The Lake District Walker
Guided Walks in the English Lake District



Skiddaw & The Ospreys

Skiddaw & The Ospreys
Monday 8th August 2011

£20.00


Difficulty: Moderate
Distance: 15km / 9 miles approx.
Ascent: 1190m / 3900ft approx.
Time: 6 hours
Start Time: 10am


"This then is Skiddaw, a giant in stature. But an affable and friendly giant."
A.W Wainwright

During the summer we are lucky enough to have a pair of Ospreys nesting in the woods above Bassenthwaite Lake.

This year we have decided to incorporate into our Skiddaw route a trip to the R.S.P.B. Osprey Viewing Point in Dodd Wood.

Along with views of the Ospreys we often get to see many other birds and squirrels as well as great views over Bassenthwaite Lake.

Tip: Bring your binoculars, there is a scope on site however, there are usually a few people waiting in line to grab a peek.

Summits included on this route:
   
Dodd
502 metres/1647 feet
Carl Side
746 metres/2448 feet
Skiddaw
931 metres/3054 feet
Skiddaw Little Man (Optional)
865 metres/2838 feet
Lonscale Fell (Optional)
715 metres/2346 feet
Latrigg (Optional)
368 metres/1207 feet


Spectacular fish-eating birds of prey, ospreys have a wingspan of nearly five feet. Their white head and undersides, contrast with the rich brown upper parts.

Ospreys were driven to extinction in Britain through intense persecution, particularly egg and specimen collectors. Ospreys were last recorded breeding in England in 1840 in Gloucester shire and the last UK breeding pair was destroyed in Scotland in 1916.

Ospreys were extinct as a breeding species in the UK between 1916 and 1954, when they re colonised Scotland from a nest at Loch Garten, now an RSPB reserve. Breeding success was low until 1959 when intensive wardening increased the security given to the birds.

Ospreys are amazing birds of prey. There return to the UK and more recently return to breeding in Cumbria are great conservation success stories.

During the summer months we adapt our Skiddaw walk to take in the Osprey Viewpoint in Dodd Wood.
From the Old Sawmill Tearooms in Dodd Wood we climb the forest paths to the Osprey Viewpoint, taking in the wonderful views over Bassenthwaite Lake and hopefully an Osprey or two.

Our route continues to the summit of Dodd, a great viewpoint overlooking Keswick, Derwentwater, Bassenthwaite Lake and Borrowdale.

The route continues from the summit of Dodd climbing over Carl Side to the summit of Skiddaw.

From Skiddaw we will follow the path south over the Little Man summit, one of the best viewpoints over Keswick and Derwentwater, before we descend to the 'pony track' path down to Latrigg descending back to Dodd Wood and our start point.

Want this walk on another day?
Why not make a private booking?
 

We can take a private booking for this or any other event on any other day of the year.

For further information please click here

 


Where to Meet: Dodd Wood
Time: 10am
Postcode: CA12 4QE
Directions: From Keswick: Dodd Wood is located on the A591, the main road between Keswick and Bassenthwaite. Leave Keswick on the A591, signposted to Carlisle crossing the A66 at the roundabout, follow this road for approximately 3 miles until Dodd Wood is reached, a pay and display car park will be seen to the right, signposted to The Old Sawmill Tearooms and Mirehouse, we will meet outside the tearooms.
Full information will be provided in a download file upon booking

Equipment required:

Walking shoes / Boots
Waterproof clothing (Jacket and trousers)
Suitable clothing for walking (no jeans)
Warm tops
Packed lunch
Spare clothing
Water
Hat & Gloves
Torch

The Lake District Walker is able to provide limited equipment for hire by clients, this includes waterproof clothing and warm clothing.
Equipment currently available is listed here

View past Skiddaw & the Ospreys events in our blog here


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This product was added to our catalog on Monday 06 September, 2010.

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