At 978m Scafell Pike is the highest mountain in England and because of this is one of the most popular walks in the Lake District. The National Trust counted over one thousand people on the summit in just one twenty four hour period. On a clear day the views are fantastic and it is a wonderfully rocky mountain but I would never walk up it on a weekend in summer by choice. This is one to be saved for a clear, crisp, mid-week winter day when you can have the paths to yourself.
I also try not to hang around on the top for too long: as well as being the busiest part of the walk it is where everyone else stops for their picnics and still bears the evidence. There are crisp packets and drinks cans stuffed into every crevice and banana skins strewn about the rocks. If the wind is not blowing a strong smell of urine wafts about the place.
All of that said I would still recommend a climb to the top of Scafell Pike as a great day out with a wide variety of terrain and views all over the Lake District - just pick your day carefully and please do not leave anything at the top.
Jill
