Scafell, Scafell Pike and Lingmell from Wasdale Head

I had wanted to do this walk for such a long time. My previous ascents of Scafell Pike had been from the north via Seathwaite and the Corridor Route, and from the south via Mosedale and Bowfell. While those adventures were treasured memories, other walkers had advised me that my Scafells adventures were not complete until I had climbed Scafell Pike from Wasdale Head and included Scafell.

Setting off from Wasdale Head on a lovely sunny morning, morning dew quickly condensed before the midday heat burned it away. Tracking south across the western lower slopes of Lingmell, I looked back to Wasdale Head, perfectly framed by the sun-kissed south-facing slopes of Pillar.

Gaining height, I looked west across the expanse of Wast Water, where the crinkly features of Yewbarrow and Middle Fell stood out in bright sunshine. Turning from a south to east course alongside Lingmell Gill, the climb began in earnest.

The Lingmell Gill path transitions from a cobbled way to a long, steep staircase. Adopting my routine of 50 steps followed by a short break, I witnessed the drama of the route unfold: huge rock bastions like Black Crag came into view, looking even more dramatic with sunrise peeking over its high shoulder.

Reaching the path split near Hollow Stones, I forked right toward Lord's Rake while other walkers headed toward Lingmell Col. Scrambling up the narrow, exposed shelf leading to Lord's Rake involved loose scree that tested my balance, requiring me to use all fours on occasion.

Lord's Rake is a narrow gully filled with scree sheared off sheer cliffs. Staying close to the right-hand side made the ascent manageable. Pausing halfway up to look out over the high Lake District scene provided a wonderful moment of solitude before completing the gully climb past the famous chock-stone.

Completing Lord's Rake offered a brilliant view toward Burnmoor Tarn, Illgill Head, and Wast Water all in one frame. Climbing via Symonds Knott brought me to Scafell's summit (964m), where I enjoyed refreshments in relative solitude compared to the bustling crowds on Scafell Pike across the way.

Descending Scafell via Foxes Tarn Gully required cautious, zigzagging steps. Reaching the bottom below Broad Stand, I crossed the Mickledore shelf to access the west side of Scafell Pike, scrambling over 150 metres of shattered rock fields to the summit trig pillar.

Sitting beside the summit shelter, I enjoyed my main refreshment break alongside other walkers basking in the warm sunshine and watching fluffy clouds skim across the valleys.

Departing Scafell Pike on a north-west course toward Lingmell Col, I crossed the Corridor Route and climbed the straightforward path to Lingmell's summit. Three friendly walkers from the Midlands kindly photographed me with the dramatic sweep of cloud over Scafell behind me.

The descent from Lingmell via Goat Crags followed a lovely, bouncy grassy path shared with grazing sheep. Pausing at a stile to drink in the final views of Wasdale and Wast Water, I joined the path leading back to Wasdale Head—concluding a brilliant and unforgettable walk!