Scafell Pike via Wasdale Head

The direct, steep, and iconic climb from Wasdale

Route Overview

The Wasdale route is the standard and most direct path to the summit of Scafell Pike. Beginning at the National Trust car park near the head of Wastwater, it starts with a gentle walk along Lingmell Gill before crossing the beck. The route immediately climbs steeply up 'Brown Tongue', a rough and rocky path between Lingmell Gill and Hollow Stones. As you reach Hollow Stones, the terrain becomes a boulder-strewn landscape. From here, you wind up towards Lingmell Col before making the final rocky push across large boulders to the summit cairn at 978m.

Travel & Getting There from London Victoria

By Train: Take Avanti West Coast from London Euston to Oxenholme Lake District. Due to Wasdale's extreme remote location with no direct public transit, hiring a car or pre-booking a taxi is required. (Station: London Euston to Oxenholme / Windermere, then Taxi / Hire Car, duration: 3h 45m train to Oxenholme + 1h 30m drive to Wasdale).

By Bus: Take National Express coach from Victoria to Carlisle/Whitehaven, connect on rural Stagecoach 6 to Gosforth, followed by a pre-booked local taxi into Wasdale Head. (7h 30m - 9h 00m from London Victoria)

By Car & Parking: Nearest car park is Lake Head National Trust Car Park, Wasdale Head (CA20 1EX). Drive time from London Victoria is approx 5h 45m - 6h 45m from London Victoria (308 miles via M1, M6 (J36), A590 & A595 to Wasdale Valley). From London Victoria, drive north on M1 and M6 to Junction 36. Follow A590 and A595 past Broughton-in-Furness to Gosforth, then take the narrow single-track road leading deep into Wasdale valley to the National Trust car park.

Trailside Cafes & Historic Country Pubs

Refreshment and dining stops located along or near the Scafell Pike via Wasdale Head trail:

• ☕ The Wasdale Head Inn: Traditional pub and refreshment stop for walkers.
• ☕ National Trust Wasdale Shop: Traditional pub and refreshment stop for walkers.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I travel to Scafell Pike via Wasdale Head from London?

Take Avanti West Coast from London Euston to Oxenholme Lake District. Due to Wasdale's extreme remote location with no direct public transit, hiring a car or pre-booking a taxi is required. (Station: London Euston to Oxenholme / Windermere, then Taxi / Hire Car, duration: 3h 45m train to Oxenholme + 1h 30m drive to Wasdale).

Where is the closest car park for Scafell Pike via Wasdale Head?

Nearest car park is Lake Head National Trust Car Park, Wasdale Head (CA20 1EX). Drive time from London Victoria is approx 5h 45m - 6h 45m from London Victoria (308 miles via M1, M6 (J36), A590 & A595 to Wasdale Valley). From London Victoria, drive north on M1 and M6 to Junction 36. Follow A590 and A595 past Broughton-in-Furness to Gosforth, then take the narrow single-track road leading deep into Wasdale valley to the National Trust car park.

How long is the hike and what is the terrain difficulty?

Scafell Pike via Wasdale Head covers 9.2 km (5.7 miles) with an estimated duration of 3.5 - 4 hours, graded as Challenging. Starts at Wasdale Head Car Park and finishes at Wasdale Head Car Park.