The lowest of the Three Peaks, even at 978 metres many teams will find Scafell Pike to be the most technically demanding peak, especially in darkness or poor weather.
 
Situated in the English Lake District, Scafell Pike and the surrounding area is rumoured to be the wettest place in England, and teams should not be surprised to encounter damp weather here when the other two peaks have glorious sunshine.

For all groups, this will be the second - or middle - mountain to be climbed as part of their 3 Peaks Challenge,  and for most, this may require some climbing or descending in the dark. This mountain can be very confusing in poor visability, and the advice for this climb is 'slow and steady'. Take time to ensure your navigation here is spot on.

Routes

The most popular routes to the summit of Scafell Pike for Three Peaks Challenge walkers are either from Wasdale Head, or from Seathwaite. Both have narrow roads with tricky access in anything larger than a standard size minibus, and can get very congested during summer weekends.

Scafell Pike from Wasdale Head

Park either at 'The Green' at Wasdale Head, or at the National Trust Car Park next to the campsite. Both become full during large events, even at 3am, and extra care should be taken to ensure you don't block any access for local, farm, or emergency vehicles.

From the car park at Wasdale Head, head south on the tarmac road to the style/gate and bridleway and footpath signs. Follow the footpath through a field to cross a river on the footbridge. Gentle uphill path right, to path junction at Lingmell Gill. Left uphill, through gate and continue uphill by the gill. Cross river and climb more steeply past Brown Tongue. Bear left on the main path here, across Hollow Stones to Lingmel Col. Bear right on final climb to the top.

Scafell Pike from Seathwaite

From parking in the lane at Seathwaite Farm, quietly go through the farm and follow the main path easily to Stockley Bridge. Cross the bridge and continue along the path into Styhead Gill, more steeply now. From the mountain rescue kit at Sty Head, bear left then turn right onto the Corridor Route, through the crags to Lingmell Col. Bear left here for the final climb to the top.

Walking Times

As a rough guide, you should be aiming to achieve
these times on the mountain:

From Wasdale : 2 hours climb, 2 hour descent.
From Seathwaite : 2.5 hours climb, 2.5 hours descent.

Three Peaks Challenge Training

As previously mentioned, Scafell Pike is often the most difficult mountain for Three Peaks Challenge teams due to darkness, poor visibility, and some confusing underfoot terrain..! It is well recommended that you pay a visit to this area in daylight conditions to familiarise yourself with the routes and possible problems which will be encountered. Merseyventure organise a number of basic navigation, safety and familiarisation courses aimed at organisers and team leaders. Click here for details.