National 3 Peaks Route up Scafell Pike

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National 3 Peaks Route up Scafell Pike

By Dave Roberts   

on February 23, 2023   5/5 (1)

Posted in National 3 Peaks Planning

National 3 Peaks Route up Scafell Pike

Further Details

Route Summary:

There are a number of walks up Scafell Pike, which one’s the best for the National 3 Peaks?

Start and Finish: Various - depending on the route chosen

Distance: Various

Ascent: Depending on route

Time: Depending on route

Timings are approximate and depend on the individual. Calculate the time using Naismith’s Rule and factor in your own pace.

Facilities:

Hazards:

Public Transport:

Parking: 

Post Code for Sat Nav: Depending on route

Weather Forecast:

Met Office Lake Distrct Mountain Weather

Recommended Guidebooks:

Recommended Maps:   

National 3 Peaks Route up Scafell Pike Ordnance Survey Map and GPX File Download

Download file for GPS

National 3 Peaks Route up Scafell Pike

Scafell pike is the highest mountain in England at 978m in height and is the second peak on the National 3 Peak Challenge – unless you’ve got some really strange ideas! It is usually ascended from Wasdale, while other ascents from Borrowdale / Seathwaite and Langdale are quicker by road and so reduces travel time between all peaks, they’re significantly tougher propositions as well!

Here’s our rundown of the Scafell Pike section of the National 3 peaks challenge, outlining all the options. Click on the route title for more details.

Scafell Pike from Wasdale

Why the Wasdale Path is Good for the three peaks Challenge

Choosing the Wasdale Path for the Scafell Pike leg of your 3 peaks challenge is the sensible option. It’s the quickest, shortest and most popular route. There’s a large car park at the beginning as well. There’s a catering cabin at the car park as well, so breakfast baps all round!

Why the Wasdale Path is not so Good for the three peaks Challenge

Everyone and their dog seems to do this path. Minibuses clogging up the narrow lanes approaching Wasdale Head are the bane of locals.

Verdict: Why buck the trend? Quickest and shortest Scafell Pike 3 peak route.

Scafell Pike National 3 peaks route from Wasdale

Scafell Pike from Seathwaite / Borrowdale

Why the corridor route from Seathwaite is Good for the three peaks Challenge

The Corridor route from Seathwaite up Scafell Pike is a longer route through varying and spectacular terrain. There’s also a bit of scrambling to boot. It’ll cut travel time significantly, as Seathwaite is 4hrs 55mins from Fort William, while Wasdale is 5hrs 35 and Wasdale to Pen y Pass is 4hrs 23 mins but only 4 hours from Seathwaite. Seathwaite saves a potential hour on the road.

Why the corridor route from Seathwaite is not so Good for the three peaks Challenge

At 15km, it’s a good 5km longer. So that hour saved on the road will be lost!

Verdict: The scenic route, as well as the slightly longer route.

Seathwaite Corridor Route as a Scafell Pike National 3 Peak Route

Scafell Pike from Langdale

Why the approach from Langdale is Good for the three peaks Challenge

It’s a proper mountain day out, not a simple up and down! It’s 5hrs 15min from Fort William and only 3 hours 35minutes from Pen y Pass, so you’ll shave some time from the road trip.

Why the approach from Langdale is not so Good for the three peaks Challenge

It’s waaaay too long at 18km, and involves too many other summits in between.

Verdict: The longest three peak route up Scafell Pike is only for those who want to get some distance in!Scafell Pike National 3 Peak Route Langdale

Scafell Pike from Hardknott Pass

Why the southern approach is Good for the three peaks Challenge

You’ll miss the crowds, as well as avoiding the parking issues that you may encounter in Wasdale.

Why the southern approach is not so Good for the three peaks Challenge

It’s still 5hrs 3o mins from Fort William, similar to Wasdale, and 3 hours 50mins from Pen y Pass – about half an hour shorter than Wasdale. It’s also a lengthy approach as a 17km round trip.

Verdict: The option for those who absolutely do not want to see many other people on their walk.Scafell Pike from Eskdale National 3 Peaks Route

Find out all about Scafell Pike on Walk up Scafell Pike – our website dedicated to England’s Highest mountain.

 

 

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Dave Roberts

Dave Roberts founded Walk Eryri in 2004, with the aim of providing routes that are off the beaten track. Walk Eryri is now part of Mud and Routes which continues to provide more off beat routes and walks in Snowdonia and beyond. Dave has been exploring the hills of Eryri for over thirty years, and is a qualified Mountain Leader. Dave also established Walk up Snowdon, Walk up Scafell Pike and Walk up Ben Nevis just to mention a few.

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