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Scafell Pike

At 978 metres (3,209 feet), Scafell Pike is the highest mountain in England. It is located in the Lake District National Park in Cumbria.

Statistics

Statistic Information
Elevation 978 m (3,209 ft)
Location Cumbria, England
Coordinates 54°27'15.2"N 3°12'41.5"W
OS Grid Reference NY215072

Campsite

Scafell Pike is reached from a little place called Wasdale Head located in the West of the Lake District. We'll be staying at the Barn Door Shop or alternatively the Wasdale National Trust campsite. I think the Barn Door Shop at the Wasdale Head Inn is probably more hospitable as we can get some food there on the Friday night after we drive down from Scotland.

The Walk

Estimates suggest that to climb to the peak of Scafell Pike, it should take no longer than 2 hours and 30 minutes, the descent clocks in at about 1 hour and 30 minutes.

I have produced a map that can be viewed which shows the route from the Wasdale Head Inn. You will notice there is another camp site further south which belongs to the National Trust.

Directions

From the South

  1. Leave the M6 at junction 36, then merge onto the A590 (signposted Barrow, A590, Windermere, Kendal, A591).
  2. Continue along the A590, following signs for Barrow.
  3. Turn right onto the A5092 (signposted Workington, Whitehaven).
  4. Continue forward onto the A595 and follow signs to Workington.
  5. Go past Ravenglass and after a couple of miles, just before an Esso Garage, turn right towards Santon Bridge.
  6. Make your way to Santon Bridge and at the end of the road turn left.
  7. After 50 yards turn right (signposted to Wasdale).
  8. Follow this road for 5 minutes and after you have passed over a bridge, turn right and right again (signposted to Wasdale Head).
  9. Continue along this road and you will eventually reach the Wasdale Head Inn.

Estimated journey time from Solihull is approximately 4 hours and 15 minutes.

From the North

  1. Leave the M6 at junction 44, branch left, then at Greymoorhill Roundabout take the 4th exit onto the A7 (signposted Carlisle).
  2. At Hardwicke Circus Roundabout take the 4th exit onto the A595 (signposted Workington).
  3. Continue along the A595 following signs to Barrow.
  4. A few miles after you have gone through Calder turn left at crossroads (signposted Gosforth).
  5. At mini-roundabout bear right (signposted Wasdale Head).
  6. Continue along this road, following signs to Wasdale and Wasdale Head. You will eventually reach the Wasdale Head Inn.

Estimated journey time from Fort William is approximately 5 hours and 45 minutes.