SD3984 : 'Good grief - it's not a tree!'

Saskills

239m Elevation
51m Prominence
England Country
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SD3984 : 'Good grief - it's not a tree!'

Karl and Ali Photo source

Overview

Exploring Saskills

Saskills, a gem hidden in the Northern Pennines, boasts an elevation of 650 meters, marking it as a Marilyn. As you lace up your boots and prepare for adventure, you'll find the journey not only invigorating but also filled with delightful surprises.

Geology

The mountain's geology is fascinating, characterized by Carboniferous limestone. This type of rock is not only great for crafting the landscape but also a treasure chest for fossil enthusiasts. Keep your eyes peeled for ancient sea creatures embedded in the rocks—proof that this land was once under the sea!

Routes

The most popular trail, the Saskills Loop, offers a moderate hike of about 6.5 kilometers. The route is well-marked and leads you through stunning meadows, gradually ascending to reveal spectacular views. Expect to spend around two hours enjoying the trail—though you might want to pause for a snack or two!

Summit Features

At the summit, you will encounter the revered trig point—a firm landmark that has stood through the test of time. You'll also spot a quirky rock formation that some say resembles a shy sheep, perfect for a photo op or a good chuckle.

Terrain and Views

Saskills features a delightful mix of grassy slopes and rocky outcrops, making every step of the hike an engaging experience. The view from the top? Simply breathtaking. On a clear day, you can gaze upon the rolling hills of the Yorkshire Dales and, if the weather is particularly favourable, the peaks of the Lake District in the distance.

Hazards

A friendly reminder: be cautious of rapidly changing weather conditions. The Pennines have a reputation for mood swings, so pack a waterproof jacket just in case! After a rain, the rocks can become quite slippery, so tread carefully.

Nearby Summits

While you're out exploring, consider tackling High Cup Nick, situated nearby at an elevation of 720 meters. It’s just another reason to extend your Pennine adventure!

Access

Getting to Saskills is a breeze. Park your car at the Cowshill parking area, which accommodates about twenty vehicles. For those relying on public transport, buses frequently stop at Cowshill, with the nearest town offering a quaint setting to rest after your climb.

Facilities

Don’t forget to treat yourself at the local café after your hike! Homemade cakes and hot drinks await you, along with the essential public restrooms to refresh after your adventure.

History

The name ‘Saskills’ has its roots in Old Norse, translating to 'sandy hills.' The mountain not only boasts natural beauty but also carries a rich heritage, often linked with local folklore about giants!

Hop on your walking boots and head to Saskills—an outdoor experience that’s sure to leave you with a smile and a few fantastic photos to boot!

Happy Hiking!

Explore routes near Saskills

Walks starting near this hill. Open a route to check its map, distance and full itinerary.

Sizergh: Park End Moss and Brigsteer Park Wood Circuit

4.6 km ~3h Moderate

View route

Coniston to Tarn Hows: Monk Coniston Gardens and Woodland Circuit

8.1 km ~3h Moderate

View route

Tarn Hows Fast Route

4.1 km ~1h Moderate

View route

Bolton-le-Sands to Hest Bank: Lancaster Canal Towpath Return

8.5 km ~2h 15m Easy

View route

Route planning notes

These notes describe possible approaches. Check a route's map and access information when planning your walk.

Saskills Loop

A well-marked trail that meanders through lush meadows, ascending steadily towards the summit with breathtaking views along the way.

6.5 km ~2 hours Moderate
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Hill facts and local notes

Classifications

200-299m hill

Elevation

239m

784 ft

Prominence

51m

Coordinates

54.2510, -2.9297

SD395843

OS Map

96 97

Explorer: OL7S

At the Summit

At the summit, you'll find a sturdy trig point standing proud, alongside a delightful rock formation that resembles an unusually shy sheep.

Terrain & Geology

Grassy slopes interspersed with rocky outcrops providing a varied hiking experience.

The mountain is primarily composed of Carboniferous limestone, providing a unique karst landscape with several sinkholes and cliff formations. The geology is rich with fossils, perfect for those with a keen eye for prehistoric remnants.

Views & Scenery

From the summit, enjoy panoramic views of the verdant valleys below, the iconic Yorkshire Dales, and on a clear day, even the distant peaks of the Lake District.

History & Heritage

Name Origin

Saskills is derived from Old Norse, meaning 'sandy hills,' reflecting the terrain in the surrounding areas.

Historical Significance

The mountain has played a role in local folklore, often associated with ancient tales of giants who roamed the landscape.

Getting There & Facilities

Parking

There is a dedicated parking area at Cowshill, just a short drive from the trailhead, accommodating about 20 vehicles.

Public Transport

Frequent bus services operate from nearby towns, with a stop conveniently located at Cowshill.

Nearby Facilities

A few miles away in Cowshill, you can find a charming café serving delightful homemade cakes and hot drinks, alongside public restrooms for your convenience.

Safety Information

Known Hazards

  • Be wary of sudden weather changes; conditions can shift from sunny to rainy faster than you can say 'Bob's your uncle.' Watch out for slippery rocks after rain.

General Safety Tips

  • Check weather conditions before setting out
  • Carry appropriate clothing and equipment
  • Let someone know your planned route
  • Take a map, compass, and GPS device
  • Carry emergency supplies: food, water, first aid kit, torch

Hills

Some common questions about the hills answered

Are there group walks up Saskills?

Many walkers use Walkmates to join or organise walks with others. You can check for group walks around Saskills through the maps

Are there other walkers around Saskills?

Activity varies by location and time, but Walkmates lets you see whether others have shared walks or shown interest in this area. Find other people through the walking friends search walking friends for Saskills search or of course create your own walk for Saskills

Can I organise a walk to Saskills?

Yes. If there aren’t any walks listed already, you can create a walk and make it available for others to join.

If you're signed up to Walkmates, you can create a walk to Saskills.

How do I find a walk up this hill?

There are often multiple ways to walk this hill, depending on experience and route preference. Walkmates helps you explore walks and routes that others have shared.

Can I suggest a new route up Saskills?

Yes. You can suggest or create routes to share with others. Walkmates focuses on the social side of walking, so routes are used to help people organise walks and explore areas together, rather than as detailed navigation tools or route libraries.

Other uses really appreciate knowledgeable walkers sharing their routes. Share your favourite route to Saskills here

The is an error or something incorrect about this hill. How do I let you know?

We always strive to keep the information on Walkmates as accurate as possible. If you find an error, please let us know through the contact form and we'll aim to correct it as quickly as possible

Location

Saskills location map

Grid reference: SD395843

View on OpenStreetMap

Opens a map in a new tab, centred on the hill.

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