Hiking Scafell Pike To England’s Highest Peak

Firstly, the trailhead will need you to begin at Seathwaite.

This is almost two kilometres away from Seatoller and if you are driving here, you could easily park your car along the road or at the farm’s car park.

From Seathwaite, you would need to move south between the farm buildings until you see a track begin at the bottom of the valley.

You would walk on for about 1400m and go over an incredible arched stone bridge.

Once you’ve crossed the bridge, you should turn left to head up the valley.

This route should have you following along a stone wall that eventually reaches a well-defined trail. 

As you walk along, you would find a stream and a tiny wooden bridge.

At this point, you would have hiked about 2400m.

Cross the stream by using the bridge and keep going up the valley.

At this point, the river should be on your right-hand side. 

Eventually, you will reach a small high flat ground.

This is where you follow the path going left and down towards the Ruddy Gill Stream.

It will then begin ascending upwards again.

Around 365m later, the path will split in two.

You should follow along the right path to head up to the mountain pass, Esk Hause. 

At Esk Hause, there are multiple trails that lead off.

You should turn right and go uphill. Keep left and it should bring you up to Ill Crag.

From here, you should walk towards the boulder field.

In the boulder field, the cairns serve as a great direction out.

The terrain here is greatly uneven and slippery so be careful not to injure yourself.

Once out of the field, head right and walk towards Scafell Pike.

You’ll then descend a saddle before reaching the final incline to the peak. 

Head 410m upwards to reach the peak.

Here, you can take a break and admire the amazing view that you’re afforded.

Once you’re done, it’s time to head back down.

Walk past the viewing platform, keep north-west until you pass a small stone marker.

This will lead you downhill.

You should be seeing a path that continually heads downhill, this is your path. 

As you head downhill, you’ll come across the most amazing gorge.

Stay right as you see this and do not go down the faint left path.

Instead, you should continue on for a kilometre, at which you’ll have to briefly scramble uphill before going back downhill.

This is where you’ll be at a junction on top of a hill.

Here is where you head left and continue on for 275m.

This would bring you to another junction where there is an emergency stretcher box.

This is where you should turn right and follow the path down to Styhead Tarn.

If you need a break, here’s a good place for one! 

Finally, you should see a path beside Styhead Gill.

Take this path and follow on it until it splits up.

When it does split, keep right on the path.

Eventually, you will see a bridge to cross over to the opposite side of Styhead Gill.

You would recognise this bridge from when you were first ascending.

From here, go on down the valley on the right side of the stream.

After a while, you’ll be met with a rusted wire fence.

After a little more walking, you’ll see the same stone-arched bridge again.

This is where you turn left to be taken down a path back to your car.

And that’s it – you’ve completed Scafell Pike!