Difficulty

  • Strenuousness:
    3 (Full day)/5
  • Navigation:
    2/5
  • Technicality:
    3/5

Info

  • Terrain:
    Rough rocky ground, grassy slopes, bog and occasional exposure
  • Time:
    5.5 hours
  • Distance:
    14km / 9 miles
  • Total Ascent:
    1000m
  • Starting Point:
    Seathwaite
  • Nearest Town:
    Rosthwaite
  • Public Transport:
    78 Bus Keswick - Seatoller (no closer public transport links)

Maps

Correct as of 2025-07-15 at 03:16 / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API. We might receive a small commission for any purchases through links on this page, with no extra cost to you.

The route from Borrowdale is a long, but less steep, ascent of Scafell Pike. It is a full day’s walk, climbing up into the mountains alongside a river, then joining with the Langdale route at Esk Hause.

Drive to the head of the Borrowdale valley and take the small left turn to Seathwaite, and park on the roadside (free of charge) at the end of the lane near Seathwaite Farm (OS ref: NY235122). This is usually very busy in summer and the farmer often opens up a field for extra paid parking.

Reaching Scafell Pike from Borrowdale is one of the most popular routes up Scafell Pike, you’ll see why as you continue. Set off along the track southwards through the lovely old farmyard and out into the open valley. Follow the track alongside the river to the delightful Stockley Bridge (OS ref: NY235109)

Cross the bridge and go through the gate, taking the path to the left which continues to follow the river up Grains Gill. The path is well maintained; rising gradually at first, then more steeply alongside the tumbling waterfalls of Grains Gill until it meets a larger track running east-west (OS ref: NY229087, on this map) beneath the towering cliffs of Great End directly in front of you.

Climbing Grains Gill towards the cliffs of Great End

Turn left (east) here and after 500m take the path which rises to the right up towards Esk Hause (OS ref: N233081, on this map), where the stunning view south into Eskdale awaits. From Esk Hause, take the path westwards, climbing between Great End and Ill Crag, and across the boulder-strewn slopes of Broad Crag from where the towering summit of Scafell Pike finally comes into view.

Progress across the boulders here requires care and a tinge of disappointment awaits as you see the hard-earned height which must now be lost before the final ascent to the summit can begin!The final climb is steep and the ground is loose, but the summit plateau is soon reached and the giant cairn (OS ref: NY215073, on this map) which marks the highest point in England comes back into view. Time for a well-earned break to enjoy the sense of achievement and take in the breath-taking panoramic views!

The summit shelter and trig point

But time waits for no man, and one of the most beautiful paths imaginable still awaits. From the summit, head north-west towards Lingmell. The path is a mass of boulders but well-marked with cairns and drops quickly down to Lingmell Col where it meets the path rising up from Wasdale to the south-west. Here, take the path to the right (north-east) which is the beginning of the delightful “Corridor Route”.

The Corridor Route, with Wasdale far below and Great Gable to the right

Contouring and dropping in stages, the path has towering peaks and crags to the right and dizzying views down into Wasdale to the left, until a short final climb leads up to Sty Head Pass (OS ref: NY219095, on this map).

Styhead Tarn with Scafell Pike in the distance (back right)

Spend a few minutes sitting by Styhead Tarn looking back up towards Scafell Pike, as this will be your last view of the peak, before descending along the path to Styhead Gill until it reaches Stockley Bridge and the easy final stroll back to Seathwaite.

Borrowdale Weather Forecast

The data for the weather forecast for Borrowdale has been provided by the Met Office. The data is updated once daily, so please ensure you check the Met Office website for the most recent information. The exact location of the data refers to the Borrowdale Youth Hostel (lat: 54.5186, long: -3.1494).

Today

00:00
Temp. 13°c
Rain 18%
Wind 0mph S
Gusts 13mph
UV Index 0
Humidity 81%
03:00
Temp. 14°c
Rain 66%
Wind 11mph SSW
Gusts 25mph
UV Index 0
Humidity 86%
06:00
Temp. 13°c
Rain 96%
Wind 9mph SSE
Gusts 25mph
UV Index 1
Humidity 91%
09:00
Temp. 15°c
Rain 96%
Wind 13mph SSW
Gusts 29mph
UV Index 2
Humidity 91%
12:00
Temp. 15°c
Rain 94%
Wind 13mph SSW
Gusts 29mph
UV Index 4
Humidity 88%
15:00
Temp. 16°c
Rain 80%
Wind 13mph SW
Gusts 25mph
UV Index 4
Humidity 86%
18:00
Temp. 16°c
Rain 58%
Wind 7mph WSW
Gusts 16mph
UV Index 1
Humidity 84%
21:00
Temp. 15°c
Rain 55%
Wind 7mph WNW
Gusts 18mph
UV Index 0
Humidity 90%

