Conquering the tallest peaks in England

Conquering the tallest peaks in England

 

At Sprayway, we love a challenge. And there’s few greater hillwalking challenges than conquering a mountain.

 

That’s why we’ve taken a look at the five highest peaks in England to inspire your next hillwalking journey.

 

And believe it or not - they’re all in the Lake District! So if you’re taking a few days off to explore the country, you could try to climb all of these gorgeous mountains at once. Forget the Three Peaks Challenge - that’s Sprayway’s five peaks challenge.

 

Here’s all you need to know about the five tallest mountains in England.

 

Scafell Pike - 978 metres 

 

Scafell Pike is the tallest mountain in England, standing at 978 metres above sea level. As the highest peak in the country, it’s naturally a popular destination for hillwalkers.

 

It’s part of the Southern Fells and sits within a group of other mountains, which include Scafell, Great End, and Broad Crag. We’ll get to two of those in a bit!

 

The highest point of Scafell Pike is marked by a cairn on a rocky outcrop, but there’s a number of other peaks which make up the mountain. However, when you get to the top, you’re greeted with an incredible view of the surrounding countryside and nearby mountains, as well as the valleys below. And you can also stand triumphantly, satisfied that you’re currently on the highest point in England!

 

Of course, climbing the tallest mountain in England isn’t an easy affair, and Scafell Pike has some steep ascents, rocky paths, and challenging terrain. There’s a few different routes you can take which offer different experiences and difficulty levels, so it’s worth doing a deep dive into how you’re going to get to the top before you head out.

 

Scafell - 964 metres

 

If we could speak to mountains, we’re sure Scafell would be a bit annoyed that it just narrowly missed out on being the tallest in England. But any hillwalker who’s made the journey to these two goliaths will tell you that Scafell is just as rewarding a climb as its sibling, Scafell Pike.

 

In fact, both mountains are often climbed in unison, as they’re connected by a ridge known as Broad Stand. This is a series of rock steps which will add even more adventure to your journey, as you scramble and climb to the other side.

 

Scafell is known for its rugged and challenging terrain, perhaps more so than Scafell Pike, which makes it a great spot for hillwalkers who enjoy the challenge of a steep and rocky trail. If you’re brave, you could try out Scafell’s most challenging route: Lord’s Rake. It’s a steep climb covered in loose scree, making it a nerve wracking but rewarding path.

 

The view from Scafell is breathtaking - and you’re so high up that you can even spot the Irish Sea!

 

Helvellyn - 950 metres

 

Helvellyn is part of the Eastern Fells range of the Lake District, and stands at 950 metres tall. It’s one of the most popular mountains in the area, known for its steep climbs and gorgeous views of the surrounding countryside.

 

There’s a few different routes up, but Striding Edge is one of the most popular. It’s a narrow ridge which runs along the eastern side of Helvellyn, requiring a bit of scrambling and careful footwork. But the challenge is worth it, and this is one of those climbs where we can confidently say the journey is just as good as the destination. Following the Striding Edge path gives you clear views of the surrounding area, so it’s a great choice if you’re looking for the scenic route.

 

Of course, it’s the summit which is most likely to take your breath away. A panoramic view reveals other nearby peaks, including Skiddaw and the impossible to miss goliath, Scafell Pike.

 

But you’re also treated to a view of one of the Lake District’s largest lakes, Ullswater. It’s an experience you won’t soon forget.

 

Ill Crag - 935 metres

 

We’re back to the Southern Fells with the fourth highest mountain in England, Ill Crag, which also happens to be a child summit of Scafell Pike.

 

In fact, Ill Crag is most often climbed en route to Scafell Pike through the Esk Hause pathway. And some people miss Ill Crag completely on their way to the tallest peak.

 

But make sure you don’t miss out on this climb, as the view from Ill Crag’s summit is gorgeous. A cairn marks the highest point of the mountain, and hillwalkers can enjoy stunning views of the surrounding mountains and valleys. You can even scout out your next trip, whether that’s to Scafell Pike or another in the Southern Fells!

 

For a less crowded and quieter alternative to some of the more popular climbs in the Lake District’s Southern Fells, you can’t beat Ill Crag.

 

Broad Crag - 934 metres

 

We’re finally at our fifth tallest mountain in England, and with that, we’re completing the Southern Fell circuit which includes Ill Crag, Scafell, and of course, Scafell Pike.

 

Broad Crag, like Ill Crag, is often climbed in combination with the neighbouring peaks. It’s known for rough and rugged terrain, challenging paths, and steep ascents. Getting there is an exciting walk in itself, with a few different options including the path from Esk Hause or from Crinkle Crags.

 

And, as with every mountain in the Lake District, a gorgeous view at the summit tops of the whole experience.

 

Be prepared with Sprayway

 

Climbing a mountain requires the right gear for the job. Whether that’s a GORE-TEX shell jacket to keep you dry and warm on the way up, or appropriate footwear for scrambling up rocks, Sprayway has exactly what you need.

 

And if you find yourself climbing a mountain in some Sprayway gear, we’d love to know. Send us a picture on Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter with #Sprayway and you might feature on our social media.