Scafell Pike – Second Summit of the Crown of Europe
The day after summiting Slieve Donard, I flew into Manchester to keep the momentum going. After landing, I picked up a rental car — and scored a nearly brand-new Volvo XC60 for just £16. Not bad, right?
From there, I set off toward England’s highest mountain: Scafell Pike. The 3-hour drive from Manchester to Wasdale was an adventure on its own. The route took me through stunning stretches of the Lake District National Park, full of winding roads, dramatic valleys, and stone-wall-lined lanes. It felt like driving through a postcard.
Starting the Climb
I arrived at Wasdale Head, where there’s convenient parking close to the trailhead. The rain had already started to fall lightly, but the trail was in excellent condition. Well-maintained and clearly marked, it’s a popular and well-trodden path — and for good reason.
Even though I wasn’t pushing for time, I managed to reach the summit in 1 hour and 10 minutes, which was surprisingly quick. The path rises steeply at times but remains steady and manageable for most hikers in decent shape.
At the Top
Unfortunately, the views were taken by the fog. The summit was completely clouded in, adding a moody, almost mysterious atmosphere to the experience. And while it was rainy at the base and foggy at the top, the trail itself was a pleasure to hike — clean, well-kept, and surrounded by dramatic landscapes.
Despite the weather, the energy of the area made it special. There’s something raw and real about Scafell Pike, especially when the mist wraps around the rocks and cairns.
Trail Details and My Route
I’ve uploaded some photos and the Strava route, so you can check out the trail profile, time, and distance. It’s a relatively short but rewarding climb, and the surrounding nature is absolutely worth the trip.
Helpful Links for Scafell Pike
- 🔗 Scafell Pike – Wasdale Route Guide ‑ WalkLakes
Shortest and easiest route to the summit, detailed guide with maps, distance (9.4 km round trip), and ascent info - 🔗 National Trust – Climbing Scafell Pike via Wasdale
Official info on parking, route via Hollow Stones, and safety advice - 🔗 Scafell Pike from Wasdale – WalkUpScafellPike.co.uk
Practical route instructions, including tricky sections like Brown Tongue and Lingmell Col - 🌦️ Mountain-Forecast.com – Scafell Pike (978 m)
Detailed summit weather, including wind and precipitation - 🌤️ Met Office – Lake District Mountain Forecast
Hour-by-hour conditions ideal for planning summit attempts - 🔗 Quick Guide to Routes – Climb Scafell Pike
Breakdown of four main ascent routes: Wasdale Head, Corridor, Eskdale, Langdale
Wrapping Up
Climbing Scafell Pike was the second peak in my Crown of Europe journey. Though the summit was hidden in fog, the trail, the drive, and the energy of the Lake District made it unforgettable. Another summit ticked off — and many more ahead.
