Scafell Pike: Meaning (information, definition, explanation, facts)

At 978 m, Scafell Pike is the highest mountain in England. It is located within the Lake District National Park in Cumbria. It is sometimes confused with the neighbouring Sca Fell, to which it is connected by the pass of Mickledore. The name Pikes of Sca Fell was originally applied collectively to the peaks now known as Scafell Pike, Ill Crag and Broad Crag, which were considered subsidiary tops of Sca Fell. The contracted Scafell Pike originated as an error on an Ordnance Survey map, but is now standard.

The ascent of the Pike is most often attempted from Wasdale Head at the end of Wastwater, on the West face. On summer weekends, crowds of people can be found attempting this steep but straightforward walk.

A more taxing, but scenically far superior, approach is the so-called Corridor Route. Beginning at Seathwaite Farm at the end of Borrowdale, this proceeds via Styhead Tarn before joining the main route near the summit. The return journey can then be made along a high ridge, taking in any or all of the neighbouring summits of Broad Crag, Ill Crag, Great End, Allen Crags and Glaramara.

A further ascent may be made from Langdale. From Dungeon Ghyll, the route proceeds up alongside Rossett's Gill (which perhaps has a more fiercesome reputation than it deserves) and then onto Esk Hause before joining a rocky path to the summit. Energetic walkers can vary the return route by ascending Esk Pike and Bowfell from Esk Hause and then come down the Bowfell Band. The total distance is about 13 miles. Esk Hause is also accessible from Styhead Tarn, making another possible route for Seathwaite.

Scafell Pike is one of three British mountain climbed as part of the (National) Three Peaks Challenge.

Scafell Pike consists of igneous rock dating from the Ordovician period, and is geologically part of the Borrowdale Volcanics.