Scafell 964 metres / Scafell Pike 978 metres

Scafell at a height of 964 metres (3,162 feet) is the second highest mountain in England after Scafell Pike, from which it is separated by the pass of Mickledore.

It was once believed that Sca Fell was the largest mountain in this part of the Lake District - it is more prominent in views from many directions than its higher neighbour - with the three apparently inferior peaks to the north (those now known as Scafell Pike, Ill Crag and Broad Crag) being known collectively as the "Pikes of Sca Fell".

Sca Fell stands between Wasdale in the west and upper Eskdale to the east. The highest part of the fell is a ridge running south from Mickledore as far as Slight Side, which is counted as a separate fell by most guidebooks. Scafell Crag, the massive north buttress of Sca Fell, is one of England's largest cliffs and has many famous rock climbs including early routes which heralded the dawn of British Rock Climbing.

Scafell Pike is the highest mountain in England and located in a commanding position in the Central Fells and stands at 978metres / 3209 ft with superb 360 degree views.

Scafell Pike is one huge pile of boulders set amidst the Volcanic belt of the southern Cumbrian Mountains and this surviving reminder of the mountain's turbulent past provides the roughest walking on this challenge.

Scafell Pike is one of a horseshoe of high fells, open to the south, which surrounds the head of Eskdale. It stands on the western side of the cirque with Sca Fell to the south and Great End to the north.

This ridge forms the watershed between Eskdale and Wasdale, which lies to the west.

Scafell Pike may surprise walkers with its rocky and rugged paths, becoming very steep and unrelenting towards the top. Lower paths are well defined and gentle, but don't be fooled into relaxing your navigation!

The Pike is very often covered by mist and the rocky plateau around the top can also disorientate the weary and tired walker especially in darkness or poor light.

Ascent Information

Choice of route is decided at the planning stage in consultation with the group and is based on general fitness level and the preferred challenge option A, B or C.

Options A and C - From Seathwaite Farm or Wasdale Head

Option B - From Seathwaite Farm only

• Start/Finish: Seathwaite Farm via Grains Gill and/or Corridor Route / Longest
• Start/Finish: Wasdale Head via Mickledore and Lingmell Col / Shortest
• Scafell Ascent/descent: via Mickledore Col and Foxes Tarn