The best walks on and around Scafell Pike by Graham Uney

At 978m Scafell Pike is England’s highest mountain, and it is this enduring appeal that brings walkers from all over the UK to gain its summit. As such, being one of the National Three Peaks, it’s a busy mountain, certainly one of the busiest in the Lake District. Four valleys of Lakeland give a variety of starting points for the ascent of Scafell Pike – Wasdale, Borrowdale, Langdale, and Eskdale, and as a consequence there are walks here for everyone, from the most popular (and shortest) route up from Wasdale Head via Hollow Stones, to the classic Corridor Route from Borrowdale, and remote walks in truly wild country such as you’ll find in Eskdale. But there’s so much more to this region than Scafell Pike. Scores of other great mountains crowd around this central hub of the Lake District National Park, and while some of these are also very popular, many of them offer quiet days out in the fells. It’s true to say there’s also so much more to this region than mountains. You’ll find gorgeous riverside walks, ancient woods of oak, Herdwick sheep on the fellsides, sparkling upland tarns, and deep lakes in the valleys.

Best smaller hill – Middle Fell

Lots of people will disagree that this is the best, however Middle Fell gives a superb walk that can feel challenging, but is achievable by any walker. The route isn’t a huge track up a hill, but the path is there all the way, and the views back over the dark depths of Wasdale to the famous Wasdale Screes gives you plenty of reason to stop on your way up to take it all in. The summit is a fine rocky little knoll, and from here you get a brilliant view across the head of the valley right up Hollow Stones to the cirque of mountains with Lingmell on the left, Scafell Pike at the back of the horseshoe, and Sca Fell to the right. Absolutely magnificent.

Best views – Crinkle Crags and Bowfell

So many of the walks in this area could claim to give the best views. But when you’re talking about mountains you’ll always be spoilt for choice to pick a favourite view! I could so easily have picked the view northwards into Borrowdale from the summit of Great End, or towards Scafell Pike from Great Gable. Perhaps the more intimate and rocky splendour of the view to Scafell Pike from either Ill Crag or Broad Crag might be your number one view, or the huge sweeping buttresses of Scafell Crag as you descend from Lingmell Col into Hollow Stones. For me though, I think looking across at Sca Fell, Mickledore and Scafell Pike from anywhere on the ridge between Crinkle Crags and Bowfell and onwards to Esk Pike clinches it. In the foreground is all the beauty and wildness of Eskdale, with England’s rockiest, highest and grandest mountain range sprawled across the horizon. What’s not to like.

Best river walk – The Esk Gorge

Upper Eskdale is such a beautiful part of the Lake District. It has wildness, a sense of remoteness, and is encircled by the finest mountains in the area. A walk here will always be a delight, and even if you’re just going for a picnic, or a spot of swimming in the pools of the Esk Gorge you’ll be making lasting memories.

Shortest route to the summit of Scafell Pike – Wasdale via the Hollow Stones

Yes, this is by far the most popular route, and yes you will share the walk with scores, perhaps even hundreds of other walkers, but heading up into Hollow Stones from Wasdale will always feel exciting. It is the shortest way up and down our highest mountain, and does get called ‘The Tourist Route’ for that reason, but none of this should detract from the fact that this really is a brilliant walk. It’s short, but not easy. Being short means it’s going to be steep. There is a path, but there are also path junctions, and many people find themselves going the wrong way. Lots follow other people, who may also be going the wrong way! Go on a day of fine, clear weather, follow the route description in Mountain Walks Scafell Pike, take a map and compass, and you’ll have a fabulous time. This walk never disappoints.

Best lesser known walk – Seathwaite Fell

The routes up out of Borrowdale via Taylorgill Force to Styhead Tarn, or up Grains Gill and Ruddy Gill to Spinkling Tarn are always going to be popular with walkers, but unless you’re bagging the Wainwrights it’s unlikely that you’ll deviate off the path to gain the wonderful little summit of Seathwaite Fell. The actual summit is a proper little rocky outcrop, and there’s an additional lower summit (actually the Wainwright summit) that gives an amazing view straight down into the head of Borrowdale. Just sublime!

Most challenging route – The Full Traverse

For the average walker the Full Traverse is definitely the most challenging route. It takes in the summits of Great End, Ill Crag, Broad Crag, Scafell Pike and Sca Fell, and includes the famous rough scree shoot of Lord’s Rake. A day well spent among high mountains. For those looking for even longer challenges it is possible to link routes together, with the most obvious really big day being the Mosedale Horseshoe in reverse (starting on Yewbarrow, and going round to Pillar then down to the Black Sail Pass), then over Kirk Fell and Great Gable and down to Styhead Tarn. From there you pick up the Full Traverse and continue on up Great End, Ill Crag, Broad Crag, Scafell Pike and Sca Fell. This is a massive day, and not for mortals.