Wild camp beneath England’s highest mountain.
A two-day guided wild camping adventure in the Borrowdale fells, with spectacular views towards Scafell Pike, England’s highest mountain, and the dramatic western Lake District skyline.
A classic Lake District wild camp with Scafell views
Scafell Pike is the highest mountain in England and a huge draw for walkers visiting the Lake District. This trip is designed to give you the drama of that landscape without forcing an overnight camp onto a busy summit route.
Borrowdale gives big mountain atmosphere, excellent access to the high fells and memorable views towards Scafell, Great Gable and the surrounding peaks. It is a superb introduction to wild camping with professional support throughout.
Quick facts
- Duration: 2 days / 1 night
- Meeting area: Borrowdale / Seathwaite area
- Season: June to August
- Fitness: good hill fitness required
- Kit: equipment hire available
- Style: guided small-group wild camp
Views towards Scafell Pike
Experience the mountain landscape around England’s highest peak without needing to camp on the summit itself.
A proper night in the fells
Evening light, a quiet camp, simple routines and waking up already surrounded by high Lake District mountains.
Guided throughout
Your Mountain Leader manages pacing, route choices, camp decisions and the practicalities of travelling with overnight kit.
Why we don’t camp on Scafell Pike
Scafell Pike is England’s highest mountain, but the summit area is not usually the best place for a quality wild camping experience. It can be busy, exposed and limited for suitable pitches. Instead, we use the surrounding Borrowdale fells to create a better overnight journey, with stronger camp options and superb views towards the Scafell range.
Check AvailabilityThe 2-day journey
The outline below gives the intended shape of the trip. Final route choices are made around weather, visibility, ground conditions and group pace.
Day 1 – Borrowdale to mountain camp
Meet your Mountain Leader in the Borrowdale / Seathwaite area for introductions, kit checks and a route briefing. We then begin a steady journey into the fells, carrying overnight packs and choosing a suitable camp location for the weather and group.
Day 2 – Morning in the mountains
After breakfast, we break camp and continue the mountain journey before returning towards Borrowdale. Depending on conditions, the route may include higher ground, mountain tarns and panoramic views towards Scafell, Great Gable and the western fells.
Who this trip suits
- Walkers looking for their first guided wild camp.
- Hillwalkers wanting a memorable Lake District weekend.
- People drawn to Scafell Pike but wanting a better overnight experience than a summit camp.
- Solo travellers looking to join a small, friendly group.
- You should be comfortable walking uphill with a loaded rucksack.
- You will carry your own food, clothing and overnight kit.
- Routes and camp areas may change with conditions.
- Equipment hire is available if required.
What’s included
- Qualified Mountain Leader throughout.
- Two days of guided mountain walking and wild camping.
- Route planning, pacing and mountain decision-making.
- Campcraft guidance and support.
- Group safety equipment.
What’s not included
- Transport to and from Borrowdale.
- Parking charges.
- Food, snacks and drinks.
- Personal clothing and footwear.
- Camping equipment unless hired separately.
Equipment hire
You do not need to buy a full wild camping setup before trying this trip. Optional hire can help remove the equipment barrier.
- Lightweight tent hire.
- Sleeping bag and mat hire.
- Rucksack hire.
- Full backpacking bundles available where stock allows.
Responsible wild camping
Borrowdale and the surrounding fells are sensitive mountain landscapes. Camp locations are chosen carefully to reduce impact and suit the conditions.
- Careful pitch selection.
- Small-group approach.
- Minimal trace campcraft.
- Respect for the Lake District National Park environment.