Map & Elevation
About this Route
This GPX traces a 17.4 km out-and-back from Lake Head car park to Scafell Pike via Sty Head and the Corridor Route, gaining 980 m. Head towards Wasdale Head and Burnthwaite, then follow the Sty Head path. From Sty Head, the Corridor Route traverses south-west beneath Great End and Broad Crag, crossing rough gullies and a short rocky downclimb before passing the head of Piers Gill and climbing towards Lingmell Col. From the col and upper slopes, turn south to south-east for the steep boulder-field ascent to Scafell Pike's 978 m summit. Retrace the GPX to return. This is a long, serious mountain route: never descend into Piers Gill, which is a major accident trap.
The Corridor Route is considerably longer and more complex than the direct Hollowstones line. Sty Head is an important decision point, followed by traversing paths, the Greta Gill rock step and the deep ground around Piers Gill. The rock step can be bypassed, but the safe option must be identified before committing. On descent, keep the Corridor Route junction separate from the direct Wasdale path and allow enough daylight for the long return past Sty Head.
Whichever route you take, Scafell Pike is a tough, steep hike.
National Trust
Route Waypoints
Start at the National Trust Lake Head car park in Wasdale. Leave towards Wasdale Head and Burnthwaite, then join the signed path climbing east towards Sty Head; do not take the direct Brown Tongue and Hollow Stones route.
At the pass and stretcher box, identify the Corridor Route heading south-west beneath Great End. Check the GPX carefully in cloud: this route does not climb to Esk Hause or drop towards Borrowdale.
The high traverse crosses broken ground and includes a short rocky downclimb into a ravine below Great End. Take care on wet rock and allow others space; this is the route's most awkward step.
Follow the Corridor Route across the head of Piers Gill and uphill towards Lingmell Col. Never follow the gill downhill: its deep ravine contains vertical drops and is a frequent mountain-rescue accident location.
Climb south to south-east over steep, loose boulders to the 978 m summit and war-memorial cairn. In mist, take a bearing before leaving the summit and use the GPX to regain the Corridor Route rather than drifting towards Mickledore or Broad Crag.
Reverse the rock step or use its recognised bypass, then continue along the Corridor Route. Do not descend beside Piers Gill.
Regain the stretcher box and main pass. Follow the Wasdale path west for the long descent to Lake Head.
Reverse the same GPX via Lingmell Col, the Corridor Route and Sty Head. At the head of Piers Gill keep south-west over Lingmell Col; do not descend the inviting-looking gill line. Finish back at Lake Head car park.
Essential Tips
The Corridor Route crosses the head of Piers Gill. Never enter or descend the ravine: it steepens into vertical rock pitches. If disoriented, stop, relocate with map, compass and GPX, and retrace to known ground.
A short downclimb at Greta Gill and rough, narrow traversing ground require confident footing. It is not a technical climbing route, but wet rock, ice or strong wind can make the step substantially harder.
The boulder field and cairned paths are confusing in cloud. Carry OS Explorer OL6 and OL4 plus a compass, save the GPX offline and record a return bearing. Do not rely on phone signal; coverage is poor in much of Wasdale.
Carry waterproofs, warm layers, food, water, a headtorch and emergency kit. Scafell Pike can be cold, wet and windy even when the valley is calm, and the return over the Corridor Route remains demanding on tired legs.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is the Scafell Pike Corridor Route from Wasdale?
The supplied GPX is 17.4 km with 980 m of ascent. TrailTrack's pace estimate is 5 hours 7 minutes, but allow extra time for rough ground, navigation, weather and breaks.
How difficult is the Corridor Route to Scafell Pike?
It is a strenuous mountain walk with rough traversing, a short rocky downclimb, loose summit boulders and serious navigation in cloud. Never descend into Piers Gill, which contains vertical drops.
Where does this route start and which OS maps cover it?
It starts at Lake Head National Trust car park in Wasdale, grid reference NY 182 075. Carry OS Explorer OL6 and OL4, plus a compass and an offline copy of the GPX.