What Climbing Scafell Pike is Really Like

Scafell Pike. 978m of pure British 'mountain'.

The tallest peak in England, and one part of the Three Peaks Challenge (the climbing of Scafell Pike, Snowdon and Ben Nevis), it is located in the Lake District and attracts thousands of climbers every year.

When researching what is needed to climb Scafell Pike, I read a lot of blog posts that appear to express the dangers of climbing the mountain, and whilst mountaineering is very dangerous, it isn't as difficult as some of these posts claim.

NOW, I must admit here, I am of good fitness levels, I own appropriate walking shoes and have an unwaivering determination to out-do my siblings in any way shape or form. I would definitely consider myself a novice walker.

So I wanted to discuss my experience about what climbing Scafell Pike is really like.

Wasdale National Trust Car Park

Wasdale National Trust Car Park is the car park to use if you're looking to complete the short walk of Scafell Pike.

This does come with a hefty fee if you're not a National Trust member. I recommend acquiring a National Trust card from someone you know to save the pennies.

For members, it is unlimited free parking. It's a no brainer; find a National Trust card.

Length of Scafell Pike Walk

So to scale to the top of the mountain, it took my girlfriend and I (both of good fitness, despite my girlfriend having low-level asthma) 1 hour and 45 minutes. Again, we are both competitive and wanted to reach the top ASAP.

We walked past a lot of people and must emphasise that this isn't a race. The sense of accomplishment is more than enough.

On the way down, it took us 1 hour and 55 minutes. This also did cater for a photo shoot of idyllic views and rest stops for our knees. But overall, still a consistent time.

What Equipment We Took up Scafell Pike

When walking up Scafell Pike, we took with us some lunch, lunch boxes, 2L of water, sugary snacks (Maoam Pinballs are elite) and some fruit to not feel like total ass.

We packed this into a rucksack along with a jumper and a waterproof rain coat because it always rains in the Lake District.

On our feet, we had walking socks and proper walking shoes which is an absolute must on this walk. Although, we did see someone completing the walk in Doc Martens; she looked in pain, and that was just on the way up.

Invest in proper walking shoes and your ankles will thank you for the next week. These are the ones my girlfriend wore (not affiliate, it's my first post. Mountain Warehouse though, let's talk.): https://www.mountainwarehouse.com/hike-womens-waterproof-recycled-boots-p33373.aspx/teal/

Here is a list of the absolute, non-negotiables: lunch, water, a waterproof coat and appropriate walking shoes (that don't need to break the bank, but should be of sturdy quality).

The Scafell Pike Walk Itself

There are a lot of posts from hiking blogs on the internet that express the danger of walking to Scafell Pike. Now whilst there are multiple routes to take to the peak, the short one that most people will take is fairly harmless in terms of danger (the walk that starts from Wasdale Car Park).

Now when I say this, there are some steep edges, there is some rocky terrain and loose rock underfoot. But, some of them make it sound like after a certain altitude, there is no path and you have to use your compass, map and star navigation to reach the top.

Quite simply, there is a predominant path to follow for 95% of the way up, and where there is no path, just continue to walk in the direction that you are walking and you'll be just fine.

The walk that we did, that started from Wasdale National Trust Car Park, started off the opposite side to the entrance. Where you drive in, the walk starts at the other end. This took my girlfriend and I about 10 minutes to figure out, because we were so scared to get it wrong and face our so-called impending doom.

The stream, which contains some of the freshest water I've ever drunk, should start on your left. You'll then follow the path, walk over the stream and then funnily enough, follow the path with the stream on your right. You'll cross this again higher up the walk but with no bridge. You'll walk in the stream or on top of slippery rocks so step with a little bit of caution.

It is important to pace yourself and travel light but appropriately. Carrying two glass lunch boxes filled with food and a 2L bottle of water and the hoodie and the waterproof coat and it felt like I carried an extra 10kg.

What I can say is that with some careful treading, the stream is free to refill your bottle so a larger bottle may not be necessary, but I'm a sucker for hydration.

Continuing on the walk, in all honesty, there will be people there (unless you're going at the crack of dawn) and you'll be able to get the jist of where you're going.

At the top, there is a World War 1 memorial and a lot of people sitting down, you'll figure out when you made it (and if in doubt, ask a fellow hiker and they may or may not be of help #BritishPeople).

Walking Conditions

Now, a lot of the hiking blogs are correct in saying that you must pick the right walking conditions. Walking in the rain will not be a good idea.

At the very least, the weather must be dry. The sunnier the day, the better your pictures will be. But just for walking purposes, if it is raining, you will get lost in the clouds towards the top and the path will be very slippery underfoot.

Jordan's Tip: The day must be dry.

Best Time of Day to Walk Scafell Pike

Park up in early-mid morning (we parked up at 9:30am) and this will increase your chance of scaling up and down in daylight, which will be crucial for novice walkers.

As mentioned, it took my girlfriend and I around 2 hours to go up and 2 hours to go down, so leave plenty of time.

We also noticed, that we beat a slight rush as on our way down, we saw that those on the way up were getting slightly congested, whereas we were as free as the very wind that nearly blew us off (joking).

Walking Scafell Pike

If you are serious about walking Scafell Pike, I must say that it isn't just any hill that you and your friends can go walk up. It does need to be respected and understand that preparation is key to making your ascent (and descent) of the mountain will make it a day of joyous memories instead of despair.

The best thing about this walk has to be the sense of accomplishment and certainly the views the mountain has to offer.

To commemorate your successful climb of Scafell Pike, purchase a Scafell Pike print and show off to your friends just how much of a badass you really are.