Climbing Scafell Pike in March

Q. I am hoping to climb Scafell Pike at the end of March with two friends.

I am interested in what sort of weather we can be expecting on the peak (I know to expect anything, but trying to see if we need more prep than what i was expecting).

We all have experience of hill walking, in non-alpine conditions and some have had a few days guided while at school in winter conditions in the cairngorms.

Firstly, is the end of March a good time to climb Scafell Pike, taking into account the experience of the group?

Do we need to dig out the crampons and axes?

Thanks

Graham Lake, Nottingham

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A. For climbing Scafell Pike see Walks

• c110 The Eskdale Skyline from Wha House Farm, Eskdale

• c111 Scafell Pike from Wasdale Head, Wast Water

• c166 The Scafell Masiff from Wha House Farm, Eskdale

• c172 Scafell Pike via The Corridor Route from Wasdale Head, Wast Water

• c194 Scafell Pike from The Old Dungeon Ghyll, Great Langdale

• c197 Lingmell and Scafell Pike from Wasdale Head, Wast Water

• c215 Scafell Pike from Seathwaite (Borrowdale)

• c233 Sca Fell and Scafell Pike from Wasdale Head, Wast Water

• c271 The Scafell Massif from Wasdale Head, Wast Water

• c370 Scafell Pike from Seathwaite (Borrowdale)

• c416 Scafell Pike from The Old Dungeon Ghyll, Great Langdale

• c453 The Scafell Mountains from Wasdale Head, Wast Water

• c454 Scafell Pike via The Corridor Route from Seathwaite (Borrowdale)

Not sure whether it is just my imagination or not - but it seems to snow more in March than any other month of the year.

In any event, even when good weather is predicted, the weather conditions in the high mountains can change very quickly - particularly in the winter months.

So I would make sure everyone in your party has winter walking experience and is properly equipped for all conditions.

The golden rule here is better to have and not want - than to want and not have.

So take your Ice Axe and Crampons and if you don't need them - no problem.

Hope this helps

Mike (Editor)

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