Sunday 12th July – Skiddaw, from Dodd Wood to Keswick

Date: Sunday 12th July

Leader: Ben J

Meet time: 09:00

Start time: 09:15 Keswick (09:45 From Dodd Wood)

Estimated finish time: 15:00-17:00 depending on group speed

Distance: around 16km

Ascent: Uphill/downhill 1016/1049 m

Ramblers walk grading: Strenuous

Start point: Meet your walk leader at Keswick Bus Station at 09:00 and catching the 09:15 553 bus to Dodd Wood car park. Bus ticket £3.

What3Words: ///spend.crumples.lyricist (Keswick Bus Station)

Please Register using the form at the bottom of the event page if you intend to join the walk.

Car parking: Keswick – numerous paid car parks.
(Car sharing may be possible – please contact the walk leader to arrange)

It is the responsibility of each walker to make sure they understand where to park. If you are not sure where the car parking/meeting point is, you must contact the walk leader at the latest the day before the walk. You should not rely on mobile phones or postcodes. There is often no mobile reception near walk meeting points and postcodes are for the nearest place nearby but should only serve as a guideline. Please allow plenty of time to find a parking space so that walks can start promptly.

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Skiddaw’s summit is one of only four peaks in England exceeding 930 metres, and on a clear day the views take in Derwent Water, the Coledale fells, and on a good day extend to Scotland.

The exposed summit ridge of Skiddaw is notably susceptible to strong wind regardless of conditions lower down — appropriate layering and navigation kit are essential.

Description: Take the bus from Keswick Bus station. Starting from the Forestry Commission car park at Dodd Wood on the shores of Bassenthwaite lake, the first stretch passes through woodland on well maintained paths, with the sounds of the forest and large trees overhead providing a gentle introduction before the serious climbing begins.

Leaving the woodland, the route gains height steadily as it approaches Ling How and the start of the ascent to Ullock Pike, with views across Basenthwaite Lake opening up to the left. This first section is the most demanding, with over 300 meters ascent from Ling How onto Ullock Pike, however the well-trodden path meanders in a manageable gradient. The summits of Ullock Pike, Long Side and Carl Side all sit along Longside Edge, the north-western ridge of Skiddaw. This ridge is widely regarded as the best way to ascend Skiddaw, with Alfred Wainwright writing: “There is no doubt in my mind that by far the best approach to the top of Skiddaw is by way of its north-west ridge”.

The path along The Edge to Ullock Pike is well-defined, and from Ullock Pike superb views over both Bassenthwaite Lake and Derwent Water.

From Ullock Pike the route continues along Longside Edge to Long Side and then Carl Side, with Long Side barely registering as a separate fell underfoot, before a very easy climb leads to the wide grassy summit plateau of Carl Side. The final push from Carl Side to Skiddaw’s 931m summit is steep for the last 300 yards and contains loose stone, though in dry conditions it is not overly difficult — in wet weather, this section may be avoided.

From Skiddaw, the descent heads south along the summit ridge to Skiddaw Little Man (865 m), an eastern top with excellent views, we will maintain the hight to Lonscale Fell, before the route drops down the south side of the massif. The bridleway descends steadily above Whit Beck and across Jenkin Hill, carrying good views south over Derwentwater and the central Lakeland fells on the way down. The bridleway, known as Spooney Green Lane, crosses the A66 via a footbridge before the route continues into Keswick. The final approach passes through Fitz Park alongside the River Greta, crossing the bridge into the town centre.

Please check the weather and bring appropriate clothing (waterproofs and spare warm clothing), footwear and enough food and water. The leader reserves the right to turn away any walker not suitably equipped. The leader may cancel the walk or modify the route dependent on conditions.

New members: please note the walk leader may ask for more information about your walking experience. This is to ensure you have the fitness required to complete the walk that is planned safely.