There are several routes to the top, but this classic ascent starts from the Wasdale Head car park. Head south over Lingmell Beck and follow the path up towards Lingmell Gill. Cross the stones over the beck (take extra care during wet weather) and continue climbing steeply up the track along Brown Tongue, overlooked to the south by the stern cliffs of Black and Scafell Crags.

You'll soon reach a junction: the right fork leads to an alternative ascent of the peak via the scree-covered pass of Mickledore, as well as a vertiginous scramble to the top of Sca Fell via Lord's Rake (now made dangerous by recent rockfall so best avoided). Take the left fork instead, traversing the boulder strewn expanse of Hollow Stones onto a lonf zigzagging trail up to Lingmell Coll, where the route ascends southeast over a shattered plain of rocks, scree and boulders all the way up to England's highest point.

A huge cairn marks the actual summit (3290 ft), and you will almost certainly be sharing the mountain top with a smattering of fellow walkers. The views across the valley are outstanding, especially the interlocking panorama of peaks to the north, including Great Gable, Kirk Fell, Green Gable and Pillar. Sca Fell looms to the southwest, connected to its neighbour via the narrow ridge of Mickledore; look out for rock climbers tackling  the classic challenge of Broad Stand nearby.

Once you've taken in the views, retrace your steps from the summit plateau all the way back down to Wasdale Head.