The three highest peaks in the UK are Ben Nevis, Snowdon and Scafell Pike. Scafell Pike stands 978 metres high (3,208 ft) and is the highest mountain in England. It is situated in the beautiful Lake District.

Scafell Pike is not as popular a walk as Ben Nevis or Snowdon – simply as it’s not so well known. But the views are spectacular and it is a good challenging climb, and certainly a great achievement once you reach the summit. Out of the three mountains Scafell Pike might be the lowest, but in my opinion is the most arduous climb. There are two main routes – one starting from the Wasdale Head Inn, and the other (longer, but with breathtaking views) starting from Seathwaite in Borrowdale.

This is one mountain where a map and compass (or GPS) is essential. There are a number of paths criss crossing the mountain, and it is easy to miss the path you came up on, despite the marker cairns, and take a path which leads you to a dead end or crag. It’s easy enough in good weather, but if the mist comes down (which it can with alarming speed even on what first looked like a brilliant summer day) you can get hopelessly lost very quickly. In the 19th century tourists did not use maps to find their way, but employed local guides to take them up the peaks. Although you won’t find many locals willing to show you the way for a few pence nowadays, the Wasdale Mountain Rescue Service are well used to rescuing people who started out ill prepared for the mountain, but they’d really much prefer you to be able to look after yourself!

A useful piece of equipment to take with you is a walking pole, or poles. The way is often across boulders, and the extra support helps balance you across the boulders. As with any mountain you should also have very sturdy, well fitting footwear. The boulders mean that it’s not an ideal place to take a dog with you – particularly the bigger breeds can have difficulty with the going underfoot.

Scafell Pike is a deceptive mountain – unlike Snowdon and Ben Nevis

which are steady climbs continuously upwards, the walk up Scafell Pike is up, and then down again. When you eventually see the summit it is from the top of a lower peak, and you have to descend, and then climb up again! So you can’t relax at the top thinking it’s all downhill home again, as you have a minor climb to go again first.

This is definitely a mountain where you’ll need to take drink and snacks with you – unlike Snowdon there is no cafe at the top, and you’ll need something to boost up your energy along the way. But you can take a break whenever you want and take some time to look at the breathtaking views. Make sure you take your camera – the light and pattern of the sun through the clouds can make for the most spectacular photo opportunities.

Trish Haill has a wide range of interests. With a degree in Psychology and many years experience as a Manager leading on Business Transformation and Change, Trish enjoys relaxing by researching a wide range of subjects and writing about her interests for others to share. Serious Walks for Novice Walkers has more information about climbing Ben Nevis, Snowdon and Scafell Pike, and true life tales from walkers.

Trish Haill has a wide range of interests. With a degree in Psychology and many years experience as a Manager leading on Business Transformation and Change, Trish enjoys relaxing by researching a wide range of subjects and writing about her interests for others to share. http://www.mountainwalk.co.uk has more information about climbing Ben Nevis, Snowdon and Scafell Pike, and true life tales from walkers.

Author Bio: Trish Haill has a wide range of interests. With a degree in Psychology and many years experience as a Manager leading on Business Transformation and Change, Trish enjoys relaxing by researching a wide range of subjects and writing about her interests for others to share. Serious Walks for Novice Walkers has more information about climbing Ben Nevis, Snowdon and Scafell Pike, and true life tales from walkers.

Category: Travel
Keywords: scafell pike, novice walkers, highest mountain in england