Scafell Pike Sunset Walk
Everything you need to know before your walk
This page has everything for the Scafell Pike sunset walk — where to meet, what to bring and what to expect. This is a long mountain day finishing in the dark, so please read it properly before you set off.
Booked on something else? All the other information pages are here.
What to expect
Scafell Pike is the highest mountain in England, and this is by far our most popular guided walk.
We take the Wasdale route — the shortest way to the top. It's steep in places but the paths are generally well made. From the National Trust car park we head up over Brown Tongue, past Hollow Stones, south past Lingmell Col and on to the summit to catch the sunset. We come back down the same way.
It's roughly 3½ hours up and 2 hours down, plus time at the top. We deliberately keep the pace slow and relaxed — this is a walk, not a march, and there's no prize for getting there first.
You will be walking down in the dark. That's the whole point of a sunset walk, and it's why a head torch is not optional on this one.
Where and when to meet me
Wasdale Head National Trust car park, Seascale, CA20 1EX. Look out for the Lake District Adventuring van.
Bring change for the car park, or park free if you're a National Trust member — just display your card.
The meeting time changes through the year, because it depends on when the sun sets. As a rough guide we meet about four hours before sunset, so you can plan your travel around that. I'll confirm the exact time with you a few days before your walk.
Wasdale is remote and phone signal is poor, so please screenshot these directions before you set off. Running late? Call or WhatsApp me on 07502 604166 as early as you can.
What to bring
The items marked essential are the ones you cannot do this walk without.
- A head torch and spare batteries — essential. You are coming down in the dark. Keep it at the top of your bag where you can reach it
- A 20–30 litre rucksack — essential. Waist and sternum straps help spread the load. Walk around with it packed beforehand to check it's comfortable
- Waterproof jacket and trousers — essential. Both, and genuinely waterproof
- A spare warm layer — essential. A good insulated jacket or jumper. It gets cold on the summit once the sun goes
- Gloves and a hat — essential. Two pairs of each, in case one gets wet
- Walking boots — essential. Trainers will not do. Good sole, waterproof
- At least 2 litres of water — essential. A hydration bladder is easiest for drinking on the move
- Plenty of food — essential. Think small meals rather than all sugar. You can't bring too much
- Any medication you take — essential, and tell me about it before we set off
- A waterproof bag or liner to keep your kit dry inside your rucksack
- Blister plasters and painkillers — always handy
- Walking poles — optional, but they help a lot on the descent
- A camera, for the shots you'll actually want
Clothing appropriate to the weather, and no jeans — they're miserable when wet and they don't dry.
What I provide
- A fully qualified, experienced mountain leader — that's me
- An emergency shelter, comprehensive first aid kit, phone, sleeping bag and navigation equipment, carried by me
- Photos throughout the walk, sent to you afterwards
Before you come
Everyone taking part needs to complete the medical and disclaimer form. It's online — no printing, no paperwork on the day. You'll find it under “View Required Documents” on your booking receipt email. If you're booking for a group, every person needs to complete their own.
This matters more on this walk than on our shorter sessions. Wasdale is remote, we finish in the dark, and it's a long way back to the road. If anyone has a medical condition, an injury, or is taking medication, I need to know before the day rather than in the car park.
Still got a question?
Call or WhatsApp me on 07502 604166, or email info@lakedistrictadventuring.co.uk.
It's me that answers, not a call centre.
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Scafell Pike sunset walk
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