How to Walk to Scafell Pike via the Stunning Corridor Route

At 978 metres above sea level, Scafell Pike is the highest mountain in England. And as you would expect from such a title, thousands flock to the mountain each year in a bid to conquer it.

There are several routes that will take you up to Scafell Pike. Most walkers start from Wasdale, where a short climb will have you to the summit and back within three hours. It’s by far the steepest way to the top, though; more of an uphill slog, with little of the charm and beauty of the other routes.

In my opinion, the circular Scafell Pike Corridor Route from Seathwaite is the best option. This trail starts at Seathwaite Farm and ascends along Styhead Gill, before passing Styhead Tarn and traversing a series of small scrambles and ravines before the final push to the rocky summit. The return trail runs alongside Ruddy & Grains Gills where a stream has cut a small canyon creating a series of pretty waterfalls.

The views on the Scafell Pike Corridor Route change regularly, providing an interesting and rewarding trail to the summit. It’s easily one of the best walks in the Lake District; a long hike showcasing soaring valleys, deep ravines, remote tarns and meandering streams.

Scafell Pike Corridor Route: Map & Logistics

Start/Finish: Seathwaite.

How to get there: Seathwaite is a 20-minute drive from the popular Lake District town of Keswick. There is a fair amount of roadside parking at Seathwaite, right by the start of the trail at Seathwaite Farm Camping, although it can get full during busy periods. You can also take the 78 bus from Keswick to Seatoller, then it’s a 25-minute walk to Seathwaite.

Distance: 9.2 miles (14.8 km).

Route Time: 6.5 – 7 hours.

Difficulty: Challenging; this is a long walk with a few steep sections and some scrambling. The scrambles are not difficult, although the ‘Bad Step’ may be tricky for those with a fear of heights.

GPX File: You can download my GPX file of the Scafell Pike Corridor Route here.

How long does the Scafell Pike Corridor Route take?

Walking the Scafell Pike Corridor Route is a serious undertaking and will take the whole day. Allow roughly 3.5 hours to reach the summit, and 3 hours to get back. On top of this, climbing almost 1,000m is tiring, so you’ll likely want to stop for a few breaks. I would allow 6.5 – 7 hours in total.

Scafell Pike Corridor Route: Walking Guide & Details

Start your Scafell Pike walk at Seathwaite Farm. Walk through the farm and out the other side, where you’ll see a signpost. Go straight through the gate towards Styhead.

Keep the stream (Styhead Gill) on your right until you reach a stone bridge. Cross the bridge, go through the gate and, ignoring the path that goes to the left, take the path ahead that starts to ascend steadily uphill.

Keep following the trail along Styhead Gill. The route is not too steep at this point, so enjoy the beautiful, rugged scenery.

Once you reach the top of Styhead Gill, you’ll find yourself at a large tarn called Styhead Tarn.

Pass with Styhead Tarn on your left and continue straight to the top of the pass. You’ll come to a crossroads, which has links to Borrowdale, Wasdale and Eskdale. It’s easy to get confused here (like we did), so make sure to choose the correct path.

Once in the middle of the crossroads, you should spot a grassy path slightly to your left that descends down the hillside a little way. This is the path you want and is the start of the Scafell Pike Corridor Route itself. There is also a path that goes directly upwards to your left —  we initially assumed this to be the right one, but it isn’t.

After initially descending a little way in order to cross Skew Gill, you’ll need to scramble up a rocky face to gain height again. It’s nothing too difficult, but you will need to use your hands. Continue following the path upwards; it’s a little steep here, so be sure to pace yourself.

You’ll soon come to what’s known as “Bad Step”, which is a more challenging scramble that goes about 25 feet down the side of the mountain. Bad Step is not particularly dangerous or difficult — just be sure to take it slow and steady.

Once you’ve made it down Bad Step and continued on the trail a little way, you’ll come to a striking ravine.

Continue following the trail up with the ravine to your right. You’ll notice that the terrain becomes very rocky and you’ll need to navigate a path almost covered with boulders.

Finally, the path joins the masses walking up from Wasdale as it ascends the final section to the summit of Scafell Pike.

The final 15 minutes to the summit of Scafell Pike is very busy with walkers from Wasdale, so you can just follow the crowds. It’s a steep and rocky ascent, but once at the top, you’ll be at the highest point in England!

Descend the Scafell Pike summit in a northeast direction. The trail drops steeply down the side of Scafell Pike, then climbs back up to Broad Crag. It then drops and ascends again to Ill Crag, before finally flattening out. It’s all plain sailing from here!

The trail meanders for a while, and then you’ll need to take a left turn on a trail that gently descends and comes to a stream called Ruddy Gill. Follow the stream for a short while, and when it bends right and enters a gully, cross over the stream and head downhill. Ruddy Gill will now accompany you on your left as you descend into the valley back into the direction of Seathwaite. You should be able to see Derwentwater and Skiddaw in the distance.

There is a gorgeous wild swimming opportunity about 45 minutes from the end of the trail. A small waterfall cascades into a natural pool, creating the perfect setting for a dip. The water of Ruddy Gill will likely be very cold, but it’s a great way to refresh yourself after your long Scafell Pike walk.

After following the stream for about half an hour more, the trail will take you over a bridge and then to a gate which you should recognise from the start of your walk. Go through the gate and head back to Seathwaite Farm.

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