A Guide To Climbing Skiddaw

Are you a fairly inexperienced walker looking for a challenge? Or exploring the Lake District for the first time and want to see one of the most picturesque mountains in the UK? Then Skiddaw is the perfect mountain to take on as your next challenge and with our guide, we’ll help you tackle it.

The 6th highest mountain in England, Skiddaw’s summit sits at 931m (3,054 feet) and lies just north of Keswick in Cumbria. Skiddaw has earned a reputation as being a tall but fairly simple walk for people to tackle. It is the 4th highest peak in the Lake District, only behind Scafell Pike, Scafell and Helvellyn. Upon reaching the summit, on clear days you can see splendid views of Bassenthwaite Lake and nearby peaks such as Lonscale Fell, Skiddaw Little Man, Carl Side and Long Side.

As mentioned previously, despite being one of the tallest peaks in England, Skiddaw has a reputation as being a long but straightforward hike, making it perfect for those who aren’t ready to tackle one of the tougher peaks but still looking for a long hike. The most popular route to Skiddaw’s stunning and isolated peak is Jenkins Hill Bridleway. A former pony route during the Victorian period, this route attracts the most walkers and adventurers to this date. It is 10.5 miles long (16.8km) and, on average, would take 6-7 hours to complete. The route starts in the town of Keswick. For step by step directions on climbing Skiddaw via the Jenkins Hill Bridleway, you can find them here.

Due to the mountain being close to the town Keswick, there are numerous car parks available for those wanting to tackle Skiddaw. There is Latrigg Car Park (CA12 4PH), which you walk past during the Jenkins Hill Bridleway Past, however this car park can become very busy. Parking here is free. There is another small car park at Underscar Manor Hotel, with space up to 6 cars available. Parking here is also free. If you’re looking to park in Keswick, a popular option is Keswick Rugby Club. This car park accommodates up to 200 cars in total and the price is fairly reasonable with it being £4 all day parking.

Even if you’re climbing in the Spring and Summer months, it can still get very windy and cold at the peak of England’s 6th highest mountain. It is recommended that you bring a waterproof jacket in a rucksack as the temperature can drop as you venture further up the mountain. Due to the average walk lasting around 6-7 hours, you should bring a water bottle, some food (either a pack lunch or at least some energy bars) and walking poles if you require them.

Despite this being a fairly straightforward hike, it is essential that you wear the correct footwear and arrive with walking boots. Trainers might seem comfortable, but walking boots provide better tread and prevent you from slipping and some boots also provide ankle support, preventing you from twisting an ankle. A purchase you wouldn't regret is getting some stretch, water repellent walking trousers.