Scafell Pike From Langdale: Everything You Need To Know (2023)
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Looking to hike Scafell Pike from Langdale? You’re in the right place! This blog post explains everything you need to know about hiking to the highest point in England on one of the most scenic and beautiful trails.
Reaching a height of over 3000ft, Scafell Pike is an adventurous, bucket-list and well-known hike in the Lake District, England. It’s tough, challenging and at times; relentless; but worth doing if you enjoy incredible views and the mental challenge of a must-do hike.
From the Scafell Pike hike difficulty, to whether you need a tour guide, how long it takes, where to go, what it’s like at the summit and what you need to pack, it’s all wrapped up in this 5000-word+ blog post.
So, let’s get started!
Check out my other Lake District posts:
- 9 Easy Walks in the Lake District (That Still Have Incredible Views)
- Wild Swimming in the Lake District: The Best Spots
- Where to Stay in the Lake District: An Area Guide
- Things To Do In Ambleside In The Rain: 10 EPIC Ideas!
Scafell Pike from Langdale Walk: A Summary
Scafell Pike can be climbed by anyone with moderate to good fitness, and the Scafell Pike from Langdale hike is one of the most scenic ways to reach the summit. It’s a longer duration than most other walks to Scafell Pike and is one that will need to be started early in the morning. The Scafell Pike from Langdale route takes you through:
- Mickleden Valley (along sheep farms and steep sides of the mountain range)
- Rossett Gill
- Angle Tarn
- Esk Hause
- Ill Cragg
Until you reach the summit of Scafell Pike at 978m. Once you pass Ill Cragg, the route becomes quite bumpy and challenging. The final ascent is a short but sharp scramble across boulders, but you do not need any specific equipment.
Scafell Pike from Langdale: Quick Facts
| Distance | 20km |
| Difficulty level | Moderate-challenging |
| Duration | 8-10 hours |
| Highest point | 978m (3208 ft) |
| Scrambling required? | Yes, but no specialist climbing equipment needed |
| Equipment needed | None, apart from an Ordnance Survey map (necessary as there are few signposts) |
| Facilities | None, the last toilets and refreshments are at the Old Dungeon Ghyll pub |
| Parking | A small pay-as-you-go car park at the Old Dungeon Ghyll pub |
| What to wear | Hiking clothes (a synthetic base layer, fleece, rain jacket and quick-drying leggings or shorts), a good pair of trainers or hiking boots, a hat and sunscreen |
| Wildlife | Sheep |
⚠️ You must carry an Ordnance Survey Map when climbing Scafell Pike. There will be times when the walk is not signposted. If the weather is bad, you can easily become lost. Always carry a physical map (Google Maps will not work!) and know how to read it accurately before you begin your ascent. ⚠️
Where to stay in the Lake District
If you’re starting your Scafell Pike from the Langdale hike early, you can actually stay at the exact hiking starting point; in the Old Dungeon Ghyll pub. ➡ You can check out rooms and prices here.
If you’re only staying in the Lake District for a few nights, I recommend staying in Ambleside. Ambleside is known as the ‘heart of the Lake District’, and is one of my personal favourite areas, as it’s within walking distance of Lake Windermere.
If you’re only visiting the Lake District briefly, it’s an easy way to see some of the quintessential grey slate buildings, traditional pubs, and modern Lake District restaurants.
- If you’re a solo traveller in Ambleside, I recommend staying in the YHA Hostel. It’s a short distance from the centre of Ambleside, and you’ll be able to meet other solo backpackers. ➡ BOOK THIS HOSTEL NOW!
- Want a cute and cosy cottage in Ambleside? Our favourite is Grayling Cottage. It’s just a one-minute walk from Ambleside town centre and is beautifully decorated. ➡ BOOK THIS COTTAGE NOW!
- For a luxurious one-night stay in Ambleside, check out The Ambleside Inn. It’s an 18th-century hotel which will give you a true ‘English countryside’ experience. ➡ BOOK THIS HOTEL NOW!
How do I get around the Lake District?
If you can, take a car to get around the Lake District. If you only have one day, you don’t want to be spending hours waiting for public transport. Don’t have a car? We rent our cars in the UK from this company. They’re reliable, cheap and have car rentals all over the world! ➡ LOOK AT CAR HIRE PRICES IN THE UK NOW!
However, if you haven’t got access to a car, exploring the Lake District in a day can still be done! The Lake District has amazing public transport (a lot better than some of the rest of the country), and you can whizz around on buses and boats. For more information about travelling around the Lake District without a car, you can check out my guide here.
➡ Need to hire a car in the Lake District? We rent our cars in the UK from this company. They’re reliable, cheap and have car rentals all over the world! 🚗 LOOK AT CAR HIRE PRICES IN THE UK NOW!
How long does it take to climb Scafell Pike from Langdale?
A round trip to Scafell Pike from Langdale will take a minimum of six to eight hours, even if you are an experienced hiker. With a lunch break, multiple stops and photo opportunities, we completed the Scafell Pike from Langdale hike in ten hours.
