Scafell Pike

This route to Scafell Pike from Wasdale Head is the most direct—and the most popular—way to reach the summit of England’s highest peak. Despite the relatively short distance, the hike packs a punch with a steep, rocky ascent and rugged mountain terrain that rewards with awe-inspiring views. The trail begins at the National Trust car park in Wasdale, a remote and stunning valley flanked by towering fells and Wast Water, England’s deepest lake. From the start, the path climbs steadily through the Brown Tongue and Hollow Stones area, winding between dramatic crags and scree slopes. The final push to the 978-meter (3,209 ft) summit is a boulder-strewn climb that demands good footing and some endurance, especially in poor weather. But at the top, on a clear day, you’re rewarded with panoramic views stretching across the Lake District, into Scotland, Wales, and even the Isle of Man. Scafell Pike is more than a peak—it's a pilgrimage for hillwalkers, a key part of the National Three Peaks Challenge, and a place of reflection, marked by a summit cairn that also serves as a war memorial.