Peak 1 of 3 complete: Scafell Pike

Last week I successfully climbed Scafell Pike, England’s highest peak, as part of item 3 on my 40 things before I’m forty challenge.

I’ve been fascinated with the idea of climbing mountains since I saw a talk by Ed Viesturs (first American to climb all 14 of the “eight-thousander” mountains, and the 5th person to do so without supplemental oxygen) whilst in Banff, Canada with the Defiant team back in July 2023.

Although Scafell Pike is somewhat smaller than the eight-thousanders with an elevation of only 978 metres above sea level, it seemed only right to add it (and the other two ‘home peaks’) to my list before I even think about tackling something monstrously tall. And yet, despite being close to home, it still took my friend Helen giving me a date for my diary and nearby accommodation options for me to actually commit to it.

With Helen’s much-needed kick up the bum / organisational skills on my side, we set off to Cumbria with the tenative plan to walk the Wasdale Head and Scafell Pike Circular route, described by AllTrails as “not for beginners” and “good mountain experience […] and navigational skills are required.” So glad to have made the trip meeting none of those requirements. 😂

The weather was reasonable on the morning we started, overcast but warm, and I’d shed layers within the first 100m.

If you’ve ever read or seen anything about mountain climbing you’ll have heard about how quickly the weather changes, and I must admit I didn’t really understand this until we suddenly hit The Weather on our ascent. We were enveloped in a thick cloud and within minutes were absolutely drenched by cold rain and hail, and battered by biting winds.

Still, we perservered and made it to the top around the two hour mark.

I didn’t at any point during the climb feel particularly unsafe, but I sure as shit regretted not bringing gloves.

From the summit we debated our route plan – with the option to return the way we came up being likely safest – but decided to continue with our original goal of attempting the circular via The Corridor. However, it was shortly after leaving the summit I took us the wrong way by mistake, bringing us towards the top edge of Piers Gill. Helen later pointed out that this ravine is a notorious blackspot for falls and even deaths 🫠 Thankfully we managed to scramble back up the side of the mountain off the Piers Gill track and back on the original route.

Everything after that felt rather uneventful, with – strong winds aside – a relatively easy trek back down. I even managed to regain feeling in my fingers once we got out of the cloud cover (always a win). I slept bloody well that night.

The following day we made our way back to the bottom end of our descent route to try and find the Wasdale Emerald Pools. Although we didn’t make it to the largest of the pools before the weather started turning again, we managed to have a little paddle in one of the first pools which was just as stunning, if not a wee bit shallow.

I use the word ‘paddle’ loosely here; I’m neither a wild swimmer nor a natural in the water, so mostly just stood complaining about how cold the water was.

Still. Wobbly weather aside: achievement unlocked! We did it, Scafell Pike adventure complete. Peak 1 of 3 ticked off.

Snowdon, I’m coming for you…