Yes, Scafell Pike is generally considered harder to climb than Snowdon due to steeper inclines, rougher terrain, and more challenging navigation. However, the difficulty depends on which route you take and your hiking experience.
Key Differences Between Scafell Pike & Snowdon
| Comparison | Scafell Pike | Snowdon |
|---|---|---|
| Height | 978m (3,209 ft) – Highest in England | 1,085m (3,560 ft) – Highest in Wales |
| Average Climb Time | 4-6 hours (Wasdale) | 5-7 hours (Llanberis) |
| Distance | 6-12 miles depending on route | 7-9 miles depending on route |
| Terrain | Rocky, uneven, and loose scree | Well-defined paths but long ascent |
| Navigation | Harder – less signage, fog-prone | Easier – well-marked paths |
| Steepness | Steeper, with relentless inclines | More gradual but longer climbs |
| Facilities | No café or shelter on summit | Summit café (Llanberis route) |
Why Is Scafell Pike Harder?
✔️ Steeper Inclines – The paths to Scafell Pike are steeper and can feel relentless, especially from Wasdale.
✔️ Unstable Terrain – The summit has a lot of loose scree, making footing more difficult than Snowdon’s solid paths.
✔️ Navigation Challenges – The lack of signposts and frequent cloud cover make route-finding trickier.
✔️ No Facilities at the Top – Unlike Snowdon, there’s no café or shelter, meaning hikers need to be fully prepared.
When Is Snowdon Harder?
- If you take difficult routes like Crib Goch, which involves knife-edge ridges and scrambling, Snowdon becomes significantly harder than Scafell Pike’s standard routes.
- Bad weather can make both peaks equally dangerous, especially with strong winds and low visibility.
Which One Should You Climb First?
🏔️ Beginner? Start with Snowdon – The Llanberis Path is easier and more gradual.
🥾 Want a Challenge? Try Scafell Pike – Steeper and more rugged but rewarding.
💪 Looking for the Toughest? – If you’re experienced, take Snowdon’s Crib Goch route or climb Scafell Pike in winter conditions.
Final Verdict: If you’re taking the easiest routes, Scafell Pike is harder than Snowdon due to its steeper, rockier terrain and tougher navigation. However, Snowdon can be harder if you take the challenging Crib Goch route. 🚶♂️🏔️🔥