“The western aspect is best known to Bassenthwaite folk, who enjoy a secret delight few others have discovered”
A Wainwright
The fourth highest peak, Skiddaw, in the Lake District is usually climbed from the south, where a direct path climbs from Keswick. Although this route has some wonderful views it can be a bit monotonous trudging up and down the 'Pony Track'.
Instead we climb from the north western side, here we begin with wonderful views over Bassenthwaite Lake and out towards the Solway Coast before the views expand to take in Borrowdale and Derwent Water and the higher fells beyond.
The Ullock Pike ridge is a great ridge walk, usually well away from the masses.
“Heed not the disparaging criticisms that have been written from time to time, often by learned men who ought to have known better about this grand old mountain”
A Wainwright
By far the best route up Skiddaw. We climb from High Side onto Ullock Pike continuing over Long Side and Carl Side before climbing to the summit of Skiddaw.
Throughout the ascent we will have wonderful views over Bassenthwaite on a good day and as we reach Long Side the views over Borrowdale and Derwent Water will be revealed to the south.
We will descend the northern slopes over Bakestall to meet the track at Dash Falls, following the track back to Peter House Farm and crossing the fields back to High Side.
Each participant will be required to bring suitable equipment for their chosen event, please see Kit List tab above.
Where to meet: High Side, Bassenthwaite
Postcode: CA12 4QG
Grid Reference: NY 236 310
Directions
From Keswick: High Side 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 trough Dodd Wood and continue until the Ravenstonedale Hotel is passed on the right.
A short distance after the hotel a lane will lead of to the right, signposted to Orthwaite, follow this lane for approx. 400m until a lay by is seen on the right, we will meet here.
Bus Services
High Side is well served by buses, the bus stop is 5 minutes walk away from the meet point at the end of the Orthwaite Road.
The 555 bus runs between Keswick and Carlisle.
The X4 runs between Workington, Cockermouth, Keswick & Penrith.
Stagecoach bus timetables can be viewed here
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Another great day walk with LDW Review by David
A great walk, stunning views along the way, including the opportunity to look back and see the ridge we had just walked. Had a new guide, Tom, who was excellent. Met up with some walkers whom I had walked with before and also some new people. As ever it was a pleasure to spend the day with LDW. (Posted on 17/06/2018)
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Lovely day's walk Review by claire
Many thanks to Rachel for her efficient and friendly guiding. I really enjoyed this walk. Beautiful views all of the way round apart from Skiddaw summit, which was atmospherically shrouded in mist -- a really enjoyable contrast with the friendlier weather during other parts of the walk.
The only really hard-work portion was the trudge up to Skiddaw, slate-grey and fierce with wind. But even this felt well within my middle-aged abilities and the experience has given me lots of confidence, so much so that I'm hoping to do more of these guided walks in the near future.
I would certainly recommend this guided walk to anyone who has moderately good fitness or above and who wants a walk that is reasonably challenging but not intimidating. (Posted on 11/09/2017)
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Highly recommended! Review by Bettina
We had a really great time with our mini-group of three people crawling up Skiddaw and Ullock Pike in horrible rain. We actually didn't see anyone else all day which is apparently very unusual! I could never have done this hike on my own, so it was great to have someone guide us. Thanks! (Posted on 29/09/2016)
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Fabulous walk with stunning views! Review by Christa
The walk we did over Ullock Pike and then Skiddaw was very well planned and the views were outstanding. Clear skies made visibility perfect. Our guides Ross and Josh were extremely knowledgeable about the area and they had plenty of antidotes to keep us amused even when the going got tough!
My fears of not being able to keep up with the group were totally unfounded as Ross was careful to pace the walk so that we all felt comfortable. We had plenty of opportunities to rest, recover our breath and use the few minutes to take some beautiful photographs. Ross was even kind enough to lend me his pole to make my ascent of the final summit a breeze! I took his advice and bought a pair that very same day.
(Posted on 25/04/2016)
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Great walk Review by Alison
Had great time with John leading us on Saturday. Despite the atrocious weather we had a lot of fun and only the very strong winds prevented us reaching the top of Skiddaw. However we still managed to do three fells on the list. Thanks John for turning out to guide us on such a dreadful day. We will certainly be booking with you again. (Posted on 02/12/2015)
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