Scafell Pike

Scafell and Scafell Pike (right) Scafell Pike is, famously, the highest mountain in England, and is a rugged, barren peak with sharp glacial corries and a distinct lack of tarns. The Kudos of climbing England's highest peak makes Scafell Pike a popular climb, and the mountain attracts thousands of climbers every year. Although not easy, the summit can be safely reached if common sense is applied - it is worth taking care not to try anything beyond your capabilities, as Scafell Pike has places that are best left to experienced climbers.

There are five main routes to the top, some much longer than others, and the gentlest ascents are from Borrowdale and Wasdale Head. As would be expected of the highest point in England there are some excellent views from Scafell Pike's summit, especially over Wastwater to the west and the Langdale Pikes to the east.

"O my God! What enormous Mountains these are close by me"

Samuel Coleridge, 1802

Scafell, very close to Scafell Pike, is the second highest point in England, and though inferior in height, many people consider Scafell to be the superior mountain. Scafell is, indeed, a grand mountain, with a huge western flank and towering crags facing north and east below the summit. Scafell is an awesome scene which Alfred Wainwright, the great fell-walker and writer, described as the 'greatest display of natural grandeur in the district'.

"It does a man good to realise his own insignificance in the general scheme of things, and that is his experience here"

Alfred Wainwright, 'A Pictorial Guide to the Lakeland Fells, Book Four: The Southern Fells'

For details of a recommended walk up Scafell Pike click here