You can walk to the top of Skiddaw by using any of these 6 easy to follow route maps: Walk c248 Skiddaw from High Side. Because Skiddaw does not have the crags, edges and rocky climbs that normally accompany fells over 3000 ft in height, it is a relatively easy summit to reach. A relatively easy first half on tarmac then it's time for heading into the wilds. It can often be cold and windy at the top compared to the town below so always go well prepared. From the youth hostel simply follow the Cumbria Way (again, very clearly marked) all the way back to the car park. The Mountain Bike Routes . Skiddaw Walking Guide and Walks. Visibility almost whiteout … As well as being beautifully picturesque, I like this route for another reason too: accessibility. It’s lovely to look at and a nice early place to pause, catch your breath, and take a moment to reflect. This route was established as a pony route for Victorian tourists and still attracts the greatest number of ascentionists. As Jenkin Hill is approached the bridleway eases considerably; continue along it to a gate. The most popular route to Skiddaw's exposed and wind-blasted summit is by Jenkin Hill Path. Route 2. It is straightforward on good tracks although I have varied the descent here to make it a circular option. Skiddaw, England's sixth-highest mountain, is a challenging walk in many ways, but it is still an easy-to-follow and non-technical route. Ascent: 2,100ft Length: 6 miles Map: The English Lakes - North Western Area (OS Explorer Map Active) (OS Explorer Map Active) Last Walked: We start from the car park between Latrigg and Skiddaw. From the best fell walks to walkers' pubs and budget accommodation, discover a quiet corner of the Lake District with this area guide. The drive to the Lake District isn’t just beautiful but it’s pretty easy. If you didn't stop off at Skiddaw House Youth Hostel on your way back down, you'll probably be ready for a hearty meal and a warm drink by this time! Skiddaw is visually the perfect mountain. Advise novice walkers not to attempt. Remember: although we are describing this as 'easy', you’ll still need to be properly prepared for the high fells – Skiddaw is a full 931m high! Strenuousness 3. If it’s misty when you start your descent it’s worth checking the compass to ensure you take the right path. Crampons not advised as terrain may damage them as a fellow walker broke theirs. Take the left branch past the Hawell Monument and climb the zig-zags up the steep fellside northwest towards Jenkin Hill. They are very welcoming of passing guests and, if they’re open, will be happy to sell you tea and cakes while you warm your feet by the fire (they’re generally closed on Mondays and during much of the winter). For those looking to climb their first mountain, it’s certainly worth considering. Follow it over the River Greta and past Fitz Park to Keswick Leisure Pool. NY280253 From Latrigg Car Park follow the fenced bridleway northeast then north to a fork. Although not as rugged looking as some of the Lake District’s peaks Skiddaw holds special qualities. Assuming you set off from nearby Keswick there are basically two routes. The Lake District is a wonderful place to enjoy biking as well with climbs to challenge even the most experienced cyclist and, believe it or not, plenty of nice flat routes for all the family. Please don’t head up there in flip flops brandishing a your phone with the Google Maps app open. The route starts from the town of Keswick at the northern end of the beautiful Derwent Water. The path is very well trodden all the way to the top, where you will also find shelters where you can rest, enjoy a sandwich, and pat yourself on your back for conquering this Lake District legend! With such a prominent peak in so easy reach, you must be tempted to have a go. Skiddaw House is right on the Cumbria Way, a 112km (70 mile) walk (or Ultra trail run) through the heart of the Lake District, from Ulverston to Carlisle. Which route? Blawith Loop Route Grade: medium. After a steep initial climb, the route levels out, and becomes a relatively easy high level promenade on the grassy slopes of Skiddaw. By staying safe and staying local you can help reduce the pressure on our emergency services. The approaches from Keswick are a little monotonous (but safe). shorter route option from almost half way; Keswick, one of Lakeland's most popular tourist centres, is dominated by Skiddaw and its neighbouring peaks. The Corridor Route isn’t really a ‘corridor’ at all. Portsmouth Harbour to Hayling Island. Join the fenced bridleway and follow this southwest back to the car