The name means "bald head with a peak" — from Old Norse "Skafel" (bald head) + pike.
At 978m (3209ft), Scafell Pike is the highest Wainwright and the tallest of the 214 Wainwrights. It has a prominence of 912m, making it a particularly independent summit. At this altitude, summit conditions can be severe — check the Scafell Pike wind chill, freezing level and cloud base before setting out. Winter walking on Scafell Pike requires full mountain equipment.
Scafell Pike is a mountain in the Lake District region of Cumbria, England. It has an elevation of 978 metres (3,209 ft) above sea level, making it the highest and the most prominent mountain in England.
Planning to walk Scafell Pike? Our summit weather forecast shows live conditions at 978m including wind speed, wind chill, temperature, freezing level, cloud base and rain risk. The forecast updates hourly using data from 7 weather models blended into the HILLANDGLEN ensemble — accuracy-weighted so the best-performing models have the most influence.
Key conditions to check before climbing Scafell Pike: wind chill (the real temperature you'll feel on exposed ridges), freezing level (whether ice and snow are likely on the summit), cloud base (whether you'll have visibility at 978m), and wind gusts (which can be significantly stronger on fell tops than in the valley below).
Scafell Pike weather can change quickly at 978m. Valley conditions often differ from the summit — our forecast applies lapse rate adjustments to give you the actual temperature and wind at the top, not the nearest town. Check the 14-day outlook to find the best day to walk Scafell Pike.
Frequently Asked Questions
How high is Scafell Pike?
Scafell Pike is 978 metres (3209 feet) above sea level. It is classified as a Wainwright in the Lake District.
What is the weather like on Scafell Pike?
At 978m, Scafell Pike experiences significantly harsher conditions than the valleys below. Summit temperatures are typically 6-8°C colder due to the lapse rate, winds are stronger and more exposed, and cloud cover can reduce visibility to just a few metres. Always check the summit forecast before setting out — hillandglen.com shows live wind chill, freezing level, cloud base and rain risk updated hourly.
Is Scafell Pike safe to climb in winter?
Scafell Pike is a serious winter mountain at 978m. Snow, ice and sub-zero wind chill are common from November to April. Full winter equipment is essential: ice axe, crampons, waterproofs, warm layers and navigation tools. Always check the freezing level and wind forecast before attempting a winter ascent.
What is a Wainwright?
A Wainwright is one of the 214 fells in the English Lake District described by Alfred Wainwright in his seven-volume Pictorial Guide to the Lakeland Fells, published between 1955 and 1966. Completing all 214 is a popular walking challenge.
When is the best time to walk Scafell Pike?
The best months for walking Scafell Pike are typically May to September, when days are longest and weather is generally drier. Summer offers the best visibility and warmest conditions. Autumn (October-November) brings beautiful colours but shorter days. Winter ascents (November-April) are possible but require full winter mountaineering equipment and experience.
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