Climb England’s highest mountain with a guided ascent of Scafell Pike via the quieter and more scenic Corridor Route. This full-day guided hike offers a more peaceful alternative to the busier approaches and takes in some of the best walking terrain in the Lake District.
Meeting at Seathwaite Farm at 8:30am, the day begins with a briefing and kit check before setting off towards England’s highest peak at 978 metres. The Corridor Route is known for its varied terrain and scenic sections, weaving beneath the mountain’s imposing faces and offering ever-changing views across the central fells. This approach to Scafell Pike is roughly 4.5 miles each way, making it longer than the more popular Wasdale path, but its quieter trails and open mountain views make it well worth the effort.
The route includes a mix of pitched paths, rocky sections, and high mountain traverses, with plenty of opportunity for the guide to offer insights into navigation, mountain safety, and local features. Ascent and descent can take between 6 to 9 hours depending on conditions and pace, with regular breaks built in. The group will be supported throughout, with guides ensuring safe progress and adapting to weather and group needs on the day.
This guided hike begins at Seathwaite in Borrowdale, just south of Keswick – a popular base for outdoor activities in the northern Lake District. The surrounding area offers some of the best access to high fells in the region, and Scafell Pike itself sits within the Lake District National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The Corridor Route travels through dramatic mountain scenery including Sty Head, Great End, and the head of Wasdale before gaining the summit. This approach gives a different perspective on the mountain than routes from the west, and it remains a favourite among those wanting a quieter, more rewarding way to reach the summit.
Participants should have a good general level of fitness and be confident walking on uneven and rocky ground for sustained periods. This route includes some steep and exposed sections, so it’s best suited to those with previous hillwalking experience. For participants aged 12 to 17, a parent or guardian must attend and take responsibility during the activity.
Proper hiking boots and waterproof clothing are essential, and all participants should bring food, water, and spare layers. The guides will provide advice on kit ahead of time and ensure everyone is prepared for a safe and enjoyable day in the mountains.
The team is made up of experienced, fully qualified Mountain Leaders with a passion for helping others explore the UK’s wild spaces safely and confidently. Every guide is insured and trained in outdoor First Aid, and they bring a friendly, supportive approach to each trip, whether it’s your first mountain or your fiftieth.
The organisation draws on years of experience across a variety of mountain environments, including former mountain rescue and emergency service backgrounds. Whether travelling solo or as part of a group, participants can expect a professional, well-organised day with a focus on learning, enjoyment, and respect for the environment.
The Corridor Route is a great introduction to more adventurous fell walking, but it does require a good level of fitness and confidence on uneven ground. The path includes rocky sections, some steep climbs, and short scrambly areas, so it’s better suited to people with some previous hillwalking experience rather than total beginners.
That said, you don’t need to be an expert. If you’ve done long countryside walks or climbed smaller hills and are happy being out for up to 8–9 hours, you should be fine. The guide will support the group throughout, helping with pacing, safety, and route choices to suit the day’s conditions.
The round trip from Seathwaite Farm to the summit of Scafell Pike and back via the Corridor Route typically takes between 6 to 9 hours. This can vary depending on weather conditions, group pace, and how long is spent at breaks or at the summit.
The day is planned to allow plenty of time for rest, snacks, and taking in the scenery. Participants should be prepared for a full day out on the hill and not plan anything too time-sensitive for afterwards.
You should aim to arrive at Seathwaite Farm by 8.30am. Please allow extra time for parking, especially in summer, as the small road leading to the farm can become busy. The exact meeting point and directions will be sent out after booking to avoid confusion.
Important: This is the Seathwaite in Borrowdale, just south of Keswick. It is not the Seathwaite near Broughton-in-Furness. Mistaking the two is a common error, so make sure to double-check your route and sat nav settings before travelling.
Yes, children aged 12 and over can take part, but they must be accompanied by a parent or guardian who is also booked onto the hike. The adult will be responsible for supervising the young person throughout the walk.
It’s important to consider whether your child has the fitness, stamina, and interest to handle a long mountain day. If they’ve done full-day walks before and enjoy the outdoors, they’re likely to manage well. Feel free to contact us for advice if you’re unsure.
You’ll need sturdy walking boots with good ankle support and grip. Trainers or light hiking shoes aren’t suitable for this route. Waterproof trousers and a waterproof jacket are essential, even if the forecast looks good – weather can change quickly in the fells.
You should also bring a daypack with extra warm layers, lunch and snacks, at least 1.5 litres of water, gloves, a hat, and sunscreen. A full kit list will be provided before the day, and the guide will carry extra safety equipment like a group shelter and first aid kit.
The Corridor Route is a scenic and less crowded alternative to the very popular Wasdale Head and Pen-y-Pass routes. It takes you beneath dramatic faces like Great End and skirts high mountain valleys with impressive views throughout.
Though it’s slightly longer and more technical than the direct approaches, most walkers find it more enjoyable and varied. It also gives you a real sense of mountain adventure without needing to scramble or climb anything too difficult.
Your guide will always check weather forecasts in the run-up to the event and again on the day. If conditions are poor but safe, the hike may still go ahead with adjustments to route or pace. You’ll be briefed on what to expect at the start of the day.
In the event of high winds, lightning, or other severe conditions that make it unsafe to continue, the hike will be cancelled or rescheduled. Safety is the top priority, and the guides are experienced in making the right call based on the conditions.
Every hike is led by a qualified Mountain Leader who has undergone training and assessment through Mountain Training. Guides are also first aid trained and carry safety equipment like maps, compasses, emergency shelters, and radios or phones for communication.
In addition to qualifications, our guides have a wealth of practical experience across UK mountains, and many have backgrounds in outdoor education, mountain rescue, or emergency services. Their focus is always on keeping the group safe and making the day enjoyable.
About the centre
Seathwaite Farm, Borrowdale
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