park. Cycling UK Vice President Josie Dew outlines this easy trip … Route 1. Water then likely to only be available from Skill Beck - best to turn right at the col of Long Doors and drop down to Skill Beck. NY267241 Join the bridleway and follow it as it climbs steadily across the flanks of Latrigg and Mallen Dodd, all the way up to Latrigg Car Park. I’m definitely one of them. Claife Heights Route Route Grade: medium. You can use the the map to make up your own mountain bike routes /detours, or follow the route suggestions. Weather: Sunny, bitterly cold at times. Wind chill factor is severe. Fantastic descent off Woodland Fell. I’d had to abort a walk up Ullock Pike last month, after getting blown off my feet by gale force winds. Its bulk made of layers of ... easy Easy to follow paths even in mist. Easy peasy, lemon squeezy! If you opt for Little Man head over its summit and then follow the west side of the fence to re-join the bridleway. Map Side 1. Grade. Home » Routes » Europe » England » Lake District National Park » Lake District's Northern Fells » Skiddaw via Ullock Pike and Longside Edge TGF0bzpyZWd1bGFy This is the best route to the summit of Skiddaw – a worthy way to climb one of England’s highest peaks. However scrambling up to the 3,000 foot contour over the exposed Skiddaw Slates is a dramatic and immensely satisfying experience. Often criticised for not having dramatic crags, its rounded shape offers excellent walking with grand views across Keswick and Derwentwater to most of the Lakeland summits. Dog issues: Sheep. Alternatively, have a shorter day from Keswick allowing either a leisurely morning in Keswick or a worthwhile detour to the summit of Skiddaw. The view from Skiddaw Little Man in … Sally's Cottages, 7 St John's Street, Keswick, Cumbria, CA12 5AP 4 Victoria Street, Windermere, Cumbria, LA23 1AB, 7 St John's Street, Keswick, Cumbria, CA12 5AP, 4 Victoria Street, Windermere, Cumbria, LA23 1AB, The Lake District's best-kept walking secrets. The mountain of Skiddaw in the Lake District Northern Fells stands at the magical 931m height, making it the 3rd tallest* mountain in the Lake District The most popular route to Skiddaw's exposed and wind-blasted summit is by Jenkin Hill Path. You can warm up for Skiddaw with a walk up nearby Latrigg. Drive to the hamlet of Applethwaite (1 mile away from Keswick) and park at the top of Applethwaite Lane in the roadside car park. There are prettier views, but if you appreciate the bleakness of the English fells you'll probably want to walk up Skiddaw at some point. Minor scrambling entirely avoidable making this a relatively easy high ridge walk. This was taken around 20 mins after the winter view on Skiddaw I posted a couple of days ago, making us glad we had taken an easy route down. A lot of snow drift, recommend snow goggles. The rest of the route to the summit of Skiddaw is easy to follow (assuming you haven't ventured up in thick snow!). Distance: 7.4 miles. Its form is a simple combination of steep smooth flanks and deep shadowy gills; its slopes are covered with a patchwork of bracken, grass, heather and scree which from hour to hour are in a constant state of flux displaying an infinite variety of hues and tints. You can be practically at the foot of Skiddaw when you stay at one of our holiday cottages in Bassenthwaite, Keswick or the North West Lake District. Canon Rawnsley, one of the founders of the National Trust, heard of the situation and took it upon himself to finish the monument and write the inscription. Check how the coronavirus rules affect the Lake District National Park. Little Man is perhaps the most challenging part of this walk - the false summit can be a little frustrating, but your sense of elation after passing over it will be worth the effort! Area: Northern Lake District. The Skiddaw massif standing over the town of Keswick can be seen from much of Lakeland. NY266234 From the centre of Keswick take Station Street to the pelican crossing across the A5271, head over the crossing and join Station Road. If you'd like to talk to us, we're here from 8.30am until 9pm every day (including Sundays) and we're always happy to help. Getting outside for exercise is of course important, but please don't take any unnecessary risks, especially in the cold and icy weather. Skiddaw is the 4th highest mountain in England and is a popular climb with hill walkers. Across the Vale of Derwent the peaks of the eastern, central, southern and western fells are laid out in a magnificent panorama. Both routes begin from the same car park, heading in almost opposite directions, but Latrigg