The highest mountain in England! This was a good hike and was an upward push the entire way. With the weather ever changing, I didn’t know what to expect and tried to prepare for anything. In the end this turned out to be a good idea. It took me 2 1/2 hours to get to the peak and 1 1/2 hours to get back down.

Following the path, I started on my journey and hike up the mountain. At the beginning, the path as easy to follow and I did not need any guidance from the gps. Not long into the hike, I started getting tired and hungry and stopped to eat an orange out of my bag. The short little break and food helped out but my legs were still burning and like jelly from the tons of hike-a-bike the day before. About an hour into the journey, it was time to stop again, load up with some food, and throw on the rain jacket. After eating a peanut butter and honey wrap, my legs were ready to go!

Finally after an hour and two stops for food, I was starting to feel better and could continue to push. The path changed from a smooth incline, to continuous rock steps, and then…just rocks. The path was hard to see and follow but fortunately, many cans and pyramids were set up to help guide the way. Looking up, I could see the snow covered peak in the distance. In the other direction, gazing back down the mountain, the view to Wast Water was gorgeous.

With the weather changing from cloudy, to sunny, back to cloudy, and then raining, and more clouds it was hard to tell what clothes to wear. As I approached the beginning of the snow, I wasn’t sure if I was going to be able to make it to the peak. Yes, I was well prepared but all I had were trail shoes and they don’t hold up so well against snow and rain. Deciding to push on, I chose my steps carefully and it was good other people had gone in front of me to help compact the snow.

A path wasn’t even visible, I was just following other peoples footsteps in the snow. Rock pyramids were also set up along the way to help give a sense of direction. Approaching the top, it was super windy and had a few gusts that almost blew me over. Then…it started hailing. That didn’t stop me and I made it to the top! Wind, hail, and snow I was able to summit Scafell Pike, the tallest mountain in England at 978m (3,209ft). Looking out over the beautiful scenery, I could see Scotland to the north, Isle of Man to the west, and Wales to the South. Right then an RAF jet fighter flew 50 yards above me and tipped his wing along the way. It was such a cool experience!

I had done well so far to stay dry and not let my feet get soaked, now to head down to the bottom. Just like descending any steep mountain, the decline gets to the knees with the constant downhill pounding. This was a great hike and I thoroughly enjoyed it. The views from the top and along the way were well worth it.