“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.

Summits included on this route:
Ullock Pike680 metres / 2231 feet
Long Side734 metres / 2408 feet
Carl Side746 metres / 2448 feet
Skiddaw931 metres / 3054 feet
Bakestall673 metres/2208 feet

“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.

Group Size	1	2	3	4	5	6	7	8	9	10
Per Person	£120	£60	£40	£35	£28	£25	£22	£20	£20	£18
Per Group	£120	£120	£120	£140	£140	£150	£154	£160	£180	£180

Group Size	11	12	13	14	15	16	17	18	19	20
Per Person	£22	£22	£22	£22	£21	£20	£19	£18	£18	£18
Per Group	£242	£264	£286	£308	£315	£320	£323	£324	£342	£360

Group Size	21	22	23	24	25	26	27	28	29	30
Per Person	£22	£22	£22	£22	£21	£21	£19	£18	£18	£18
Per Group	£462	£484	£506	£528	£525	£546	£513	£504	£522	£540

Group Size	31	32	33	34	35+
Per Person	£22	£22	£22	£22	£18
Per Group	£682	£704	£726	£748

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

Each participant is expected to bring suitable personal equipment for the event.
This should include the following:

Summer Walks:

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

Winter Walks:

Walking Boots
Waterproof clothing (Jacket and trousers)
Suitable clothing for walking (no jeans)
Warm tops
Packed lunch
Spare clothing
Water
Hat
Gloves
Torch (preferably a headtorch)
Spare batteries for the above
Spare Gloves
Flask & Hot Drink

The Following equipment may also be useful if owned:

Snow Goggles
Gaiters

The following equipment will be provided by The Lake District Walker should winter conditions require:

Ice Axe
Crampons

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Questions:

1 Answer

What happens if the weather is bad?

Posted by , Thursday, 12 October 2017 on product Skiddaw and Ullock Pike: Private Guiding

Question:

What happens if the weather is bad?

Answers:

Posted by John Scadding on Thursday, 12 October 2017
We plan to walk whatever the weather, unless it is dangerous to do so.

Mountain weather can be a little unpredictable, but we do keep an eye on the forecasts leading up to walks, should the forecast mean that the walk is not possible then we will contact you as soon as we have the forecast and offer you the following options:
- A more suitable walk on the same date taking into consideration the weather conditions
- A transfer to the same walk on another date
- A full refund

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1 Answer

Are dogs allowed on this walk?

Posted by , Wednesday, 20 September 2017 on product Skiddaw and Ullock Pike: Private Guiding

Question:

Are dogs allowed on this walk?

Answers:

Posted by John Scadding on Wednesday, 20 September 2017

Yes, dogs are allowed on all our walks.

However we do cross farmland and common land where animals will be grazing, there will be large sections of the walk, if not all, where dogs will be required to be on a lead.

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