Skiddaw Mountain

Website: https://www.lakedistrict.gov.uk/

Hours: Open year-round

Admission: Free

Skiddaw is a prominent fell in the northern English Lake District, in Cumbria, with a summit at 931 metres above sea level. It is one of the higher fells in the national park and a well-known destination for hillwalkers.

A network of paths leads to the summit from several directions, with common approaches from the Keswick area. Walks vary from steep, direct ascents to longer ridge routes that include subsidiary tops such as Skiddaw Little Man.

The mountain is formed from ancient Ordovician rocks and has been shaped by glacial action; it has long been used for grazing and recreation. The summit and ridges are popular for panoramic views across northern Lake District lakes and valleys on clear days.

Skiddaw lies north of the town of Keswick in Cumbria, within the Lake District National Park, and is readily reached from local trailheads and visitor centres.

• Conditions: Weather can change quickly and visibility may be poor outside calm summer days; prepare for steep ground and exposed sections near the top.

What to See#

• Skiddaw summit (931 m): The summit reaches 931 metres above sea level and is the main high point of the Skiddaw massif, offering wide views over Derwentwater and the northern Lake District when conditions allow.
• Skiddaw Little Man: Skiddaw Little Man is a prominent subsidiary top on the southern flank that is frequently included on walks to the main summit.

Skiddaw overlooks the town of Keswick in the Lake District. Drive to Keswick via the A66/A591 and park in town car parks; established footpaths to Skiddaw start from Keswick and nearby trailheads (signed routes lead up the fell), so the usual approach is to begin on foot from the town centre or nearby parking areas.

• Start early in the morning to get clearer views and avoid the cloud and wind that commonly build up on Skiddaw later in the day.
• Use Keswick as your base and plan routes that suit your experience level-popular lines from Keswick are shortest but get busiest, while approaches from the Bassenthwaite/Mosedale side are typically quieter.
• Check the Met Office mountain forecast before you go and be prepared for rapid weather change and strong summit winds; summit visibility can fall off quickly even after a calm start.