At 978 metres (3209ft) Scafell Pike is the highest mountain in England. The summit was donated to the National Trust in 1919 by Lord Leconfield in memory of the men of the Lakes who lost their lives in the Great War and has an extensive view ranging from the Mourne Mountains to Snowdonia.
The easiest ascent comes up from Wasdale Head, but since this valley is rather remote it is more often climbed from Langdale or Borrowdale. Scafell is challenging, with rocky and rugged paths which become very steep and unrelenting towards the top, there is a short scramble up the north ridge to the summit and poor visibility due to rain or mist can make the mountain dangerous, with exposed cliffs, crags and gullies often proving difficult for the in-experienced or ill equipped. A beautiful mountain, Scafell is a wonderful climb and one of the mountains included in the popular ‘National Three Peaks Challenge’.
