Communicorp Lake District 7 Peaks Challenge

Rise and shine for breakfast and a bright and breezy start! From the Old Dungeon Ghyll we head north-west across the moorland towards the first peaks of the day: Crinkle Crags and Bow Fell. These are the southern fells of Wainwright country, which offer some of the finest hill-walking in England. Admire the awe-inspiring views across the Lake District National Park as we progress towards Esk Pike. On a clear day, you can see as far as the Irish Sea and southern Scotland.

After a short pit stop for lunch, the next challenge beckons. Esk Pike represents the halfway mark and from its stony summit the view stretches across the Scafells, Derwent Water and part of Windermere. Only two peaks remain, but they are the toughest of the day so require everyone to be focussed and determined. It’s hard work but rewarding as we wind our way up towards the notorious crossing at Esk Haus and on to the summit of Great End.

Finally, our ultimate destination is in sight: the craggy peak of Scafell itself. There is, however, the small matter of the daunting field of boulders in between, as well as a steep climb to the summit of England’s highest mountain at 978m. Ringed on all sides by crags, the expansive views take in Great End and Helvellyn to the north, Crinkle Crags and Windermere to the south-east and, on a clear day, the Isle of Man and the Scottish hills to the west.

There’s plenty of time to celebrate this impressive achievement from up high, before we return to our starting point via a more direct route. Participants will have the opportunity to shower and change back at the hostel before saying farewell to the group and heading home.