Scafell Pike, at 978 metres, is the highest mountain in England, and Helvellyn, at 950 metres, is the Lake District's best-loved big day, famous for the exposed rocky ridge of Striding Edge. Both are free to climb and neither needs a permit, which is exactly why they draw so many walkers. In summer both are tough but popular days; in winter they are different mountains, with early dusk, ice on the paths, snow on the tops and conditions that can change within an hour. The Lake District National Park advises serious winter kit, including crampons and an ice axe, warm layers, goggles, a torch, a map and compass and the skills to use them. Fell Top Assessors climb Helvellyn daily from December to Easter to check the conditions and take snow and weather readings, and publish daily reports through Lake District Weatherline. If the conditions are wrong, choose a lower walk such as Loughrigg Fell or Orrest Head.
The two routes
The usual Scafell Pike start is from Wasdale Head or Seathwaite in Borrowdale, with Wasdale the shorter and Seathwaite the gentler, and the Corridor Route and Lingmell are popular variations. Helvellyn is climbed from Glenridding or Patterdale, with Striding Edge the classic exposed approach and Swirral Edge the descent. The edges are narrow and demanding in winter, and in ice they are for experienced winter mountaineers only.
Winter judgement
In November daylight is short, and by December it ends mid-afternoon, so start early and plan a turnaround time. Check the Mountain Weather Information Service forecast and the Lake District Weatherline reports, remember that the summit can be far colder and windier than the valley, and carry spare layers, food, a hot drink, a head torch and a fully charged phone. Tell someone your route. If you lack winter skills, hire a qualified mountain guide or choose a lower route.
Easier alternatives
Catbells above Derwentwater, Loughrigg Fell near Ambleside, Orrest Head above Windermere and the Ullswater shore path give mountain views without the commitment. In the valley, a boat on Ullswater or a lake cruise on Windermere gives the scenery without the summit. Whatever you choose, leave no trace, keep to paths and respect the farmers and wardens who look after the fells.
What to expect
The experience
A self-guided, all-day mountain walk on steep, rocky paths, with real winter conditions from November.
Best time
A settled, clear day with a fresh forecast; start at first light in winter.
How long
Six to eight hours for either mountain, with a firm turnaround time.
Tips
Carry winter kit and the skills to use it, check Weatherline and mountain forecasts and choose a lower walk if conditions are poor.
Quick picks
- Best for
- Experienced, well-equipped walkers who want England's classic mountain days.
- Families
- Not for young children in winter; use Loughrigg Fell or Orrest Head instead.
- Couples
- A big shared challenge in settled weather; otherwise a lower fell with a pub at the end.
- Pair with
- Ullswater Steamers for the Helvellyn side, and Keswick for the Borrowdale side.
- Time needed
- A full day, plus a rest day.
Good questions
Can I climb Scafell Pike and Helvellyn in winter?+
Yes, but conditions are serious, with ice, snow and short days. Carry winter equipment, check the Weatherline and mountain forecasts, and turn back if conditions are wrong.
How high are they?+
Scafell Pike is 978 metres, the highest in England, and Helvellyn is 950 metres. Both start from valleys near sea level, so the ascent is substantial.
What is Striding Edge?+
A narrow rocky ridge on the way to Helvellyn from Glenridding. It is exposed and in ice it is only for experienced winter walkers.
Do I need a guide?+
Not in summer on the main routes, but a qualified mountain guide is a sensible choice in winter if you lack navigation and winter skills.
What are easier alternatives?+
Loughrigg Fell, Orrest Head, Catbells and the Ullswater shore path give mountain views with far less commitment.
