Skiddaw

Skiddaw

Skiddaw is a 930.4 m mountain north of Keswick in the Lake District Northern Fells. The familiar Jenkin Hill approach and the quieter northern and western routes offer very different days. A broad path does not remove the risks of high winds, cold or poor visibility.

Summit and landscape

A trig pillar, toposcope and stone shelter stand in the summit area. The Database of British and Irish Hills places the highest rock about 5 m south of the trig pillar, between the pillar and shelter. Several subsidiary tops lie along the ridge, so identify the main summit carefully in cloud. DoBIH

Clear-weather views include Derwent Water, Bassenthwaite Lake and the surrounding Lakeland fells, with distant views towards the Solway Firth and southern Scotland. Visibility is weather-dependent. Visit Keswick

The Skiddaw Group consists mainly of ancient marine mudstone, siltstone and sandstone. The rocks are chiefly early to middle Ordovician in age and include the slaty rocks familiar around Keswick. British Geological Survey

Route planning

Choose a route that suits your experience and plan the whole return. Allow for weather, daylight, stops and the slowest member of the group. These summaries belong alongside a detailed map.

• Jenkin Hill with Little Man return: From Gale Road, climb to Skiddaw and return over Little Man and Lesser Man, about 10.1 km with 699 m ascent. WalkLakes route

• Ullock Pike from Ravenstone: Follow the western ridge to Skiddaw and retrace it carefully. UKHillwalking

• Bakestall and Sale How circuit: Peter House, Whitewater Dash, Bakestall and Skiddaw, returning over Sale How to Skiddaw House and back along the Cumbria Way past Whitewater Dash. Andrew Leaney’s route

• Lonscale Fell and Dodd circuit: This demanding Keswick round climbs the rocky north-east spur of Lonscale Fell, includes Little Man and Skiddaw, then descends by Carl Side, Dodd, Millbeck and Applethwaite. Experienced route-finding is essential. Trail Magazine itinerary

• Skiddaw House and Bakestall circuit: From Gale Road, visit the hostel and Whitewater Dash before climbing Bakestall and Skiddaw; return over Little Man. About 16.8 km with 890 m ascent. WalkLakes route

Access and facilities

Gale Road (Latrigg) car park is reached by the minor road above Applethwaite; the car park is small and the road can be icy. Starting from Keswick avoids relying on a high-level parking space. Dodd Wood has a paid car park off the A591 opposite Mirehouse, with toilets and a tearoom. Parking near Peter House Farm is limited; keep access clear and follow local signs. Skiddaw House access, Forestry England

Penrith railway station connects with Keswick by Stagecoach X4/X5 buses. Check the current timetable, exact stop and last return for the route chosen. The high Gale Road car park should not be assumed to have a bus service. Stagecoach

Keswick provides shops, food and public toilets. Skiddaw House is an independent YHA-affiliated hostel accessible on foot or by mountain bike. Book accommodation in advance and check opening arrangements; it is not an open bothy or a guaranteed daytime refuge. Skiddaw House

History and name

The origin of the name is debated; an Old Norse interpretation involving a projecting crag and a hill or mound has been suggested. The Jenkin Hill path served Victorian pony-borne visitors. UKHillwalking

Skiddaw House dates from around 1829 and originally accommodated a keeper and a shepherd before its later use as a walkers' hostel. Cumbria County History Trust

Safety

The exposed high ground can be difficult to navigate in cloud. Loose slate can be slippery; western approaches include steep slopes and ridges. Northern and eastern circuits pass remote, sometimes wet ground and steep crags. Carry navigation equipment and know how to use it, and take warm waterproof clothing, food, water, a torch and emergency supplies. Mobile reception can be unreliable. Keep dogs under effective control and check for ticks after walking. Cumbria Wildlife Trust

Snow and ice may require winter skills, an ice axe and crampons. Check the mountain forecast, daylight and conditions, and turn back if the route exceeds your experience. Winter mountain preparation