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Skiddaw

Skiddaw is a mountain in the Lake District National Park, and with a summit at 3,054 feet above sea level , it is the fourth highest mountain in England), and the lowest above 3,000 feet. Skiddaw lies just north of the town of Keswick, Cumbria, and dominates the skyline in this part of the northern lakes.

Ladies in Victorian times used to ascend Skiddaw by pony, which can still be done today. The summit of Skiddaw can also be reached on foot. Although the summit is high, the face of Skiddaw is not difficult to ascent, which allows many walkers to climb to the top.

Thirlmere is one of the major lakes in the Lake District, and it is flanked by steep fells and thick woodland. Forest rambles are available and guided trails and climbs can also be taken to the summit of Helvellyn.  Also situated close to Thirlmere, almost in the shadown of of Helvellyn is Wythburn Church, which is a simple structure which inspired Wordsworth and Coleridge to write poems about the area.

Thirlmere was originally two lakes which were purchased by Manchester City Corporation Waterworks in 1889. The lake is 3.5 miles long, 1.2 miles wide and 158 feet deep. The area was dammed, and became one enormous reservoir. In the process, the settlements of Armboth and Wythburn were submerged and the only remaining building is Wythburn Church.

The lake is now owned by North West Water and is best viewed from the small road which runs along the west shoreline.

Skiddaw climbs

The Ullock Pike Ridge is the finest approach to Skiddaw, and although it is not as dramatic as Striding Edge on Helvellyn, it offers the walker a superb route with stunning views of the local countryside. The slopes around Skiddaw are gentle, smooth and grassy, and both Hunter Davies and Wainwright, who are famous for writing about the Lake District, have written that the walk up to Skiddaw is one the whole family can enjoy. Although it is a walk, rather than a climb, walkers should be prepared for the cold wind at the summit – even in the summer.

Popular ascent routes include the direct but less scenic routes up the north-west ridge from Bassenthwaite Village and High Side, where you can take in spectacular views over Dash Falls and Dead Crags.
Climbing Skiddaw from the south can be varied and enjoyable, and some routes are much quieter than others. Use the car park at the end of Gale Road, which is free but gets very busy during the summer months, via the gate and turn left along the path by the fence. The path winds slightly to the left before it reaches a gate to the open fell. The tourist path continues by the fence, going uphill, and the route goes off diagonally to the right and slightly downhill to Whit Beck.

After the beck, head east along the well-used path of the Cumbria Way, as it rises slightly. Walkers can enjoy a good view east from here to the Pennines, and after three quarters of a mile you will reach a fence with stile. Cross this and turn let up the hill alongside the fence. The path is hardly well-worn, but it is easy to follow. Keep near the edge by the Lonscale Crags for superb views over the Glenderaterra Beck.

Another popular route is to head up to Ormathwaite and follow the Gale Road to a car park. You will pass the monument to three Hawell family shepherds, and then ascent the steep slopes of Jenkin Hill. Taking in the amazing views of Derwentwater, you can then head along a wide path towards Skiddaw Little Man. A walk up to Skiddaw´s slated summit can be done in the mist along a well-marked path, or, as Wainwright may suggest, in the dark, with the aide of the moon.

If you want to explore the rugged landscapes around Keswick, or climb up Skiddaw, take advantage of a superb range of accomodation in and around the Lake District. Country hotels, luxury hotels, guest houses and campsites are dotted around Windermere, Bowness, Keswick, Ambleside and every part of the Lake District to suit all tastes and budgets. Wherever you decide to stay in Cumbria you will find a vast range of attractions, events and things to do.

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