Scafell Pike Equipment

Pack Up Your Troubles … …

Ideally, what you will be taking with you on your Scafell Pike walk are the items which will prevent you getting into trouble – or help you to get out of it. The items below will have to be adapted to the weather conditions you are tackling and your route of ascent. In snowy or icy conditions, crampons and an ice pick will help you walk Scafell Pike safely, and a set of skis will enable you to get down quicker!

Scafell Pike Walking Boots

Boots From Amazon

Safety and comfort have to be your primary concerns, so a solid pair of walking boots is essential. You do not have to spend a fortune on the latest fashion, but consider these points when purchasing a pair of boots for a Scafell Pike walk.

• Make sure there is enough room in the boots for your toes. If they are too close to the front of your boot, you will be repeatedly bashing them on your descent from Scafell Pike and suffer bruised toes and damaged nails.
• Ensure that your boots have a thick sole. Even though many of the Scafell Pike trails consist of smooth pathways, you are likely to encounter scree and small stones. After six hours in your boots, you will feel every pebble!
• Hiking and walking boots give better support to your ankles, but can also rub if not fitting correctly. It is recommended to wear your boots in before attempting a Scafell Pike walk.

Scafell Pike Clothing.

As good as your boots may be, you will still require thick walking socks to prevent blisters and to keep your feet warm – especially if your boots get wet!

Some walkers prefer to wear two thin pairs of socks or take a second pair of socks with them. Your choice might be influenced by the Scafell Pike weather, or how much you want to carry with you on your Scafell Pike walk. Other clothing essentials include:-

• A strong pair of jeans or waterproof trousers. Many walkers will pack a lightweight pair of waterproof trousers just in case but shorts are definitely not recommended.
• A waterproof jacket . Often a foldaway showerproof mac will do, but it can get cold on the summit of Scafell Pike and during exposed sections of the Scafell Pike routes.
• Many thin layers of clothing are better than one thick one. You can add layers or remove them depending on the weather, and it is a lot easier (and safer) to carry a couple of extra T-shirts rather than a thick fleece.

Scafell Pike Accessories

Obviously a good Scafell Pike map is essential as well as a compass. The more safety items you carry with you, the better you are protected should something go wrong and if you are doing the Scafell Pike walk in a group, distribute additional accessories among your co-travellers to equal out the weight.

• Make sure you have plenty of food and water with you. There is the real risk of dehydration on a Scafell Pike walk, with no convenient café at the summit to provide you with a cup of tea and some chocolate bourbons!
• Equally important is a first aid kit containing blister cream, alcohol wipes, a selection of plasters and a support bandage. Taking a sharp pair of scissors, safety pins and disposable gloves are also recommended.
• Spare boot laces are an item which is commonly overlooked, as is sun lotion (really!), a whistle (6 blasts is a distress signal!) and a cigarette lighter, even if you do not smoke.