Map & Elevation
About this Route
Scafell Pike (978 m) is England's highest mountain. This GPX follows the direct Hollowstones route from the National Trust's Lake Head car park beside Wasdale campsite—not from the village by the Wasdale Head Inn. The GPX's authoritative OS metadata records 8.3 km and 907 m of ascent for the out-and-back walk.
Follow Lingmell Gill, cross the beck and climb Brown Tongue to the path split at NY 201 072. Take the left-hand path through Hollowstones, then use the critical junction above Lingmell Col for the final rocky ascent. Poor visibility, high water and winter conditions can make this route serious despite its direct line.
The summit is only the halfway point. On descent, the junction above Lingmell Col must be recognised from the opposite direction before you drop into Hollowstones. Piers Gill is a deep ravine and not a descent route; keep it well to the correct side of the line. Wasdale has limited road access and the car park is frequently full, so check current National Trust parking and bus information before travelling rather than relying on roadside space.
"This route is the most direct way to the top of Scafell Pike."
National Trust
Route Waypoints
Leave from the back of the National Trust car park beside Wasdale campsite. Bear left on the waymarked path and follow Lingmell Gill upstream, keeping the beck on your right.
Cross the beck at about 300 m elevation and continue on the stone-pitched path. If the water is high or rising, turn back; a crossing that is possible uphill may be unsafe on the return.
At NY 201 072, take the left-hand path into the rocky Hollowstones basin. This is the National Trust route followed by the GPX; the old instruction to keep right was incorrect.
At NY 210 076, continue straight ahead on the wider climbing line. Memorise or photograph this junction because choosing the wrong line on descent can lead towards dangerous ground above Piers Gill.
Reach England's highest point, marked by the summit cairn and war memorial. In poor visibility, take time to identify the correct north-west descent before leaving the summit.
Return through the boulder-strewn basin and identify the original path split. Do not follow cairns drawing north towards Lingmell or Piers Gill.
Reassess the beck before crossing. Rain higher on Scafell Pike can raise the water even when the outward crossing was easy.
Retrace the GPX through Hollowstones and across Lingmell Gill to the car park. Reassess the beck before crossing if rain has fallen during the climb.
Essential Tips
At the split at NY 201 072, the correct GPX and National Trust route takes the left-hand path through Hollowstones. Do not follow the previous guide instruction to keep right.
The GPX-based planning estimate is 3 hr 10 min, while the National Trust lists about 5 hours for its route. Start early, allow extra time for weather and navigation, and do not treat the estimate as a target.
The route is steep and rugged, with stone pitching, loose rock and boulders. Wear footwear with secure grip and carry layers, waterproofs, food, water and a head torch.
For the Wasdale descent, the National Trust advises 310° for 100 m from beside the summit trig point, then 290° towards the cairns; the path then veers after about 60 m. Carry a map and compass and know how to use them.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is this Scafell Pike via Wasdale route?
The GPX metadata records 8.3 km and 907 m of ascent, with a Naismith planning estimate of 3 hr 10 min. The National Trust lists about 5 hours for its Hollowstones route.
Where does this Scafell Pike route start?
It starts at the National Trust Lake Head car park beside Wasdale campsite, at grid reference NY 183 075—not at the Wasdale Head Inn or village.
Which path should I take at the Hollowstones split?
At NY 201 072, take the left-hand path through Hollowstones, as shown by this GPX and the National Trust route. Remember the later junction above Lingmell Col for your descent.