Scafell Pike via Hollow Stones route
This route is the most direct way to the top of Scafell Pike, England's highest mountain and war memorial. Although the route via Hollow Stones can be straightforward, it's a tough climb for most and you need to be prepared so as not to get lost and find yourself in need of rescue. Make sure you read our page on climbing Scafell Pike for tips on how to stay safe. Did you know that much of the montane habitat on your ascent is a SSSI? Help us to protect this fragile landscape by sticking to paths and taking your litter with you. Ready to go? Enjoy the challenge and the rewarding summit views across the spectacular Lake District fells and beyond.
Near to
WasdaleStart point
Lake Head National Trust car park, next to Wasdale campsite. Grid ref: NY183075.Trail information
Prepare for the climb
Please read the 'Climbing Scafell Pike' article at the end of this page. There will be challenges in any season: you might be met with high winds, rain, snow, extreme cold or poor visibility. Always check the mountain weather forecast before you set off and ensure that you have the right clothing and equipment and know how to use it. Bring a map, compass, plenty of warm layers, food and water.
Total stages: 8
Total stages: 8
Start point
Lake Head National Trust car park, next to Wasdale campsite. Grid ref: NY183075.
Stage 1
Head to the back of the car park and take the footpath out, bearing left to follow the waymarkers upstream.
Walking along the footpath towards the start of the climb. | © Melinda Gilhen-Baker Stage 2
Follow the path keeping the beck on your right. You will pass farmers fields filled with smiling Herdwick sheep and the views down to Wastwater behind you are worth a quick stop. You will eventually get to the river crossing (about 300m above sea level). When the beck is high, it can be very difficult to cross and please keep in mind that you may be able to cross it on the way up but find it impassable on the way back down if the rain is particularly bad. If the conditions are not looking great, consider heading back down, the mountain will be here another day.
Starting the climb with the beck rushing past | © Melinda Gilhen-Baker Stage 3
Cross the beck and follow the stone pitched path to continue your climb.
Lingmell Gill crossing at lower water levels. | © Liam Prior Stage 4
You will reach a split in the path at NY201 072 ( at about 504m above sea level). Take the left hand path which meanders through the rocky boulder field of Hollowstones. You will then zig-zag your way up to the final path junction at Lingmell col.
Hikers taking the left path towards Hollowstones at the first junction | © Melinda Gilhen-Baker Stage 5
The junction, just above Lingmell col at NY210 076 (777m above sea level) is a critical one for your descent so take a moment to memorize the site or take a photo. Once taken, follow the wider more obvious route that ascends straight ahead up the fell. From this point onwards the path to the summit becomes much more informal with scattered stones along the climb all the way to the top. There are some large stone cairns along the path but beware, people often build extra cairns which may not lead you in the right direction. Please do not build any more cairns as our Fix The Fells team will have to take them down.
Lingmell Col junction looking back down towards the descent, remember the path you took to come up! | © Liam Prior Stage 6
The summit cairn and memorial will mark your arrival to the summit. You did it! Take a moment to enjoy the view from England's tallest mountain, if of course your lucky enough to be out on a clear day.
Views from the top of Scafell Pike on a windy autumn day | © Melinda Gilhen-Baker Stage 7
The summit plateau of Scafell Pike can be challenging, especially in the mist, rain and wind that is most commonly found here. It is very easy to loose your bearings especially in the euphoria of making it to the top so please take a moment to stop, turn around and take a photo of the return route. If you do get disoriented, to descend back the way you came, take a bearing from next to the summit trig point of 310 degrees and walk for 100m. You will reach a cairn, then take a further bearing of 290 degrees and follow the cairns in this direction. (N.B. the path veers of this bearing after about 60m).
Stage 8
When you descend to the path junction above Lingmell Col (where you took the photo from step 5) make sure to take the left/straight ahead turn towards the North West. If missed, you may end up on the steep ground above Piers Gill where you will find a sign telling you to turn back. Having taken the correct path down, retrace your steps through Hollowstones, back across the beck and down to the valley floor while enjoying the views of Wastwater.
End point
Lake Head National Trust car park, next to Wasdale campsite. Grid ref: NY183075.
Trail map
Scafell Pike via Hollow Stones route map | © Crown copyright and database rights 2024 Ordnance Survey
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