Summit Scafell Pike Challenge
Summit Scafell Pike, the highest mountain in England, with a Large Outdoors guide and group - following what we reckon is the prettiest route.
Experience Type: Day Experience
Distance: Approx. 8.7 miles (14 km), with 996m (3,268ft) ascent
Duration: Most groups complete this walk in 6-8 hours
Level: Active Plus (see how we grade our walks here)
Age: 12+ (under 18s must be accompanied by their parent/guardian throughout)
Dogs: No dogs, except trained assistance dogs
In a Nutshell:
Stunning views across the Lake District from start to finish.
Lots of laughs and camaraderie with a group of fellow walkers.
A qualified Large Outdoors guide navigating and ensuring everybody is walking safely, comfortably, and having a great time - they’ll even take your finisher photos at the summit!
Fancy taking on this challenge at night instead? Check out our Scafell Pike Sunrise Challenge.
Want to Hire a Guide for an exclusive Summit Scafell Pike Challenge?
How do we grade our walks?
An adventurous and scenic route up Scafell Pike
The highest mountain in England is a worthy objective for any lover of the hills, and we would love to guide you to the top. Scafell Pike, rises to 978m (3,209 ft) in a great sweeping mass in the South West of the Lake District. One of the best places to climb it from is, in our opinion, Seathwaite. Why not join one of our open group walks - led by a friendly and experience Large Outdoors guide - and meet some fellow peak-baggers and outdoor-lovers for a this great walk?
Suggested Itinerary
The first section of the walk heads towards the hill at the head of the valley, Seathwaite Fell. After a flat section of track you’ll begin the ascent, passing to the right hand side of this hill past the waterfall of Sour Milk Gill before entering a mountain valley bordered by sweeping slopes and giving you at once that sense of wildness and the freedom of the hills. Here there’s another flat section, so you get some rest before the next uphill section.
Scafell Pike will appear ahead, and after passing the famous Styhead Tarn, you’ll begin the true climb up the Corridor Route, a winding path that skirts impressive crags and gives you views down into the deep valley of Wasdale. You’ll also see the tremendous gorge of Piers Gill, which alone is worth the journey, and which walkers on the more popular routes won’t pass.
On reaching Lingmell Col you’ll be rewarded with views of the Irish Sea, England’s deepest lake Wastwater, and on a clear day the Isle of Man. The final climb to the top is rocky and barren, a definite high summit feeling! You’ll be ecstatic on reaching the top, and for a moment be the highest person in England.
The views from the top are outstanding – reaching from Scotland over the whole Lake District and over to the North Pennines, with everything in between. Your descent route will depend on the guide’s choice, but it’s possible to make this a circular walk, descending over the Scafell plateau and then Grains Gill, to see even more of this stunning mountainscape.
The route walked covers approx. 8.7 miles (14km). Most groups complete this walk in 6-8 hours.
Good to Know
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Meeting Time: 8:45am (to start walking at 9am)
Mobile phone reception can be unreliable around Seathwaite, so please let your Large Outdoors guide know as soon as you can if you are running late or need help with directions to the meeting location. You may have difficulty getting in touch if you try to call after your guide has arrived at the meeting location.
Meeting Location:
Turning circle outside Seathwaite Farm
Keswick
CA12 5XJDirections: To get to Seathwaite, take the B5289 road from Keswick passing Grange and Rosthwaite. Just before the road reaches the village of Seatoller, turn left down the minor road which is signposted to Seathwaite. Drive all the way to the end of the minor road, where there is plenty of roadside parking (and in summer months extra car parking in the fields, which incurs a small fee).
Please note: Your guide will meet you in the turning circle - please do not wait in the farmyard of Seathwaite Farm.
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Parking: There is parking available at the turning circle and additional parking in fields during summer months (which incurs a small fee).
Public Transport: Unfortunately, the meeting location and time for this Large Outdoors experience is not accessible by public transport.
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Included:
A Large Outdoors guide to lead you on your Summit Scafell Pike Challenge.
The chance to make new friends and meet like-minded people - Large Outdoors is all about making outdoor adventures sociable.
Pre-event support from the Large Outdoors team - give us a shout if there’s any advice or information you need and check out our Blog for useful articles too.
Not included:
Travel to and from the meeting location.
Any food, drinks or goods you choose to purchase at any shops, restaurant, pubs or cafés visited.
Travel/activity insurance - we recommend having insurance to cover, at a minimum: cancellation and curtailment; medical and emergency expenses (including repatriation); personal accident; injury and death.
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Please see our General (Walking) Kit List.
The compulsory items are selected for your safety, which is of paramount importance to us at Large Outdoors. Each participant should be carrying the items listed.
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• What level of fitness is needed?
This trip is rated as Active Plus and you certainly need to be capable of managing ascent and descent - you’ll be summiting England’s highest mountain after all! You’ll be walking around 8.7 miles (14km) on the day, so ensure your training walks are an appropriate length and don’t forget to include some hills! Click here to see Large Outdoors’ Experience Levels.• Is there a time limit?
We generally allow up to 8 hours to complete the walk, which is adequate for the majority of participants. Our guides do their very best to accommodate the speed of the group they are leading, whilst providing the encouragement needed to complete the challenge. Most groups complete this walk in 6-8 hours.• Can I buy food/drink on the walk?
There are no stops for water refills or food along the route, so you should bring sufficient water (at least 2-3 litres per person) and plenty of food.• Is there a toilet?
There are public toilets near the meeting location at Seathwaite Farm (but these are independently operated, so we can’t guarantee availability).• Can I attend on my own?
Absolutely. The majority of our participants are solo travellers and adventurers. Plenty of fun, laughter and numerous long-term friendships (and a few marriages!) have begun on Large Outdoors experiences since 2008, so there’s no need to feel worried about your first experience, or indeed trying a new type of outdoor activity, with us.• What transport is provided during this trip?
We do not provide any transport for this experience.• Can I bring my dog?
Dogs are not allowed on this experience, except for trained assistance dogs. If you wish to bring your trained assistance dog, please let us know in advance of booking so we can discuss the itinerary and any activity/equipment, and of course additional safety requirements or considerations that may be necessary.
Fancy this as your charity challenge?
Why walk with a guide?
Walking with a guide is an enjoyable, inspiring experience that helps you get the most out of your adventures.
Tackling a mountain isn’t something many of us do often, so we always recommend doing so with an experienced, qualified guide.
Why?
Well, our guides are expert navigators with in-depth knowledge of the routes. They understand the weather conditions and can decide the safest course of action should the weather change. Our guides are first-aid certified and know how to handle unexpected emergency situations.
Our guides will pace the walk, helping you travel at a comfortable pace while providing encouragement.
