Spare Weekend

Skiddaw from High Side

April 8th, 2007

Walk Stats
Length: 13.6 km
Ascent: 900 m
Highest point: 930m
Time: 4:15 hrs
Condition: Bright sunshine
Maps: Explorer OL4 and Landranger 89 or 90
Difficulty: 3/5

Route download: GPX

Summary:

A pleasant walk which took us along the Allerdale Ramble to Ullock Pike, Long Side, and Carl Side combined with the clear day gave excellent views off into the distance. A reasonably steep ascent up Skiddaw to complete the climb for the day, and a nice decent across Bakestall and back to the car. Definitely worth doing on a clear day as the view was fantastic.

Description:

Starting from a lay-by on the Orthwaite road (off the A591 NY 23623096) north of Keswick & the A66 we headed along the clearly marked foot path ENE, which turned back on itself to head southwards to join the Allerdale Ramble. By accident we crossed the stream just before we joined the Allerdale Ramble, and for an unknown reason I thought I knew best and took a stupid route back to the main path. A steady climb took us up Ullock Pike & Long Side and offered the best views of the day by far (in my humble opinion), of Bassenthwaite Lake & Derwent Water and the surrounding hillside.

The climb up to the top of Skiddaw, was steep and steady up a scree like path. I wouldn’t like to descend this section as it would be quite harsh on the knees (but that’s just me), as far as a climb goes it was steep but perfectly manageable. There where several wind breaks at the top of Skiddaw which made a nice spot for lunch.

At the top we where slightly bemused by a strange sight of unicyclists riding down from the summit. Its not the first time we’ve seen anything like that, but it still amazes me none the less. (Check out this picture if you don’t believe me)

As you can see from the picture on the right, Nige was bored during lunch and wanted to show his stuff as a potential replacement for buff man, but ended up looking like a lost granny on her way to the shops.

The walk down the far side of the mountain was a little cooler, with a slight breeze, and didn’t have the same impressive views of the lakes. We took a slight detour, but the path came and went but looking at the maps it always followed the fence which was on our right hand side.

A couple of us, found the descent a little painful on the knees but for once i wasn’t one of the ones struggling. But following the descent we followed the road back to our cars.

All in all, a pleasant walk with some fantastic views.

Entry Filed under: This is not a scramble, Routes, Walks, General