful views of the whole Lake District and beyond.

As you near the summit of Scafell Pike, the terrain becomes particularly unstable. The path turns into a mound of unstable rocks, it’s important to watch your footing as you’re taking in those panoramic vistas. It will be a lot more enjoyable experience without an injury.

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We have finally made it to the top of Scafell Pike. The climb up covering 2.5 miles took us two hours and 15 minutes, not a bad effort to get up to the top of the mountain. The sense of achievement however is much more important.

It’s not all about reaching your destination but trying to enjoy the journey in the process. Always go at a pace as you’re comfortable with and let others go by. This walk is a marathon not a Sprint so always stay within your own limits that you are happy to go with.

We had to remember that reaching the summit is only half a job done, we have managed to reach the top, now we must turn around and get back to Wasdale, Following the trail that we climbed up to get us back down and hopefully we can’t go wrong.

The walk back down was easier than walking up Scafell Pike. However although a lot easier on the lungs the descent down comes with its own set of challenges as the ground is unstable in parts and care must be taken with you your footing.

We were still able to enjoy those beautiful vistas on the way back down to Wasdale . Knowing the worst was behind us now.

Fully satisfied with our achievement we arrived back at the very welcoming site of the Wasdale Inn, a very popular pub with walkers and visitors. It has been a local landmark at the head of the valley since the early 18 century.

The pub is resolutely traditional with plenty of indoor seating, if you have favourable weather like we had there is a terrace outside for alfresco dining which is a great option. There is a massive beer garden with ample outdoor seating, which is the perfect spot to enjoy the mountain views and reflect on our achievement of reaching the summit of England’s 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿 highest mountain.