Tomorrow

00:00
Temp. 14°c
Rain 36%
Wind 4mph NW
Gusts 11mph
UV Index 0
Humidity 92%
03:00
Temp. 14°c
Rain 13%
Wind 4mph NNW
Gusts 11mph
UV Index 0
Humidity 91%
06:00
Temp. 14°c
Rain 2%
Wind 7mph N
Gusts 11mph
UV Index 1
Humidity 91%
09:00
Temp. 17°c
Rain 5%
Wind 7mph N
Gusts 11mph
UV Index 4
Humidity 79%
12:00
Temp. 19°c
Rain 11%
Wind 4mph NNW
Gusts 7mph
UV Index 6
Humidity 66%
15:00
Temp. 19°c
Rain 5%
Wind 7mph W
Gusts 11mph
UV Index 4
Humidity 70%
18:00
Temp. 19°c
Rain 1%
Wind 4mph W
Gusts 9mph
UV Index 1
Humidity 75%
21:00
Temp. 16°c
Rain 3%
Wind 2mph SW
Gusts 4mph
UV Index 0
Humidity 87%

Thursday

00:00
Temp. 15°c
Rain 5%
Wind 2mph S
Gusts 7mph
UV Index 0
Humidity 90%
03:00
Temp. 14°c
Rain 7%
Wind 2mph ESE
Gusts 7mph
UV Index 0
Humidity 93%
06:00
Temp. 15°c
Rain 7%
Wind 4mph ESE
Gusts 9mph
UV Index 1
Humidity 91%
09:00
Temp. 18°c
Rain 10%
Wind 7mph ESE
Gusts 11mph
UV Index 3
Humidity 85%
12:00
Temp. 19°c
Rain 17%
Wind 9mph SSW
Gusts 16mph
UV Index 5
Humidity 82%
15:00
Temp. 19°c
Rain 18%
Wind 11mph SSW
Gusts 18mph
UV Index 3
Humidity 84%
18:00
Temp. 19°c
Rain 15%
Wind 11mph SSW
Gusts 16mph
UV Index 1
Humidity 87%
21:00
Temp. 17°c
Rain 16%
Wind 9mph S
Gusts 16mph
UV Index 0
Humidity 91%

Friday

00:00
Temp. 17°c
Rain 49%
Wind 11mph S
Gusts 16mph
UV Index 0
Humidity 91%
03:00
Temp. 17°c
Rain 21%
Wind 9mph S
Gusts 16mph
UV Index 0
Humidity 93%
06:00
Temp. 17°c
Rain 49%
Wind 9mph SSW
Gusts 13mph
UV Index 1
Humidity 93%
09:00
Temp. 17°c
Rain 20%
Wind 9mph SW
Gusts 16mph
UV Index 3
Humidity 88%
12:00
Temp. 18°c
Rain 15%
Wind 11mph SW
Gusts 18mph
UV Index 6
Humidity 83%
15:00
Temp. 18°c
Rain 8%
Wind 9mph SW
Gusts 16mph
UV Index 4
Humidity 81%
18:00
Temp. 18°c
Rain 4%
Wind 7mph SW
Gusts 13mph
UV Index 1
Humidity 81%
21:00
Temp. 16°c
Rain 2%
Wind 4mph SW
Gusts 7mph
UV Index 0
Humidity 89%

Saturday

00:00
Temp. 15°c
Rain 7%
Wind 4mph S
Gusts 7mph
UV Index 0
Humidity 92%
03:00
Temp. 14°c
Rain 11%
Wind 4mph SSE
Gusts 9mph
UV Index 0
Humidity 94%
06:00
Temp. 16°c
Rain 14%
Wind 7mph SE
Gusts 9mph
UV Index 1
Humidity 92%
09:00
Temp. 17°c
Rain 14%
Wind 7mph WSW
Gusts 13mph
UV Index 3
Humidity 85%
12:00
Temp. 18°c
Rain 17%
Wind 9mph SW
Gusts 13mph
UV Index 5
Humidity 82%
15:00
Temp. 19°c
Rain 53%
Wind 7mph WNW
Gusts 13mph
UV Index 3
Humidity 81%
18:00
Temp. 18°c
Rain 19%
Wind 7mph W
Gusts 11mph
UV Index 1
Humidity 83%
21:00
Temp. 17°c
Rain 17%
Wind 7mph WSW
Gusts 9mph
UV Index 0
Humidity 89%

Data provided by the Met Office. Last updated: 3h ago. When considering Scafell Pike weather, take note that the conditions you encounter at the base of Scafell Pike may be vastly different from those you experience at its summit. Higher altitudes often bring colder temperatures, stronger winds, and decreased visibility. Therefore, it is always advisable to check the mountain weather forecast before you set off for your hike.

Frequently asked questions about Scafell Pike from Borrowdale

What can I expect from the Scafell Pike route from Borrowdale in terms of difficulty and duration?

chevron-down

Where does the Borrowdale route to Scafell Pike start and how can I get there?

chevron-down

Could you walk me through the main points of the Borrowdale route to Scafell Pike?

chevron-down