A Complete Guide to the Skiddaw Walk
Skiddaw Mountain is one of the most popular and iconic peaks in the Lake District National Park, known for its stunning views and challenging terrain. This Skiddaw Walk is a must-do for any avid hiker or outdoor enthusiast.
Located in the Northern Fells of the Lake District, Skiddaw stands at an impressive 931 meters (3,054 feet) and is the sixth-highest mountain in England. The route to the summit varies, with several paths depending on your experience level and fitness.
In this guide, I will provide all the essential information you need to plan your Skiddaw Walk, including the best time to go, what to bring, and what to expect on the trail. I will also share some tips and tricks to help you make the most of your experience, from the best viewpoints to the most challenging sections of the route.
The Skiddaw Walk is an adventure you won’t want to miss, so let’s explore one of the most beautiful and exhilarating peaks in the Lake District! It is easily one of the best walks in Keswick if not the Lake District!
Skiddaw Circular Walk Details
Time: 5-6 hours
Distance: 13.2km
Elevation: 906m
Map: OS Explorer OL4
Skiddaw Car Park
If you’re looking for a convenient spot to park for your Skiddaw walk, the nearest postcode is CA12 4PH (approximate), and the grid reference is NY 280 825.
You can find a popular car park at the top of Gale Road, just north of Keswick. This car park is excellent for easy access to Skiddaw or Latrigg, but it tends to be busy no matter the season.
If you arrive early, you are guaranteed a parking place, but the car park can fill up quickly during peak seasons. The good news is that parking is free! So, plan and get there early to secure a spot for your Skiddaw adventure.
For Google Maps directions, follow here.
It is also possible, to park in Keswick and begin your Skiddaw Walk from there.
Skiddaw Weather
If you’re planning a Skiddaw walk, it’s essential to check the weather before you go. The weather on Skiddaw can change quickly, and it’s common for hikers to experience strong winds, heavy rain, or even snow, especially during winter. Checking the weather forecast can help you prepare for these conditions and ensure a safe and enjoyable hike.
There are several ways to check the weather on Skiddaw before you go. One of the best ways is to visit the Met Office website and check their weather forecast for the Lake District. This will give you detailed information about the weather conditions on Skiddaw, including temperature, wind speed, and precipitation. You can also check the Mountain Weather Information Service (MWIS) website, which provides detailed mountain weather forecasts for the Lake District and other mountainous regions in the UK.
Remember, the weather on your Skiddaw walk can be unpredictable, so it’s always best to err on the Side of caution. If the weather forecast is terrible or you feel uncomfortable with the conditions, postpone your hike and try another day again. By checking the weather before you go and monitoring the conditions throughout your walk, you can help ensure a safe and enjoyable trip up Skiddaw.
Skiddaw Little Man
Skiddaw Little Man is a fell that is a subsidiary peak of Skiddaw. Skiddaw Little Man offers a challenging and rewarding hike with stunning views of the surrounding mountains and valleys despite being a smaller peak.
Skiddaw Little Man stands at the height of 2,838 feet (865 meters) and is located just to the south of Skiddaw. It is often climbed in conjunction with Skiddaw, forming a popular circular route that offers a challenging but manageable hike.
The ascent up Skiddaw Little Man is steep but relatively short, and the views from the summit are stunning. On a clear day, hikers can see for miles around, with views over Derwentwater and the surrounding fells.
Skiddaw Height
The Ordnance Survey, the official government mapping agency for the UK, lists the height of Skiddaw as 931 meters (3,054 feet) above sea level. This height measurement is based on a benchmark at the mountain’s summit.
However, other sources list slightly different heights for Skiddaw. For example, some hiking websites and guidebooks may list the peak of Skiddaw as 931.6 meters (3,057 feet) or even 935 meters (3,068 feet). These slight differences in measurement may be due to variations in how height is measured or changes in the height of the mountain over time.
Despite the slight variations in height measurements, Skiddaw is one of the highest mountains in England!
Skiddaw Summit
The summit of Skiddaw offers stunning panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and valleys.
At the summit is a trig point, a concrete pillar used in land surveying. It is a popular spot for taking photos and enjoying stunning views. On clear days, it is possible to see as far as Scotland, the Isle of Man, and even the coast of Ireland.
Skiddaw Webcam
The Skiddaw webcam is an excellent tool for anyone planning to hike Skiddaw Mountain. It allows you to view real-time weather conditions at the summit of Skiddaw Mountain.
The webcam lets you see if the summit is covered in clouds or has a clear view. It also provides information about wind speeds and temperature.
4 Skiddaw Walk Routes
There are several Skiddaw walking routes, ranging from the more straightforward to the more challenging and steeper ones.
The Skiddaw Walk Tourist Route
This is the most popular route up Skiddaw and is suitable for most walkers. The course starts from the car park on Latrigg, just outside of Keswick. From there, the path follows a gradual ascent up the mountain, passing through a gate and along a gravelly track before reaching the main route up Skiddaw.
The path then winds up the mountain, passing the Hawell Monument and Skiddaw Little Man before reaching the summit. This route can be steep in places, and you can return directly from the Skiddaw summit the way you came.
Skiddaw via Longside Edge
This is a more challenging route up Skiddaw, which starts from the village of Orthwaite. The trail follows a steep climb up Longside Edge before joining the main path up Skiddaw. This route is shorter than the tourist route but is steeper and more challenging.