is a much lower mountain and better for beginners, young children, and those with lower mobility. Outline of Route Millbeck - Skiddaw Little Man (via SW arete - Wainwright's route) - Skiddaw - Carl Side - Millbeck (Grid ref. The hostel is in an ideal location for an overnight stop between Borrowdale and Caldbeck. It can be followed to Skiddaw House, formerly a row of shepherds' cottages, and more recently a hostel, from where easy pathless slopes can be climbed to gain Skiddaw's main summit ridge. My mother used to take this walk up Skiddaw (3,052′) as an evacuee during the war and it remains very popular today. Go through the gate and head up a final climb onto the summit ridge. From here, the way up Skiddaw is clearly signposted and there are a couple of interesting things to look out for on the way. NY260290 The return is back down the way you came. For now keep straight ahead and follow the path as it zigzags up to the car park. Access into this area is made easy by a well-graded bridleway that circumnavigates this northern side of Skiddaw. From the car park retrace your steps back to Keswick along the bridleway. Skiddaw, Lake District: "Is there an easy route for a family walk with a 6..." | Check out answers, plus see 181 reviews, articles, and 215 photos of Skiddaw, ranked No.42 on Tripadvisor among 956 attractions in … My Circuit Route Of Skiddaw (Created with https://umap.openstreetmap.fr/en/) Setting Out. A tour around Skiddaw. Continue southeast around the northeast flank of Little Man to another gate. In the extreme Winter conditions. The Walk. Route: Ullock Pike, Long Side, Carl Side and Skiddaw. From Bassenthwaite Lake to Skiddaw, which opens up in front of you, it’s easy to see why many people are adamant that this is the best route up England’s 4th highest peak. Summits 1-50 Summits 51-100 Summits 101-150 Summits 151-200 Summits 201-258. There was no way I was going to do the popular route though, the one designed by the early Victorian pioneers which consists of a wide well-made path all the way up from Latrigg to Skiddaw via Jenkin Hill. Did Skiddaw Today. To really enjoy the mountain climb Skiddaw via Ullock Pike. What to wear and take on a Lake District walk, Book your School trip to the Lake District. Turn N and follow the crest to Skiddaw's summit. At the gate you have the option to either pass through it or turn west then northwest and make the short diversion to Little Man. Little available water. Lots of people come to the Lake District to walk and experience the scenery and countryside in the best way possible. We recommend The Old Sawmill at Dodd Wood, The Sun Inn in Bassenthwaite, or one of the many cafés, pubs and restaurants in Keswick. The route from the National Trust car park at Wasdale Head is the shortest – see further down this page for a map of the route. He was a renowned local sheep farmer and, following his death, his son put the wheels in motion for a memorial but sadly died a few weeks later. To get there, turn north east off the A591 just north of the roundabout which joins with the A66, to the north of Keswick. It’s an excellent route for those looking extend their experience to the higher peaks. For the experienced fellwalker the "tourist" ascent, walking up a long but gradual slope just to walk down it again, is somewhat mundane. An easy up and down route via Spooney Green Lane from Keswick with a circular route round the summit. The easiest is via Jenkin Hill. This route was established as a pony route for Victorian tourists and still attracts the greatest number of ascentionists. This route makes use of the Allerdale Ramble way-marked walking trail so is well defined and easy to follow. Ascent: 3,300 feet. There are various routes up so it’s worth choosing a route to meet your abilities. Walk around the right-hand side of the pool, cross the car park and then turn left onto Brundholme Road. Details of Route The ascent of Skiddaw has long been an attraction for tourists visiting Keswick and I, for one, don't begrudge them their bit of exercise. Follow Brundholme Road for 500m to the start of a bridleway on the right. The route is iced over therefore use of spike pleats. Dog issues: Carl Side Tarn at the end of the ridge section is a handy place for water but it is shallow and may dry out. Recalling my son had climbed Skiddaw at the age of 4 without being carried, but now won’t walk up Walla Crag, we began to reminisce about the days working together at Castlerigg Hall Caravan and Camping Park. In the guide each route includes a map with the route highlighted and clear text directions. ... Keep to