Date: Monday 14th April 2014
Route: Skiddaw Circular from Dodd Wood
Distance: 6.75 miles
The first walk that we have tried from Country Walking
Magazine’s Best 100 Walks in the UK is described as “a sublime way for anyone
to explore England’s fourth highest mountain.”
Despite being given a “moderate” grading, this is a pretty
challenging walk. After a gradual ascent through pine woods on a path that
feels as if it has been transplanted to Lakeland from the West Highland Way,
the steepness kicks in on the ascent to Ullock Pike, which has some
breathtaking climbs. Although the path from Ullock Pike across to Skiddaw looks
pretty intimidating from a distance, it is actually pretty straightforward,
though the climb up Skiddaw itself, whilst on an obvious path, is exceptionally
steep in places and best taken slowly.
The grey rocky surface of Skiddaw adds to the feeling of
remoteness and other-worldliness but the spectacular views in all directions,
including the still-snowy peaks of other Lake District icons, the lakes of
Derwent Water and Bassenthwaite and the Irish Sea and Solway Firth, justify all
the effort.
Having climbed up to 930m, the only way is down – and
initially the path is pretty steep too, descending sharply along a stony path
on Carl Side before re-entering the woodland and slowly ascending more gently.
I would not recommend this walk to anyone other than
reasonably fit and experienced walkers who want a challenge – it really is not
easy! But if you are up for trying something different and don’t mind the
impact of lots of steep climbing and descending on your knees, this walk comes
with a built-in sense of achievement and some fantastic views. 
No comments:
Post a Comment