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Skiddaw

Skiddaw



Grid Reference: NY 26040 29085
Height: 931 metres/3054 feet

"Heed not the disparaging criticisms that have been written from time to time, often by learned men who ought to know better, about this grand old mountain."
A. Wainwright

Skiddaw, the highest of the Northern Fells and the fourth highest mountain in England rises to the height of 931 metres (3054ft), towering above the town of Keswick with which it shares a special relationship. No other town in the Lake District is so closely related to such a high and imposing summit.

The smooth but steep slopes of Skiddaw are due to it's composition, slate, grassy on much of the lower slopes but scree nearer the summits.

Most walkers climb the direct path to the summit of Skiddaw from Keswick, the old Victorian pony track climbs behind Latrigg steadily up the southern flank of the fell, although there are stunning views throughout there are much better ways of climbing Skiddaw.

To the west of Skiddaw the fine Ullock Pike ridge climbs above Bassenthwaite Lake, a long narrow ridge climbing over the summits of Ullock Pike, Long Side and Carl Side before climbing to the summit of Skiddaw. The northern and western flanks of Skiddaw also offer alternative routes, a series of good grassy ridges climb above Skiddaw House and the supply road giving a wide variety of routes, although there is a longer walk-in to this side of the mountain.

  1. On the Skiddaw ridge

    Caldbeck to Keswick

    £35.00

    Difficulty:
    Exposure:
    Distance: 26km / 16 miles
    Ascent: 1200m / 4000ft
    Duration: 10 hours
    Minimum / Maximum Group Ratio: 3:1 / 10:1

    Good paths throughout but a few steep ascents, a stunning way to see the northern Lake District fells

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