Scafell Pike - November

GetYerCoreyOut

Myself and a couple of mates are going to summit Scafell Pike and a few others in the Lake district next month. I've got some hiking experience in the past, reaching Lac Blanc, however, I am a bit concerned on what the weather will be like.

Has anyone on here ever been to the Lake District in late November? if so what are we to expect? 

Thanks in advance!

LTKapal

I can't offer a massive amount of help but Conditions won't be good unless you pick a day very carefully and of the three peaks in my opinion scafell is hardest not because of the climb moreso the paths aren't great and less so in winter months. Not to discourage you though, I did old man of coniston in December and had a great time despite the cold and wet.

SE_7EVEN

If you have a bit of  flexibility on the days you intended to do hike, so you can avoid bad weather. I did the 3 peaks last month during the heat wave. But at scarfell pike there was low cloud and mist that lifted half way up, and was overcast for the rest of the day, while the rest of the country basked in brilliant sunshine 🌞 

thetomahawkkid

The weather is very changeable at most times of year in the Wasdale area. I have been up Scafell Pike twice and both times couldn't see a thing! I am told it is very worth it if it is clear. The climb is fairly safe from all routes, even in poor weather, although if the weather is bad you are best advised to spend the day in the great pub at Wasdale Head. I have always found the weather better on Helvelyn, which is a great climb via Striding Edge, from the Patterdale side. Don't bother climbing it from Thirlmere side.

Daarrzzetbum

Done Scafell 4 times but only ever in spring/summer, check the weather, then check again, it’s so changeable, there must be a local website that can advise further re local conditions in real time. 

swordfish

LTKapal said:

I can't offer a massive amount of help but Conditions won't be good unless you pick a day very carefully and of the three peaks in my opinion scafell is hardest not because of the climb moreso the paths aren't great and less so in winter months. Not to discourage you though, I did old man of coniston in December and had a great time despite the cold and wet.

I trust it was as good for him  😉

BOWAddick

November isn't a good time to climb Scafell Pike, particularly because it gets dark around 4pm. That said, the weather can range from storms and rain through to day long sunshine. You sometimes get settled periods but  this often comes with the potential for frost and ice, particularly high up. The best weather forecast site is the Mountain Weather Information Service MWIS (Google it). Unless the conditions are near perfect, don't attempt it - there's plenty of lower level alternative walks. Oh, and make sure you are properly equipped with warm clothing, waterproofs, sturdy boots, a good torch, whistle, first aid kit, emergency rations etc. Don't rely on your mobile phone! 

N01R4M

This specialised weather forecast site might be useful
https://www.mountain-forecast.com/peaks/Scafell-Pike/forecasts/978 

I absolutely agree with BOWAddicks advice.

Wheresmeticket

GetYerCoreyOut said:

Myself and a couple of mates are going to summit Scafell Pike and a few others in the Lake district next month. I've got some hiking experience in the past, reaching Lac Blanc, however, I am a bit concerned on what the weather will be like.

Has anyone on here ever been to the Lake District in late November? if so what are we to expect? 

Thanks in advance!

It won't necessarily rain.

It might sleet or snow.

Joking aside it will be a blast, especially once you get back to a warm pub.

Baldybonce

Ooooo look at me
This was Cairngorm mountain last month.
I've been up Scafell loads of times and always preferred nov/dec because it's quieter. The weather can be very changeable even within the hour, so be prepared for wet, cold, sleet anything. Carry plenty of water unless you've got a filter for streams. An emergency blanket. And food for a day. ( Even if you get stuck you won't starve to death)
Notice i'm not wearing sturdy boots but trainers from Scarpa, they're much more comfortable and lighter. If you want to borrow any lightweight gear pm me.

BassAddick

Make sure you take warm clothing and have proper waterproofs, hat and gloves. The problem with living down south is that having gone all that way you have to get out and make the best of the weather rain or shine . People who live up there can pick their days. Make sure you start early its not a quick route. I went up once on New Years Day and ended up coming down the last bit in the dark. Have a map and compass and know how to use it!

theeenorth

Early start if you can and then back in the pub, hope that you don't coincide with some charity day nonsense that sees a load of puffing billies wheezing up the path and having a picnic on the summit.
Probably will be pissing down but I hope you have a clear day or part of so you can see what you've achieved.
Are you staying at Wasdale night before? November I'd be in three season boots at least rather than trainers but I'm old so what do I know.

BassAddick

Which route are you taking?

Solidgone

How long does it take to walk up an down Scarfel?

MrOneLung

Is it really ‘a climb’ ? 

GetYerCoreyOut

Thank you all for the great advice! We will see what its like once were there and decide our plan. There from Friday to Monday, so plenty of time.

thetomahawkkid

MrOneLung said:

Is it really ‘a climb’ ? 

You won't need ropes, but there is some steepish scrambling to do whichever route you take.

wightaddick

Large boulders greasy/slippery near the top if wet. Listen for summit temperature and don’t attempt if sleet or snow/ice forecast. Easy to get disorientated in poor visibility and that can be costly in terms of drops off and risk of exposure. Make sure you have a 1:25,000 map and compass plus survival bag and know how to use them. If possible leave a route plan with wherever you are staying should they need to call out Mountain Rescue. Sounds dramatic, but I’ve been on the lower tops when snow arrived and it’s no fun.

Solidgone

I assume there is no Uber?

Oggy Red

I've only scaled both Scafell and the Pike in the summer months in fair weather during the long daylight hours. 

We allowed ourselves 10 hours for the round trip from where we parked the car.
Don't underestimate the time it takes to get there and back - don't get caught halfway back as night falls early in November.

SporadicAddick

I have to say, based on comments so far, I'd stick to Shooters Hill in November and save Scafell Pile for the summer...

Baldybonce

Enyoy

Stig

I'm genuinely surprised at how many people on here have done it not just once but multiple times. I think I'll knock the idea on the head and try Oxford Street instead. Sounds like it'll be less crowded.

Baldybonce

Stig said:

I'm genuinely surprised at how many people on here have done it not just once but multiple times. I think I'll knock the idea on the head and try Oxford Street instead. Sounds like it'll be less crowded.

You'd be shocked at the amount of people on popular peaks at the weekend. Snowdon has a queue to summit.

As mentioned earlier i was recently in the Cairngorms where i met a party of army reservist doctors doing training. The chap i spoke to came from Sidcup and worked with my neighbours at Lewisham hospital.

GetYerCoreyOut

Just thought I'd give an update, yes we did summit it. Yes, it was cold and wet. Yes, we saw fuck all. Still a brilliant experience though! Snowdon next year I reckon.