Climb Scafell Pike

What it's like

Scafell Pike is England's highest mountain, 978 metres (about 3,209 feet) high, and also a war memorial. Around 250,000 people climb it each year, and the National Trust says the numbers in recent years have put the local mountain rescue teams under extreme pressure.

The shortest way up is from Wasdale, starting at the National Trust's Lake Head car park beside the Wasdale campsite. The path follows Lingmell Gill upstream, crosses the beck at about 300 metres, climbs a stone-pitched path, then goes through the boulder field of Hollow Stones and zigzags up to the col below Lingmell. Above that the path is informal, over boulders, to the summit cairn. The Trust calls it a tough, steep hike with scrambling over hard terrain.

How long it takes, and the other routes

These times come from Wasdale Mountain Rescue, which says to allow extra time in bad weather. The National Trust lists the Wasdale route as 3.5 miles (5.6 km) and about five hours.

The honest hard parts

The summit is likely to be 5 to 10 degrees colder than the valley, and strong winds, severe windchill and even snow are possible all year. Snow is common high up from October to May. A warm, sunny start in the valley tells you little about the top.

Most trouble comes on the way down. From Wasdale, the junction at Lingmell Col (777 metres) is the key point: the National Trust suggests noting it or taking a photo on the way up. Miss it in cloud and you can end up on steep ground above Piers Gill, a canyon where there have been deaths. Wasdale Mountain Rescue also rescues several groups a year who come down into Eskdale by mistake, which leaves them hours from their car. Keep your group together: the team answers several 999 calls a year from groups that split up in mist.

What to wear and carry

• Walking boots with ankle support. The National Trust adds insulating layers, waterproofs, hat and gloves, even in summer.
• A map (OS Explorer OL6, Lake District South West) and a compass, and the skill to use them. You can borrow both at the Lake Head car park.
• A torch, a whistle, and a survival bag or small shelter.
• Food and plenty to drink.
• A charged phone, but do not rely on it: the signal is patchy and batteries fail in the cold.

Planning your day

Park in the car park and, if it is full, come back another day: the valley roads are narrow and roadside parking can block tractors and emergency vehicles. Share lifts where you can. Summer gives the best chance of good weather, and having a few days to choose from lets you pick a good forecast. Walk at the pace of the slowest person, tell someone your route and when you expect back, and be ready to turn round.