Skiddaw

Skiddaw stands as the Lake District's fourth-highest mountain and England's sixth-highest peak—a colossal presence dominating the skyline above Keswick and providing one of the region's most iconic views when its smooth, rounded profile reflects upon the tranquil waters of Derwentwater. At 931 metres, this ancient giant dates back approximately 500 million years, making it the oldest mountain in the Lake District. Yet despite its imposing stature and great altitude, Skiddaw has earned a reputation as the most accessible of the Lake District's highest peaks—the "affable and friendly giant" as Wainwright so aptly described it.

Alfred Wainwright captured the mountain's character beautifully: "[Skiddaw is] a giant in stature. But an affable and friendly giant. And a benevolent one. Keswick people have an inborn affection for Skiddaw, and it is well earned. The mountain makes a great contribution to the scenic beauty of this most attractively-situated town, shelters it from northerly gales, supplies it with pure water, feeds its sheep, and provides a recreation ground for its visitors…"

This accessibility should not breed complacency. Wainwright warned about 'arctic' conditions on the summit even in summer—standing atop Skiddaw, no higher ground exists northward for over 200 miles until reaching the Scottish Highlands, and this exposure makes itself felt dramatically in wind and weather.

The Mountain's Form

Skiddaw takes the form of a north-south ridge approximately 800 metres long, with steep slopes falling east and west. The ridge continues northwards over Broad End to Bakestall, overlooking the impressive Whitewater Dash waterfall. Further ridges fan outwards from the southern end: south-eastward lie Skiddaw Little Man, Lonscale Fell and Latrigg (an easily accessible viewpoint for Keswick and Derwentwater); south-westward curves a dramatic ridge through 180 degrees to run north above Bassenthwaite Lake—this 'outer wall' comprises Carl Side, Long Side and Ullock Pike, collectively known as Longside Edge.

Between Skiddaw and Longside Edge nestle the quiet valleys of Southerndale and Barkbethdale, separated by the spur of Buzzard Knott. The satellite fell of Dodd completes the Skiddaw Group. The Northern Fells create a roughly circular upland area approaching 10 miles in width, centred on the marshy depression of Skiddaw Forest—a treeless plateau at approximately 400 metres elevation ('forest' used in its original hunting-ground sense rather than denoting woodland).

Routes of Ascent

Many routes lead to Skiddaw's summit—indeed, it's challenging to devise a difficult approach in good conditions. The most popular 'tourist route' starts from Keswick, first ascending behind Latrigg before continuing over Skiddaw Little Man to the summit. This well-trodden track covers approximately 10.5 miles (16.8 kilometres) and typically requires 6-7 hours. About 200 metres of ascent can be saved by driving to the car park just behind Latrigg's summit and beginning from there—free parking though spaces fill quickly.

Wainwright's recommended route follows Longside Edge, first ascending Ullock Pike (described by Wainwright as 'the young Matterhorn' for its classical mountain shape), then Long Side and Carl Side before making the steep climb from Carlside Col. This approach, beginning from Dodd Wood near Bassenthwaite Lake, provides far more mountain character than the tourist route and bags six Wainwrights in the process. Walking beneath mature woodland canopy, lucky observers might spot ospreys—large raptors with two-metre wingspans gliding overhead to fish in nearby waters.

Alternative approaches include: the compass-walk due south from Cock Up (505 metres); routes from Millbeck via Carlside Col; ascents from Applethwaite; tough but picturesque climbs from the north-west to Longside Edge's northern end; or approaches via Skiddaw House to the east (requiring good distance from Keswick, Threlkeld or Peter House).

The Summit

Closer acquaintance with Skiddaw reveals a smooth, rounded hill somewhat lacking in dramatic features compared to its craggy cousins elsewhere in the Lakes. The broad summit plateau offers extensive views on clear days: Bassenthwaite Lake stretches below, neighbouring peaks including Lonscale Fell, Skiddaw Little Man, Carl Side and Long Side surround the immediate vicinity, whilst distant prospects extend across the Scottish Borders, the Pennines, and even towards the Isle of Man. Derwentwater and Keswick nestle perfectly below to the south, creating one of the Lake District's finest panoramas.

The summit can feel remarkably exposed—standing here places you higher than any ground northward for over 200 miles, and wind conditions can prove severe even on pleasant valley days. Arctic conditions on top, even during summer months, are not uncommon. This exposure demands proper preparation regardless of Skiddaw's reputation for straightforward ascent.

Geological Significance

Skiddaw lends its name to Skiddaw slate, a distinctive rock formation that has been quarried and used extensively throughout the region. Notably, this slate has been fashioned into tuned percussion musical instruments called lithophones—the famous Musical Stones of Skiddaw, now held at Keswick Museum and Art Gallery, represent a unique application of local geology to musical creation.

The Bob Graham Round

Skiddaw holds special significance as the first summit in the legendary Bob Graham Round when undertaken clockwise—a fell-running challenge covering 42 peaks and approximately 66 miles with 27,000 feet of ascent, all within 24 hours. This prestigious challenge begins and ends in Keswick, with Skiddaw providing the opening ascent for those attempting this extraordinary feat of endurance.

Cultural Connections

The mountain gives its name to surrounding areas including Skiddaw Forest and Back o' Skiddaw, plus the isolated Skiddaw House—situated east of the summit, formerly a shooting lodge and subsequently a youth hostel. This remote building represents one of England's most isolated dwellings, accessible only by long walks from any direction.