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Skiddaw

930m Elevation
706m Prominence
England Country
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Explore routes near Skiddaw

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

Binsey from Binsey Lodge Direct Out and Back Wainwright

2.4 km ~1h 30m Moderate

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Brae Fell from Longlands Wainwright

8.8 km ~3h Moderate

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Mungrisdale Common and Bowscale Fell from Mosedale Valley Wainwright

13.4 km ~6h Hard

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Bannerdale Crags from Mungrisdale Wainwright

6.9 km ~2h Moderate

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Route planning notes

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

Jenkin Hill Path

The Jenkin Hill Path is the most popular route up Skiddaw. Starting from the car park at Latrigg, this route follows a clear and well-maintained path. The ascent begins with a gradual climb past the Hawell Monument, before steepening as you approach Jenkin Hill. From here, the route levels out slightly before the final push to the summit, offering expansive views across the Lake District.

10.5 km ~4 hours Moderate

Skiddaw via Ullock Pike

This route starts at the Ravenstone Hotel and ascends via the Ullock Pike ridge. The path ascends steeply through wooded terrain before breaking onto open fellside. The ridge walk offers stunning views over Bassenthwaite Lake and the surrounding fells. The route continues over Long Side and Carl Side before the final ascent to Skiddaw's summit.

11 km ~5 hours Challenging

Skiddaw via Bakestall and Dash Falls

Starting from Peter House Farm, this quieter route ascends Skiddaw from the north. It begins with a scenic walk along the Cumbria Way, passing Dash Falls. The climb up Bakestall is steep but offers rewarding views. From Bakestall, the route joins the main ridge leading to Skiddaw's summit, providing a sense of remoteness.

12.5 km ~5.5 hours Challenging

Skiddaw via Lonscale Fell

This less-travelled route begins at Keswick, following the Cumbria Way past the Glenderaterra Valley before ascending Lonscale Fell. From here, it joins the main path up Skiddaw. This route is longer than the direct approaches but offers a quieter and more varied ascent with excellent views.

14 km ~6 hours Moderate

Skiddaw Circular via Skiddaw House

This circular route starts at the Gale Road car park and descends via the remote Skiddaw House. The path initially follows the tourist route before veering off towards Sale How and Skiddaw House, a remote mountain bothy. From there, the route loops back past Dash Falls and rejoins the main path, offering a mix of summit views and solitude.

16 km ~6.5 hours Challenging
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Hill facts and local notes

Classifications

Marilyn Furth Simm Hewitt Nuttall High Hills of Britain Wainwright Birkett Synge Fellranger

Elevation

930m

3,052 ft

Prominence

706m

Coordinates

54.6514, -3.1478

NY260290

OS Map

89 90

Explorer: OL4S

At the Summit

At the summit, you'll find a large trig point and a stone shelter, perfect for that classic peak photo (or just huddling from the wind).

Terrain & Geology

The terrain varies from grassy slopes to rocky outcrops higher up ensuring a pleasant yet occasionally challenging trek.

Skiddaw is primarily formed from ancient mudstones and slates, belonging to the Skiddaw Group. These geological features date back almost 500 million years, making the mountain a fascinating piece of Earth's history.

Views & Scenery

From the summit, you can enjoy spectacular views of the surrounding Lake District, including Derwentwater, Bassenthwaite Lake, and even the distant peaks of the Scottish Highlands on a clear day.

History & Heritage

Name Origin

The name 'Skiddaw' is believed to derive from Old Norse, meaning 'the seat of the hill', reflecting its prominence in the landscape.

Historical Significance

Skiddaw is one of the oldest mountains in the Lake District and has been a favourite among hikers for centuries, drawing those hoping to best its summit.

Getting There & Facilities

Parking

There is a car park located at the end of the A591 near the village of Millbeck, with additional parking available at the start of the Skiddaw Mountain Path.

Public Transport

Buses from Keswick run regularly to the nearest stops. The closest train station is in Penrith, which connects to local bus services.

Nearby Facilities

Cafés and pubs in Keswick offer refreshments before and after your hike, as well as public toilets available in the town.

Safety Information

Known Hazards

  • Be cautious of sudden weather changes; conditions can turn quickly in the Lake District. Loose stones and steep drops are also factors to consider.

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 Skiddaw?

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

Are there other walkers around Skiddaw?

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 Skiddaw search or of course create your own walk for Skiddaw

Can I organise a walk to Skiddaw?

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 Skiddaw.

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 Skiddaw?

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 Skiddaw 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

Skiddaw location map

Grid reference: NY260290

View on OpenStreetMap

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

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