Wasdale Routes to Scafell Pike

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Wasdale Head to Scafell Pike

Of all the routes to the summit of Scafell Pike, the two routes from Wasdale Head via Lingmell Gill are the most direct, and hence the quickest, to the summit.

Scafell Pike via Lingmell Gill and Lingmell Col

7 mile round trip.

This route starts from the free car park at Wasdale Head. It begins by heading south, skirting the lower slopes of Lingmell until it meets Lingmell Gill. Here it joins with another path from Wasdale Head going East alongside the Gill before crossing to Brown Tongue. The path then ascends to Hollow Stones and Lingmell Col. From Lingmell Col the path rises to the summit of Scafell Pike.

Lingmell Col with Lingmell itself just behind. From Lingmell Col the route makes the ascent to Scafell Pike. Photograph by Ann Bowker.

Scafell Pike via Lingmell Gill and Mickledore

This route is a 7 mile round trip.

This route also starts from the free car park at Wasdale Head. It begins by heading south, skirting the lower slopes of Lingmell until it meets Lingmell Gill. Here it joins with another path from Wasdale Head going East alongside the Gill before crossing to Brown Tongue. Here the route departs from the main path to climb to Mickledore, a ridge which joins Scafell with Scafell Pike. Wainwright notes that here is an excellent vantage point to view the spectacular cliffs of Broad Stand. From here the route heads north west west to the summit of Scafell Pike.

Looking down from the summit of Scafell Pike to Mickledore with the cliffs of Broad Stand towering behind. Referring to the impressive crags around this area Wainwright notes ... "The ridge of Mickledore ... is the best place in Lakeland for viewing the vertical from the comfort and saftey of the horizontal". Wainwright (1960) The Southern Fells. Photograph by Ann Bowker.

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