Scafell
Mountain Lake District mountain popular with hikers and climbers
Scafell in England’s Lake District is a rugged fell popular with hillwalkers and scramblers; routes lead to rocky summits and broad views across lakes and neighboring peaks.
Scafell is a mountain in the Lake District, Cumbria, England, with a summit at 964 metres and is one of the highest peaks in the English Lake District.
Walkers encounter steep, rocky ridges and classic Lakeland mountain scenery, with panoramic views from the summit across neighbouring fells and valleys on clear days. Popular approaches include routes from Wasdale Head and traverses linking to neighbouring peaks in the Scafell massif.
The hills of the Lake District have long been used for grazing and upland farming; Scafell became a common objective for recreational hillwalking from the 19th century as outdoor leisure grew in Britain.
Sited within the Lake District National Park in Cumbria, Scafell sits between the Wasdale and Eskdale valleys and is accessible from nearby fell-side villages and roadheads in western Lakeland.
- Height and rank: Summit elevation is 964 metres, making it the second-highest peak in England after Scafell Pike.
- Routes and terrain: Common ascent routes approach from Wasdale and from Eskdale via the Scafell massif; terrain includes steep rock faces and mountain paths requiring good footwear.
How to Get to Scafell #
Scafell (often referenced with Scafell Pike and the Scafell massif) is accessible from valley bases such as Wasdale Head, Seathwaite (Borrowdale) and Eskdale. The nearest towns with services include Wasdale and Keswick; driving from Keswick or Ambleside and parking at established car parks is the common approach. Note remote mountain roads and variable weather.
Tips for Visiting Scafell #
- Start very early from Wasdale Head if planning to summit-weather and daylight matter, and the route is steep and rocky.
- Check fell conditions and bring appropriate mountain gear; Scafell's routes include exposed scrambling.
- Use the Wasdale route for the classic ascent; other approaches (via Eskdale or Seathwaite) are longer but less crowded.
Best Time to Visit Scafell #
Best climbed in late spring to early autumn for safer conditions and longer daylight; winter ascents require technical skills and gear.
Weather & Climate near Scafell #
Scafell's climate is classified as Subpolar Oceanic - Subpolar Oceanic climate with cool summers (peaking in July) and cold winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from -2°C to 15°C. Heavy rainfall (2441 mm/year), wettest in January.
January
January is the coolest month with highs of 3°C and lows of -2°C. The wettest month with heavy rain (281 mm), mostly overcast skies, and windy conditions.
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February
February is cold with highs of 3°C and lows of -2°C. Heavy rain (201 mm), mostly overcast skies, and windy conditions.
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March
March is cold with highs of 5°C and lows of -1°C. Heavy rain (222 mm), mostly overcast skies, and windy conditions.
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April
April is cold with highs of 7°C and lows of 0°C. Significant rainfall (146 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.
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May
May is cold with highs of 11°C and lows of 3°C. Significant rainfall (136 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.
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June
June is cold with highs of 14°C and lows of 6°C. Significant rainfall (131 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.
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July
July is cool with highs of 15°C and lows of 8°C. Significant rainfall (143 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.
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August
August is cool with highs of 15°C and lows of 7°C. Significant rainfall (171 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.
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September
September is cold with highs of 12°C and lows of 5°C. Heavy rain (202 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.
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October
October is cold with highs of 8°C and lows of 2°C. Heavy rain (262 mm), mostly overcast skies, and windy conditions.
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November
November is cold with highs of 5°C and lows of 0°C. Heavy rain (268 mm), mostly overcast skies, and windy conditions.
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December
December is cold with highs of 3°C and lows of -2°C. Heavy rain (278 mm), mostly overcast skies, and windy conditions.