When you have finished walking through the Mickledon Valley, most of the hike is a steep, vertical ascent. There isn’t much respite, and you’ll find yourself walking both up and down parts of the hike, wondering if you’re at the summit yet! If your fitness levels are not too good, the hike may take even longer.
If you’re hiking Scafell Pike from Langdale for the first time, I recommend leaving early in the morning. Not only does this avoid ascending in the midday sun, but it gives you plenty of time to descend before sunset.
Parking for the Scafell Pike to Langdale walk
Parking for the Scafell Pike from Langdale route is at the Old Dungeon Ghyll pub. The relief when returning to your car and being greeted by a pub right next to it is unlike no other! Serving both food and drink, the Old Dungeon Ghyll Pub is well known by walkers in the Lake District, and it’s well worth staying for a pint of beer that is truly deserved after your hike!
Best time of year to hike Scafell Pike
You can hike Scafell Pike at any time of year, but truthfully, the weather cannot be guaranteed. However, hiking in the rainy, wet or cold season in the Lake District isn’t ideal, and hiking Scafell Pike in the snow would only be for advanced climbers. If you want to avoid the cold weather and rain as much as possible, hike in either spring, summer or autumn.
Can you walk Scafell Pike in trainers?
Scafell Pike is best climbed using hiking boots or trail runners. If you are travelling from overseas and don’t want to carry around big hiking boots, I recommend Hoka trail runners. I have taken these all over the world; from hiking volcanoes in Guatemala and long-distance trails in Colombia. They’re easy and small enough to fit into your bag and have the same grip as hiking boots.
What to bring on the Scafell Pike from Langdale hike
It’s essential that you wear and pack the right things when hiking Scafell Pike. If you’re planning on doing the Scafell Pike to Langdale hike, be sure to pack and wear:
- Ordnance Survey Map
- Comfortable active clothes (no cotton)
- Comfortable shoes (walking boots or trainers)
- Hiking trousers
- A warm hat and fleece
- A lightweight waterproof jacket
- At least 4.5L of water
- Snacks, suncream and sunglasses
- Toilet paper
- An umbrella
- A waterproof day bag
- A portable charger
- A GoPro for waterproof camera footage
- A waterproof backpack cover
- A chilly bottle to keep your water at a drinkable temperature
Where to start Scafell Pike from Langdale
The route to Scafell Pike from Langdale starts at the Old Dungeon Ghyll pub. ➡ View the location on Google maps here.
The Old Dungeon Ghyll pub has a car park for hikers, but if it is full, there are other car parks just a short distance away. Walk directly behind the Old Dungeon Ghyll pub to start, over a small bridge and onto a footpath through a gate (this is all signposted). From there, you will enter the Mickledon Valley and start your hike to Scafell Pike.
Want to stay at the Old Dungeon Ghyll pub? If you’re starting your hike early, it might be easier to actually stay close to the Scafell Pike from the Langdale starting point. ➡ You can check out rooms and prices here.
Scafell Pike from Langdale: Full Route Description
Part 1: Mickleden Valley
The first hour of the walk to Scafell Pike from Langdale is flat, and you’ll be surrounded by sheep and beautiful views of the mountainous valleys and Langdale Pikes.
After passing a footbridge, the steep uphill ascent begins. You’ll eventually reach the first of many “rock piles”, which will be the guide for your trip. Whilst there aren’t many signposts during your climb, there is one that directs to Esk Hause and Stake Pass. Take the path to Esk Hause.
The next part of the climb is easy, as there are rocks arranged into steps. The view from here is also stunning, and it’s worth stopping off for some photos.
Part 2: Angle Tarn
One of the highlights of the Langdale Route is Angle Tarn. It took us 2.5 hours to get to Angle Tarn from Mickledon Valley. Angle Tarn is a large body of icy cold water, which is actually a popular place for wild camping and swimming (it’s a great way to cool off after your first ascent).
Don’t be disheartened when you realise you’ve lost some height by descending a few times, as this happens quite often on this route! You’ll find yourself ascending, then descending, then ascending many times before reaching the summit.
Part 3: Esk Hause
A long winding path from Angle Tarn will lead you to your first ‘shelter’; Esk Hause. This is a good place to stop for lunch and take in some of the Lake District views. This is also where some of the other Scafell Pike paths meet, so you may see some new faces joining you from different directions.
Part 4: Ill Cragg
The next part of the hike to Scafell Pike from Langdale is the hardest, but you’re getting even closer to the summit! There are many paths zigzagging from Esk Hause, so be sure to use your map to check you are walking in the right direction. There are no signposts, so if you do not use your map, you could end up walking in the wrong direction.
After walking uphill, downhill, across, sideways and back up again for a while, you will reach the part of the climb that needs a little scrambling. If you have good balance, you may be able to scramble just using your feet, but most people used their hands as well. It’s a steep, uphill terrain with sharp boulders, jagged rocks and bumpy edges.
If the weather is bad, be sure to check your map and ensure you are walking in the right direction. This is where the weather can get really bad, and visibility may be low.
Part 5: The summit
The last section of the route to Scafell Pike from Langdale takes you over the narrowest ridge of the route. Once you’re over this, you’ll scramble up the most vertical and daunting section. In the final push, your adrenaline will kick in and help you to scramble to the final boulders.
