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Regions - Trip reports, destination advice, recommended routes, etc. => Lake District => Topic started by: stut4 on 11:52:28, 04/04/19

Title: Scafell Langdale route
Post by: stut4 on 11:52:28, 04/04/19
Is it possible to get a bit of advice?  [/size]I'm planning a hike from Langdale area to Scafell Pike back next week - approx 16 mile round trip. Prefer to set off from SE/East as we're staying in Windermere so want to avoid long drive to Wasdale. We're seasoned well equipped fit walkers often doing 10-15 miles, but not risk takers or wanting to try anything dangerous. Its our first time walking in the Lakes. Wondered if anyone has any views on this route or suggestions?  


or would it best to aim for the shorter Wasdale route and wrap the Helvellyn in later in the day?


itinerary really only allows for 1 full day of hiking. would like to get the most from it, so either 1 long hike, or two smaller ones.


thanks in advance
Title: Re: Scafell Langdale route
Post by: Ridge on 12:21:52, 04/04/19
Great Langdale to Scafell Pike is a very nice, well trodden route though I wouldn't have thought it was quite that far. If the weather is good and you are used to hiking in Snowdonia/Dark Peak type areas you'll have no problems and a lovely day.
I'm assuming Mickleden, Rossett Gill, Angle Tarn, Esk Hause, Broad Crag, Sf P.



I wouldn't do Scafell Pike and Helvellyn on the same day by any routes, you are going to spend the whole time watching your watch instead of viewing the view.
Title: Re: Scafell Langdale route
Post by: pdstsp on 12:52:28, 04/04/19
^^ what Ridge said.  Though, I did this route a few years ago, adding in Great End, and I'm sure the gps had it at around 15 miles.  Hope the weather is clear - there are some cracking views on offer.
Title: Re: Scafell Langdale route
Post by: Percy on 12:59:21, 04/04/19
There is a great, but pretty tough, route for doing Scafell Pike from Langdale on the walking Englishman’s website:


https://www.walkingenglishman.com/lakes29.htm (https://www.walkingenglishman.com/lakes29.htm)


There are plenty of variations on the route you could take. I would try to minimise going back the way I’d come as much as possible.
Title: Re: Scafell Langdale route
Post by: stut4 on 13:24:04, 04/04/19
thank you for all the comments. this was the route i was thinking, but maybe adding a slight diversion north around Angle Tarn.


i had a look on Google Earth and my only concern was if going clockwise, the accent from the east up to Scafell, and then the decent down to the dip before the accent going back up to SP. I couldn't tell if it was "rock climbing" territory, or a light scramble. as mentioned we are both fairly fit and previously done a number of Brecons and Scottish mountains.


many thanks
Title: Re: Scafell Langdale route
Post by: April on 13:25:48, 04/04/19
What the others have said  :)

But there is snow on the fells (at the time of writing) so check the fell top conditions on the Weatherline website before you go. You may need crampons/ice axe and allow more time for your walk.

https://www.lakedistrictweatherline.co.uk/

I'm not sure when the fell top assessors stop doing their assessments, it may be they have finished by the time you go  :-\
Title: Re: Scafell Langdale route
Post by: stut4 on 13:29:42, 04/04/19
thank you - very helpful site. will monitor this, and dig out the old ice axe i have just in case.
Title: Re: Scafell Langdale route
Post by: Percy on 13:33:28, 04/04/19
I'm not sure when the fell top assessors stop doing their assessments, it may be they have finished by the time you go  :-\
I think they are scheduled to stop at the end of March but keep doing it if it's still sufficiently wintry on the tops.
Title: Re: Scafell Langdale route
Post by: Skip on 10:50:21, 06/04/19
Are you intending to walk up both Scafell Pike and Sca Fell?
Did you mean incorporating Helvellyn in the same walk? Or doing it as a separate walk the same day?
Re walking from Langdale to Scafell Pike, the direct route (Mickleden, Rosset Pass, Angle Tarn, Esk Hause, Calf Cove, and Broad Crag) is just under six miles and involves approx 3,200 feet of accumulated ascent.




