Lake District: Skiddaw Circular

Date: Monday 14^th 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.