Scafell Pike from Langdale

Sam Roebuck

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There are easier ways to climb Scafell Pike, but this is one of the most scenically dramatic and interesting, as it gets in a lot of the height gain relatively early on in the walk.

Starting at Dungeon Ghyll in the shadow of the Langdale Pikes, we take the Cumbria Way along Langdale to the head of the valley. Here we leave the Cumbria Way and start the relentless climb up to Angle Tarn. After a slightly dispiriting descent, you'll want to rest by this tarn, in its beautiful setting beneath a couple of the Lake District's big-name peaks: Bow Fell and Esk Pike. Next on the agenda are a couple more climbs separated by another demoralising descent, up to a footpath junction known as Esk Hause and from there, yet more climbing to the first real scramble of the day - up to Ill Crag. Here the going really does get tough. Ill Crag is a broad ridge consisting mainly of boulder fields. Turning an ankle is a real risk, especially now that you're getting quite tired.

The boulder field doesn't let up as you drop to and then descend over, the shoulder of Broad Crag, finally to reach the bottom of the last climb up to Scafell Pike itself. Some good, steep scrambling now, though the feeling you're on the last leg should keep you going as soon (cloud base permitting) the summit cairn hoves into view.

Dog-owners, please note the presence of sheep and a couple of dog-unfriendly stiles on this walk. Also, small dogs are unlikely to appreciate the scrambles and boulder fields.

England - North England - Cumbria - Lake District - South East

Features

Great Views, Hills or Fells, Lake/Loch, Mountains, Pub, Public Transport, Restaurant, Waterfall

6/4/2008 - Andy Hicks

Completed this walk on the 26th May and enjoyed it very much. The views are very good and you can get some great pictures once you've climbed out of the Langdale valley :o) FYI: When I went up they are repairing the paths around the climb out of Langdale and the path up from Angle Tarn so it does make walking a little more interesting!