Title: Re: Scafell Langdale route
Post by: stut4 on 10:03:51, 08/04/19
Are you intending to walk up both Scafell Pike and Sca Fell?
Did you mean incorporating Helvellyn in the same walk? Or doing it as a separate walk the same day?
Re walking from Langdale to Scafell Pike, the direct route (Mickleden, Rosset Pass, Angle Tarn, Esk Hause, Calf Cove, and Broad Crag) is just under six miles and involves approx 3,200 feet of accumulated ascent.


Initial plan is to start from Langdale and make way to Scafell Pike.
The onward climb to Scafell and around looks a bit more technical from what i can see online, so we'll either return from Pike to Langdale via the same route, or will attempt decent on the eastern face of the dip between Scafell Pike and Scafell (from the web images/maps). We're not into stuff which pushes us out of our comfort zone so will turn back if its too much.
i've just purchased crampons and new ice axes as i couldn't find my old ice axe, and loaded up for winter weather. Also have several OS maps; proper GPS and shelter.




we'll only do the one long walk per day. was a toss up between Helvellyn and Scafell Pike.



Title: Re: Scafell Langdale route
Post by: richardh1905 on 11:23:39, 08/04/19
I would be tempted to ascend Scafell Pike by the route described by Skip.

For a variation on the way back, and if you have the time and the legs, why not return over Esk Pike and Bowfell and prolong the pleasure?


Regarding Scafell - the direct route up Broad Stand is not for the faint hearted - frightened the life out of me. Rock climbing territory.
Title: Re: Scafell Langdale route
Post by: stut4 on 13:14:50, 08/04/19
thank you for the comment.
i've just found a video on youtube showing Broad Stand - most definitely not my cup of tea! :)
i'm using the OS Maps 3d map and will either do as you suggest, or decent via the gulley between SP and Simmonds Knott - down into the valley that way. will see what the weather holds on Wednesday before committing.
thank you everyone for the comments -most helpful. 
Title: Re: Scafell Langdale route
Post by: stut4 on 13:42:26, 08/04/19
this was the route i was thinking, but may adjust over next 48 hours.
https://osmaps.ordnancesurvey.co.uk/route/3169521/stut4-scarfell-circle (https://osmaps.ordnancesurvey.co.uk/route/3169521/stut4-scarfell-circle)
ps - i'm sure most of you have access to a decent map, but i was blown away at how good OS 3d maps are if you subscribe. Gets a really good idea of the gradients involved better than Google earth.
Title: Re: Scafell Langdale route
Post by: Rob Goes Walking on 13:59:23, 08/04/19
i'm sure most of you have access to a decent map, but i was blown away at how good OS 3d maps are if you subscribe. Gets a really good idea of the gradients involved better than Google earth.

That's useful, don't suppose I could be cheeky and ask for a screenshot? I already used up my os free trial (to download a route if I recall correctly) and never looked at the 3D imagery. Hallin Fell would be ideal as it's about as steep as I like wet grassy paths so if I could see that in the imagery I'd get it.
Title: Re: Scafell Langdale route
Post by: stut4 on 14:05:18, 08/04/19
i'm unable to upload here, but have uploaded to dropbox. https://www.dropbox.com/s/u4hh6bkrvqv58t8/scafell%20pdf.pdf?dl=0 (https://www.dropbox.com/s/u4hh6bkrvqv58t8/scafell%20pdf.pdf?dl=0)


it wont print in this form - visual only. well worth the c.£4 per month for premium or £25 annual cost.


ps - its fully possible to zoom in/out and look at it from different compass bearings.
Title: Re: Scafell Langdale route
Post by: Rob Goes Walking on 14:07:38, 08/04/19
i'm unable to upload here, but have uploaded to dropbox. https://www.dropbox.com/s/u4hh6bkrvqv58t8/scafell%20pdf.pdf?dl=0 (https://www.dropbox.com/s/u4hh6bkrvqv58t8/scafell%20pdf.pdf?dl=0)


it wont print in this form - visual only. well worth the c.£4 per month for premium or £25 annual cost.


ps - its fully possible to zoom in/out and look at it from different compass bearings.