Ullock Pike Route
This is a slightly more challenging route up Skiddaw, which takes a more direct approach to the summit. The trail starts from the village of Bassenthwaite and follows a steep climb up Ullock Pike before joining the main path up Skiddaw. This route is shorter than the tourist route but is steeper and more challenging.
Skiddaw via Carl Side
This is another challenging route up Skiddaw, which starts from the village of Orthwaite. The route follows a steep climb up Carl Side before joining the main path up Skiddaw. This route is shorter than the tourist route but is steeper and more challenging.
When choosing a route up Skiddaw, it is essential to consider your fitness level, weather conditions and the time of year.
Always check the weather forecast before setting off, and ensure you have appropriate clothing and equipment for the conditions. Remember to carry a map and compass and to let someone know your planned route and expected return time.
Skiddaw Circular Walk Detailed Instructions in 4 Steps
Step 1: Latrigg Car Park to Skiddaw Little Man
Start from the Latrigg car park and go over the stile. Turn immediately left and continue straight through the gate. Remember to close it behind you because of livestock grazing.
Follow the path as it curves to the left and go through another wooden gate.
Continue to follow the way up. If the conditions are good, you can see the main path in front of you.
Pass the Hawell monument on your right and go through another wooden gate to reach the gravelly track. Continue on the main path due to erosion and follow it as it winds up the mountain. It is pretty steep!
Continue following over the stile and keep going up. The path will eventually become less steep. You will see the Skiddaw Little Man in front of you. When you reach the wooden stile, decide if you would like to go up Skiddaw Little Man or go around it to Skiddaw. If you’re short on time, you can go around.
If you choose to go up Skiddaw Little Man, continue up and then up again until you reach it. From here, continue down and then up again to rejoin the main path to Skiddaw.
Step 2: Skiddaw Little Man to Skiddaw Summit
After another steep climb, the path begins to level off, but you still have to walk a bit further to reach the summit.
If you want to make it an out-and-back route, retrace your steps.
To make it a circular walk, go back on yourself from the summit and take a right-hand turn so you can see the Long SideSide to the right of you. The path is quite steep, and there is a lot of scree, so take your time going down.
Step 3: Skiddaw Summit to Millbeck
When you reach the crossroads, take a left to go up Carl Side before dropping down again.
You will have a lovely view of Keswick in front of you. Keep going down (the rocks can be rocky, so be careful) and follow the zigzag path into Millbeck.
When you reach the road, turn left, go over the bridge, and then turn right to continue down the road. You may be lucky enough to see the free-range hens.
Take the first left-hand path that goes through some farmland. Stay right, walk between the two stone walls and through the gate.
Continue straight and exit the farm using the wooden gate to go towards the other wooden gate on the left-hand side of the field.
Step 4: Millbeck to Latrigg Car Park
Keep going straight, through another wooden gate, across a small bridge, staying on the public footpath to Applethwaite. Turn right when you reach the road and continue straight. At the junction, take another right and an almost immediate left between the houses. Cross the stream and then stay right to follow the public footpath towards Under Sear.
When you reach an open field, stay left and head toward Ormathwaite. When you get to the road, turn left, continue straight, and move right to the main road.
Take the first public footpath on your left and go through the wooden gate. Keep going, and when you cross over the stile, turn left and head for Latrigg Woods.
When you reach the wooden gate, turn right and go up through the woods.
When you reach the crossroads, take a right to go up to Latrigg or continue straight to head back to the car park.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Skiddaw Walk
Where is Skiddaw?
Skiddaw is located in the Lake District National Park in Cumbria, England.
Where is Skiddaw Mountain?
Skiddaw Mountain is located in the Northern Fells of the Lake District in Cumbria, England.
Who owns Skiddaw House?
Skiddaw House is owned by the Youth Hostel Association and is used as a remote hostel for hikers and outdoor enthusiasts.
How long does it take to climb Skiddaw?
The time it takes to climb Skiddaw depends on the route and the hiker’s fitness level. On average, it takes about 4-6 hours to reach the summit and return.
Can dogs get up, Skiddaw?
Yes, dogs can climb Skiddaw, but it’s essential to keep them on a leash and be aware of other hikers on the trail.
Can you see the sea from Skiddaw?
On a clear day, it is possible to see the sea from the summit of Skiddaw.
How high is Skiddaw?
Skiddaw stands at an elevation of 931 meters (3,054 feet) above sea level.
Where to park for Skiddaw?
Several parking areas are near Skiddaw, including the Latrigg and Gale Road car parks.
How high is Skiddaw in feet?
Skiddaw is 3,054 feet (931 meters) high.
How long does it take to walk up Skiddaw Summit?
It typically takes around 2-3 hours to reach the summit of Skiddaw, depending on the route taken and the hiker’s fitness level.
How long does it take to climb Skiddaw?
It takes, on average, 4-6 hours to climb Skiddaw, depending on the route taken.
Overall Thoughts on the Skiddaw Walk
The Skiddaw Walk is a challenging but rewarding hike that offers stunning views. The route to the summit is varied, taking hikers through forests, open fields, and rocky terrain.
The Skiddaw Little Man detour adds an extra challenge and a unique viewpoint, while the descent through Millbeck and Latrigg Woods offers a more scenic way. The weather conditions can make a big difference in the hike’s difficulty, so it’s essential to check the forecast and dress appropriately.
Are you interested in more Lake District guides? Please read:
We want to stress that ‘Average Lives’ cannot be held liable for any injuries or accidents that may occur while walking our routes. We strongly advise that you wear proper footwear to reduce the risk of injuries, and carry a paper map and compass to ensure your safety while walking. You can read more on our About Page.