On a clear day, you can see Snowdonia in Wales from the summit and the Mourne Mountains in Northern Ireland, and even Dun Rig in Scotland. At the summit, you are 978m above sea level, sharing incredible views with the other hikers, all from different Scafell Pike paths.
Before you head back down, take a moment to remember which direction you came from, and double-check your map. Descend in the exact same way to get back to your car and the Old Dungeon Ghyll pub.
Toilets on the Scafell Pike from Langdale route
There are no toilets available on the Scafell Pike from Langdale route. Bring toilet paper, and be prepared to nature pee!
Scafell Pike from Langdale: FAQs
1) Is Scafell Pike harder than Snowden?
It’s said Scafell Pike is slightly harder than Mount Snowden. Ultimately, they are both high ascents in the UK, and both require a lot of determination, focus and good fitness.
2) Can a beginner walk up Scafell Pike?
Yes, but you will need moderate to good fitness, and a good head for heights. Although the Scafell Pike from Langdale route is one of the slower options, it still has tough, steep climbs and ascents.
3) How long does it take to climb Scafell Pike from Langdale?
The Scafell Pike from Langdale route takes between 7-10 hours. This depends on the weather, your fitness levels and how many stops you make.
4) How far is Scafell Pike from Langdale?
If you are walking the Scafell Pike from Langdale route from the Old Dungeon Ghyll pub, it is roughly 20km.
6) How difficult is it to climb Scafell Pike from Langdale?
Climbing Scafell Pike from Langdale is a serious undertaking. Technically, it isn’t difficult, and you do not need any special equipment. But there are parts where you will need to scramble and have a good head for heights.
7) What should I wear and pack to walk Scafell Pike from Langdale?
Layers are the most important. Ideally, a sports-type top, and avoid cotton. Even on a clear day, the weather can change quickly at the top and cotton will dry far slower than anything synthetic. If you’re climbing in summer, you may be able to wear shorts, but I’d still advise packing light trousers for the summit where temperatures can be low.
Sturdy walking boots or trail running shoes are a must.
8) What is the easiest route to Scafell Pike?
The Brown Tongue from Wasdale route is said to be the easiest hike to Scafell Pike because of how direct it is. It takes around 5 hours to reach the summit from the starting point.
9) Can you walk Scafell Pike if you’re scared of heights?
Regardless of the route you choose to climb Scafell Hike, you need a good head for heights. Most have sheer edges, ridges, drops and narrow paths.
If you are looking for easier walks in the Lake District, that are suitable for fears of heights and still have amazing views, you can check out the easiest walks in the Lake District here.
10) Do I need a car to visit the Lake District?
If you’re visiting the Lake District and are short on time, I recommend hiring a car. However, it is possible to get around the Lake District using public transport.
If you’re looking to hire a car in the Lake District, we rent our cars from this company. They’re reliable, cheap and have car rentals all over the world! ➡ You can check out the prices for car hire in the UK now!
11) What tours should I do in the Lake District?
Looking to book a tour in the Lake District? Tours are one of the best ways to see the hidden gems of the country you are visiting. If you’re travelling during peak season, I highly recommend pre-booking your tours to ensure you don’t miss out!
When travelling, we use this company to book our tours. Tours include skip-the-line tickets to the world’s most iconic attractions, walking tours by top local experts, immersive food and beverage tours, cooking and craft classes, bucket list experiences, and niche offerings you won’t find anywhere else!
➡ You can check out available tours in the Lake District with prices here!
12) Do I need a SIM card to visit the Lake District?
If you’re not from the UK, it’s worth downloading an eSIM on your phone to ensure you can use it for directions and avoid roaming charges as soon as you arrive.
ESIMs are easy to download and ready to use within a few minutes of purchasing! Plus, there are eSIMs available for the entire continent of Europe, so there’s no longer a need to hunt down free Wifi! ➡ You can check out the prices and packages for eSIMs here!
Scafell Pike from Langdale: In a Nutshell
So, there you have it! Everything you need to know about the Scafell Pike to Langdale hike in the Lake District. When you’re planning a trip to the Lake District, make sure you let me know over on Instagram or in the comments below!
If you haven’t seen my blog before, I write posts aimed at first-time backpackers on a budget. I’m currently travelling around the world with my boyfriend (read more here!), creating guides and itineraries for you to follow in our footsteps!
Keep an eye out for more Lake District content, all written from a personal and realistic point of view. You can sign up for my newsletter and juicy travel updates here!
As always, thanks for reading and supporting the blog!
Happy travelling 🙂
Jennie x
Other Lake District Posts:
- Where to Stay in the Lake District: An Area Guide
- 9 Easy Walks in the Lake District (That Still Have Incredible Views)
- What to Pack for the Lake District: Ultimate First Timer Guide
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MEET THE AUTHOR!
Hi! I'm Jennie! As a part-time travel blogger based in London, I'm using my 10+ years of travel expertise to encourage & inspire you to step out of your comfort zone through sustainable, mindful and purposeful travel.
If I'm not writing, I'm either reading, drinking coffee or taking a wild swim (all at the same time if I'm feeling impressive).
