Can A Beginner Climb Scafell Pike?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

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Relatively easy path up

. Very rocky in the final part of the ascent. Nothing too tricky but went up in good weather. Wear some solid shoes!

How long does it take to climb up Scafell Pike?

Yes it is possible to climb Scafell Pike in a day. The length of time it takes will depend on which route you take, how fast you walk, how many times you stop for a break and the weather conditions. It usually takes

around 3-4 hours

to summit and return along the Wasdale route.

How long does it take to climb Scafell Pike up and down?

You should allow

at least 5 to 6 hours

even in very good weather. Allow extra time in bad weather as you will walk more slowly and the route will be harder to find. Experienced walkers might well do it in less time than this but if you haven’t got much experience on Lakeland fells then you are in for a hard day.

Can you climb Scafell Pike in trainers?

over a year ago. I did it in trainers but if i was you I would take a extra pair of socks because there’s a bit where you have to cross water. I’ve done the Yorkshire peaks in trainers so

as long as you have comfortable footwear with decent amount of grip on the bottom you will be fine

. Just take your time.

Is Scafell Pike harder than Snowdon?


Scafell Pike has the toughest section

, it’s very steep at the beginning, but the section is over relatively quick. Snowdon will feel harder when completing the three peaks in 24 hours.

Which is the hardest of the 3 Peaks?


Ben Nevis

is purportedly the hardest mountain (and highest peak) of the Three Peaks Challenge. That’s why people tend to do it first if they’re taking the 24 hour challenge.

How many miles is it to the top of Scafell Pike?

Route from Wasdale Head

The Wasdale Head route is

six miles

long, up and down, and includes 989 metres of ascent.

How hard is it to walk up Scafell Pike?

Scafell Pike Height and Difficulty


The walk is not technical in any way

and there isn’t even much scrambling, it’s certainly not as difficult as many walks in Lakeland such as the stunning Crinkle Crags and Bowfell. The track ascends 950m from Wasdale Head across 3 miles (5 km).

How fit do you need to be to climb Scafell Pike?

A.

Fitness shouldn’t be a problem if you’re prepared to put 4 or 5 hours in

– but – depending on route up/down make sure you have map and compass basics, as cloud can make the top plateau look all the same. A. Hi, yeah given that you have some experience in hill walking it is not totally out of your reach.

What is the nearest town to Scafell Pike?


Newcastle Airport

is the closest to Scafell Pike by road is just 118 miles away and has the UK, Mediterranean and European connections.

How fit do you have to be to climb Scafell Pike?

Many people climb these mountains on a whim – and there’s nothing wrong with that. It’s perfectly possible to reach the summit as long as you are

moderately fit

, but your legs will ache a bit more afterwards.

How long is Scafell walk?

Walk up Scafell Pike and Scafell

Height Gained – 1150 metres, Distance – 12 km, Time –

7-8 hours

.

What country is Scafell Pike in?

Scafell Pike is the highest mountain in

England

. It is located in the Lake District National Park in Cumbria.

What is the quickest route up Scafell Pike?


The route from Wastwater

is the quickest, Going up go to the right from Hollow Stones and up to the Ridge between the 2 mountains. The scree is steep, but exciting, then come down the other side down into Hollow Stones. there will be lots of people at the top, everyone seems to want to climb to the top of England.

What is needed for Scafell Pike?

All you need to carry is

1 litre of water max, some snacks such as nuts and chocolate, spare warm layer, waterproofs, good quality head torch, hat and gloves

. Put everything inside your rucksack in a plastic bag such as a thick heavy duty bin liner and this will keep things dry.

Do you need crampons for Scafell Pike?

The fells are still in full winter conditions and

even the Fell Top Assessors are still advising crampons and ice axes to be essential

!

What should I wear to climb Scafell Pike?

  • Lots of water.
  • A little first aid kit (paracetamol, savlon (antiseptic cream), blister plasters, tissues, mosquito repellent and after-bite, etc.)
  • Beanie hat, scarf and hand warmers.
  • Suncream.

Which is the easiest 3 Peaks?


Snowdon

is the easiest to climb making it a good peak for the final climb. The Nation Three Peaks Challenge is completed within 24 hours.

Which is harder Ben Nevis or Scafell Pike?

Overall the feedback I hear from clients completing the 3 peaks is that

Scafell Pike ‘feels’ harder than Ben Nevis

. However, doing this as you are, as stand alone mountains, you will likely find Scafell Pike easier than the Ben. Hope this is helpful and that you enjoy your time on Scafell Pike.

Can you do the 3 peaks for free?


There is no fixed cost for the challenge

, and you’re very welcome to arrange your own – there are no set fees.

What’s harder to climb Ben Nevis or Snowdon?

​Snowdon is 1085m high compared to Ben Nevis at 1345m high. If you start in Llanberis at 110m above sea level, the height gain is 990m and the distance is 7.3km each way. So,

Ben Nevis is about one third bigger than Snowdon if you walk the Llanberis path

. If Snowdon took you 6 hours, Ben Nevis will take you 8 hours.

How hard is it to do the 3 peaks in 24 hours?

90% of people complete all 3 peaks, however

only around 40% manage it in less than 24 hours with 50% achieving successful completion between 24 and 25.5 hours

. The chances of a whole group completing in less than 24 hours are not guaranteed although it does occur.

Can you climb Scafell Pike without a map?


You need a map

, the top of the Pike is fairly confusing and there are lots of paths as well as crags to fall off.

Can you camp on Scafell Pike?

Part of the popular Three Peaks Challenge, Scafell Pike acts as a constant draw for peak-baggers and outdoor lovers and as a result the area around it is surrounded by

excellent campsites and a few lovely glamping sites too

.

Can you climb Scafell Pike in March?


Yes. None of the routes up Scafell Pike are waymarked nor on well-made tracks for the entire way

. You will need to be able to navigate to reach the top (and get home again), particularly in anything but perfectly sunny weather.

Timothy Chehowski
Author
Timothy Chehowski
Timothy Chehowski is a travel writer and photographer with over 10 years of experience exploring the world. He has visited over 50 countries and has a passion for discovering off-the-beaten-path destinations and hidden gems. Juan's writing and photography have been featured in various travel publications.