Mountain Course & Activity Locations

Skiddaw

At 3058 feet, Skiddaw is the fourth highest mountain in The Lake District and in England. Our route to ascend this mountain takes you to the summit via Ullock Pike, Long Side & Carl Side making a circuit above the lovely valley of Southerndale. This is definitely the best way to climb Skiddaw and makes for a full day excursion.

We begin our ascent of Skiddaw from the west and the route starts from the back road from the A591 to Orthwaite. On leaving the road we head uphill, east through fields on a bridleway before turning south up a ridge that overlooks lower Southerndale. Presently the peak of Ullock Pike comes into view as we arrive on the open fell and after a mile or so, we arrive at this first summit. 

On arriving at the summit of Ullock Pike, one might be surprised to find one's self at the northen end of a ridge which encircles the south west side of Southerndale. This ridge provides fine views south over Keswick & Derwentwater towards the Lake District's highest summits; and west over Bassenthwaite Lake towards the Vale of Lorton and the west coast of Cumbria. For the Wainwright baggers amongst you, there's not just Skiddaw to tick off, but Ullock Pike, Long Side & Carl Side are all Wainwrights, so there's four you can bag on this fine day out.

Long Side follows in quick succession after Ullock Pike and then we traverse Carl Side before arriving at the col from where you get this great view down to Keswick, Derwentwater and the fells to the south & East. From here, on, it's a fairly steep pull up the final slope to the summit of Skiddaw but on a good day, the views just keep getting better & better!

Skiddaws summit is actually a mile & 1/2 long ridge running from south to north. Viewed from those aspects, the mountain looks like a shapely peak.

On a clear cloud free day, the views extend to The Pennines in the east, the southern uplands of Scotland to the north, the west coast of Cumbria and the Isle of Man to the west; and the greater part of The Lake District National Park to the south. Our route takes us north past the summit trig point and soon, we begin our descent towards Broad End and our route back to the vehicles.

Once at Broad End, we turn west and descend a long heathery slope following a footpath that leads down into Barkbethdale - a small and delightfully secluded valley whose stream flows down to join Southerndale Beck.

We cross Barkbeth Gill (photo) and join a track which traverses across the fell crossing Southerndale Beck to rejoin our ascent route just above the intake wall. From here back to the car is an easy downhill walk of around 15 minutes.

Frequently asked questions about our guided ascents of Skiddaw.

Where do we meet for climbing Skiddaw? When you book your guided walk up Skiddaw with us, we will provide you with a Google Maps Dropped Pin and a what3words location for our meeting point for this walk.

What time do we start our day?  Answer - We suggest 09:00 at the very latest.

Do I need any previous experience to be able to join you on a guided ascent of  Skiddaw? Answer - not necessarily so, but you should be fit and healthy and will, ideally, already have experience of walking on mountainous terrain in the uk.

What equipment do I need in order to be able to undertake an ascent of Skiddaw? Answer - you need a full complement of personal outdoor clothing - a Goretex or similar waterproof jacket and trousers, a hat, gloves, sunglasses, a sun hat and sun cream in Summer. You must bring spare warm layers which may be fleece or other sportswear material but on no account should you attend any guided walking day in the mountains wearing denim jeans or cotton T shirts! Bring your lunch and a cold drink in Summer or a flask of hot drink in winter. It may also be useful , but not essential to have with you, a headtorch and spare batteries. Your walking boots should be at least B1 or B2 rated, sturdy; giving good ankle support and being waterproof. It can also be useful to have one or two walking poles for the descent back to the valley floor at the end of the day.

All of the above equipment should be packed into rucksacks of at least 40 litres capacity. 

Do you provide support/guiding for speed ascents of Skiddaw or Challenge Events on this mountain? Answer - Lakes Outdoor Experience does not provide any support or guiding for any challenge events of any sort on Skiddaw.

How fit should I be in order to successfully complete an ascent of Skiddaw? Answer - You need a good level of mountain fitness from regular walking in the mountains and should already have plenty of previous experience walking in amongst mountainous areas of the uk.

How much does it cost per person to undertake an ascent of Skiddaw with Lakes Outdoor Experience? Answer - To do this day with us is a minimum fee of £180.00 for 1 to 2 persons. For three persons to five persons the fee is £70 each. For six to ten persons the price is £60 each and for children under 18, the fee is £50.00 each.

Looking book a guided ascent of Skiddaw ? Then - contact us here or call/WhatsApp us on 07761 483364 to make your booking.

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