the same path passing a tree plantation on your left with views over to the mighty Skiddaw. If you want to do this but aren't looking for full day hikes up challenging routes, we're here to help by providing you with some easy Lake District fell walks! Stunning high level route. Terrain Streets, bridleway, steep grassy fellside and stony summit ridge, Harvey Superwalker XT25 Lake District North, British Mountain Maps Lake District (1:40 000). It’s an excellent route for those looking extend their experience to the higher peaks. Help keep our emergency staff and hospital beds free for those that need them most. Our staff include rangers and field workers, advisers at our visitor centres, planners and ecologists. Skiddaw from Keswick is the most popular route up the mountain. Head south along the summit ridge then turn southeast and descend to a fence and gate. Skiddaw House 23km / 14 miles. Purchases: Buy walk in Adobe/PDF format to print or for your phone or tablet Buy route for your GPS. Distance: 15km An ideal introduction to Lakes riding: a ferry ride on Lake Windermere, a dolly along the scenic shore of the Lake … From Keswick there is a clear stoney path all the way. Skiddaw is often maligned and sometimes with good reason. The main route from the car park at Latrigg, Keswick , also has a good path all the way up, so navigation is also relatively easy. Coming from the north, I followed the A591 south before turning off and tightly doubling back onto a tight little road. If you opt to ignore Little Man continue on the bridleway as it skirts the northeast side of Little Man and is followed to another gate. Much too boring and much too busy for me that one, I needed something more dramatic and an approach to Skiddaw which would be quieter. Once you're fully recovered and have taken your fill of the views, you can either head back down the way you came or, if you fancy a spot of navigating and a circular route, follow the track over to Skiddaw House Youth Hostel. There are various routes up Skiddaw but this one starts at the Ormathwaite car park. Distance: 12km A mountain biking route that takes in quiet Lanes, farm tracks and great singletrack. Scafell Pike via the Corridor Route from Wasdale Head; Climb up Scafell Pike via Piers Gill; Scafell Pike via the Cowcove zig-zags and Cam Spout; Walks in the Lake District Menu Toggle. Walkers: Andrew . Right at the start of the ascent is the Hawell Memorial, a beautifully carved stone to the memory of local shepherd Edward Hawell. Skiddaw is probably the easiest of the Lakeland mountains of its height. Show bus stops Walk height profile note that gradients are usually grossly exaggerated. Skiddaw is the fourth highest mountain in the Lake District rising 931 metres above sea level. Routes and Maps Here you can find routes for some classic walks in the best loved areas of the Lake District along with detailed descriptions including distance, time, ascent and grade. Skiddaw and Blencathra are stars of the show, and Sharp Edge is a name to get scramblers excited; but there's far more to the Northern Fells, a name first coined by Wainwright. Remember: although we are describing this as 'easy', you’ll still need to be properly prepared for the high fells – Skiddaw is a full 931m high! Memories such as cooking breakfast for campers and trying to fathom how to boil the perfect poached egg and witnessing the transition from post to email. Pass through this gate and follow the bridleway as it descends the steep fellside through a series of zig-zags to the Hawell Monument and onto the intake wall. Climbing Skiddaw is in the family. The Corridor Route from Borrowdale via Styhead Tarn is not too much longer but has a few rock steps and requires much better route finding skills. Wind speed at Skiddaw peak is extreme can catch you off guard. Skiddaw's the fourth highest mountain in England. Proper boots, warm & waterproof clothing, food, a torch (just in case) and a map and compass (or other properly reliable navigation aid) are a must. Date of walk: 9th January 2019. A good route for avoiding the hot spots of the Lake District. Ignore a path to your right signposted Latrigg summit 3/4 mile , this is the way you will come back down. The Lake District National Park Authority looks after this unique corner of England, encouraging people to enjoy and understand its beauty and helping those who live and work here. Being in an isolated position, set apart from its neighbours, the unrestricted views from its summit and south side are arguably the best in the Lake District. 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