We were to tackle Scafell Pike from Wasdale Head, which is where we arrived at 0325 (stop watch - 10 hours, 1 minute). It was still dark at this point and we realised that we would have to spend the first hour or so climbing the mountain in the dark. I have to admit, I had some concerns here! Climbing an unknown mountain is one thing, doing it in the dark is another. We were also very tired having been up for nearly 24 hours with maybe only 1 or 2 hours sleep in the car on the way down - it would be easy for mistakes to be made! However, in order for us to have a chance of completing the challenge in 24 hours, we had no choice!
After our arrival, we quickly changed and had a last minute consultation with our book which had given some valuable advice on routes so far. It was 0355 when we set off, still completely pitch black apart from our head lamps which were showing us the way! However, not long into the journey, and a glimmer of light was quickly appearing which eased some of my earlier fears. It was in these early stages that this book had become essential for us, as the route seemed more complicated than Ben Nevis, so we carefully followed the instructions provided.
Scafell Pike started off with some steps which eventually turned into a trail. However, very quickly the trail became a climb over rocks which were very steep. It was not long before we reached the summit though, as the actual journey to the summit is a lot shorter because it is that much steeper. By 0600 we had conquered the second summit of our journey, with the stop watch on 12 hours and 36 minutes - just over half way!
It was very peaceful at the top and there were some spectacular views as the sun was only just beginning to rise above the rocky hills in the distance. Again, we spent 10 minutes at the top, before starting our descent. I was feeling good at this point and after a quick descent, we were back at the car park by 0735.
It had taken 2 hours and 5 minutes to get to the top, where we spent 10 minutes, before beginning our descent which took a further 1 hour 25 minutes.
Conquering Scafell Pike felt easier than Ben Nevis but there were obvious reasons for this - the distance was smaller (although steeper) and this was the lowest peak. However, I was glad we had made it to the top and back down without any issues. The book we had with us was essential for guiding us. I was also glad that we survived the darkness at the beginning!
By 0805 (stop watch - 14 hours 41 minutes) we were packed and ready to leave for the second car journey. This was probably the car journey with the biggest threat to us making it within 24 hours, because we would be driving with rush hour traffic. Fingers crossed, we would make it to Snowdon in good time....