Skiddaw

 

Skiddaw is the fourth highest mountain in the Lake District at 914 metres or 3054 feet. Wainwright, who wrote a number of classic guides to walking in this area wrote,” The summit is buttressed magnificently by a circle of lesser heights, all of them members of the proud Skiddaw family, the whole forming a splendid and complete example of the structure of mountains, especially well seen from all directions because of its isolation” which describes perfectly the appearance of this peak.  

The views from Skiddaw are to Keswick and Daren’t Water to the south, low rolling hills to the north, the Bassenthwaite Lake and the head of the Newlands Valley to the west and Skiddaw Forest to the east.

Skiddaw does not have the edges and crags of other mountains over 3000 feet and is therefore a good and relatively easy peak for a general tourist to achieve. The correct footwear is essential. There are a number of routes up this mountain and the main one starts from the car park at Latrigg in Keswick which has a well marked and well trodden path to the top.

For the more experienced walker the best way up Skiddaw using a ridge starts from near the Ravenstone Hotel to the north west of the peak. This takes walkers along a ridge that connects Longside, Ullock Pike, and Carl Side before reaching the summit. It is also possible to walk up Skiddaw from Bassenthwaite village and from the Skiddaw forest. Before reaching the summit look out for Skiddaw Little Man, and take in the magnificent views that have inspired artists and writers to this part of the world which remains one of the most beautiful places to visit in England.