Thank you. Yes it does look good, the credit card is coming out again.
Title: Re: Scafell Langdale route
Post by: stut4 on 14:08:28, 08/04/19
That's useful, don't suppose I could be cheeky and ask for a screenshot? I already used up my os free trial (to download a route if I recall correctly) and never looked at the 3D imagery. Hallin Fell would be ideal as it's about as steep as I like wet grassy paths so if I could see that in the imagery I'd get it.
i'll see if i can get a screenshot of Hallin Fell    
Title: Re: Scafell Langdale route
Post by: stut4 on 14:12:05, 08/04/19
https://www.dropbox.com/s/bekuageqet84syg/hallin%20fell.pdf?dl=0 (https://www.dropbox.com/s/bekuageqet84syg/hallin%20fell.pdf?dl=0)
1 side is in shade, so not as visible, but rest of it looks pretty good, and a £4 per month subsciption cost is well worth it. plus i have downloaded my planned route to the GPS thing we have.
Title: Re: Scafell Langdale route
Post by: Rob Goes Walking on 14:20:26, 08/04/19
https://www.dropbox.com/s/bekuageqet84syg/hallin%20fell.pdf?dl=0 (https://www.dropbox.com/s/bekuageqet84syg/hallin%20fell.pdf?dl=0)
1 side is in shade, so not as visible, but rest of it looks pretty good, and a £4 per month subsciption cost is well worth it. plus i have downloaded my planned route to the GPS thing we have.


Sold. Thanks.
Title: Re: Scafell Langdale route
Post by: ninthace on 15:17:31, 08/04/19
i'll see if i can get a screenshot of Hallin Fell[/size]  
Rob - OS is really good for 3D images but you can do it in GE relatively easily too
(http://i65.tinypic.com/15dxu1h.png)
Title: Re: Scafell Langdale route
Post by: richardh1905 on 15:37:38, 08/04/19
You'll be in for a big ascent from Upper Eskdale onto the shoulder of Crinkle Crags if you follow your route, stut4.

Let us know how you get on, and good luck!
Title: Re: Scafell Langdale route
Post by: Rob Goes Walking on 00:11:59, 12/04/19
I thought I'd add to this thread that I've just discovered 3D Flyover (View in 3D) in ViewRanger from the routes list. This seems to be a good way to see the gradients involved too.
Title: Re: Scafell Langdale route
Post by: stut4 on 10:25:10, 12/04/19
Just got back from a few days in the lakes.
Awesome clear sunny weather and mindblowing scenery.




this was the route we did
https://www.strava.com/activities/2280357853?share_sig=EC3A23B51555059192&utm_medium=social&utm_source=ios_share (https://www.strava.com/activities/2280357853?share_sig=EC3A23B51555059192&utm_medium=social&utm_source=ios_share)


National Trust car park up over "White Stones" to "Bowfell" to "Esk Pike", past "Great End", over "Blunt Top/Ill Crag" then "Broad Crag". We started the decent from Broad Crag to the col with Scafell Pike ready for the final ascent, but the time was 4pm. I was concerned about the final 70-80 meter climb up and descent taking any more than an hour, which would have meant we could have ended up having to do the final descent via Angle Tarn/Rossett Pike in deteriorating light, so we turned back and aborted the final climb to Scafell Pike.
As it turned out, it was 3 hours back to the NT carpark, and was still reasonably light at 7pm so there was probably the chance we could have summit-ed SP and got down in good light, but as i didn't know how long the decent would take i didn't want to take the risk. The descent down the steps from Rossett Pike was in shadow though and perhaps an hour later would have been okay - but i edged on the side of caution.


it was an epic route - a bit more than i was expecting as the steepness of the climb isn't caught on the 3D OS online map i'd used so the wife (and i) were fairly knackered and it took a bit longer throughout. but it was thoroughly enjoyable and i hope to return over the next year for another go with eldest son.


ps - i used a Garmin GPS handheld device to download the GPX file of the route i wanted from OS maps - this was extremely valuable - especially when descending the NE route of Bow fell as there was no one else coming up or descending to follow or guide us. We were initially about 40 meters south of the correct path which looked a tricky descent, but thankfully the GPS directed us to the correct path (supposedly accurate within 5m) so we went down the correct route.



Thank you for all the comments and recommendations on this site.

Title: Re: Scafell Langdale route
Post by: pdstsp on 10:39:32, 12/04/19
Looks a cracking day out - glad you enjoyed it.  As for the cautious approach - always the best answer, Scafell Pike will still be there next time! 
Title: Re: Scafell Langdale route
Post by: richardh1905 on 11:38:36, 12/04/19

Sounds as if you had a grand day out on the hills, stu.


Scafell Pike will keep for another day, as pdstsp says.