It was a cold Easter day when I set off on a 8-mile hike up to the tallest mountain in England.
My hike took me past the Lingmell Wainwright at 807m before travelling along the Scafell Pike Corridor Route.
I started the hike from the Wasdale National Trust Car Park and followed a circular route along Lingmell Gill, before joining the last section of the Scafell Pike Corridor Route.

There was even a few inches of snow on the Scafell Pike summit which made the experience even more special as it was the last of the UK 3 peaks to bag, having bagged Ben Nevis and Mount Snowdon in previous years.

The view from the top of Scafell Pike was great and I was able to see the surrounding mountain ranges clearly. It was amazing to think I was at the highest place in England at 978m.

I descended back down the Scafell Pike Corridor Route before hiking alongside Lingmell Beck for the final couple of miles.

There is nothing more enjoyable than hiking in the hills to clear the mind and lift the soul. Being at one with nature grounds me and makes me grateful to be a small part of this beautiful planet.

Scafell Pike Corridor Route Video

Scafell Pike History and Geology

Towering at 978 metres above sea level, Scafell Pike reigns as England’s highest peak. But this monumental landform is more than just a point on a map or a challenge for avid hikers. Its geological makeup and historical significance offer a fascinating narrative that stretches over hundreds of millions of years.

Formation

Scafell Pike’s story begins in a period known as the Ordovician Era, nearly 450 million years ago. The area that is now the Lake District was submerged under an ancient ocean. Over time, sedimentary layers built up, and these were subsequently altered by heat and pressure to form metamorphic rocks, such as the Skiddaw slates that are prevalent in the northern Lake District.

However, the Scafell Pike area is primarily composed of a type of rock known as Borrowdale Volcanic Group, a collection of lavas, tuffs, and volcaniclastic sediments. These were laid down in violent volcanic eruptions about 450 million years ago.

Glacial Activity

Fast forward to around two million years ago, and the Quaternary glaciations began. These glaciers sculpted the landscape, carving out valleys and sharpening ridges. The features we see today, such as the craggy outlines and scree slopes, are the product of extensive glacial erosion and subsequent weathering.

Ancient Footsteps

The first humans to wander the slopes of Scafell Pike were likely nomadic hunters during the Mesolithic period. Although no definitive archaeological evidence has been found on the mountain itself, nearby sites offer clues to human activity in the area.

The Modern Era

The mountain became particularly notable in the 19th century, thanks to the advent of leisure tourism. It gained prominence as part of the “Three Peaks Challenge,” where adventurous souls attempt to climb the highest peaks of England, Scotland, and Wales within 24 hours.

Scafell Pike has also played a role in the world of literature. The area inspired poets like William Wordsworth and Samuel Taylor Coleridge, whose works have immortalised the Lake District in the annals of English literature.

Conservation Efforts

In 1919, Scafell Pike was donated to the National Trust as a war memorial “in perpetual memory of the men of the Lake District who fell for God and King, for freedom, peace, and right in the Great War.” Today, it’s part of the Lake District National Park, which strives to maintain the balance between conservation and public access.

Scafell Pike is not just England’s highest peak; it is a testament to the power of natural forces and a window into England’s geological and cultural history. Whether you are an avid geologist, a history buff, or simply someone who appreciates the majesty of natural landscapes, Scafell Pike has something to offer you.

Route:

If you want to do this hike, you can find the route I took here

You can print the route or download the Outdoor Active app on your phone and follow the route on your phone. Remember to fully charge your phone before setting off.

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