Skiddaw Walk
Applethwaite - Whit Beck - Jenkin Hill - Skiddaw Little Man - Skiddaw South Top - Skiddaw - Skiddaw South Top - Carl Side - White Stones - Millbeck - Applethwaite
The ancient slate massif of Skiddaw dominates the skyline of the far north of the Lake District, towering over Keswick to the south and Bassenthwaite Lake to the west. Due partly to it's close proximity to Keswick and it's conspicuous appearance, Skiddaw is a popular summit destination, and the paths to the top can be busy with dozens of walkers in mid summer. However, there are other reasons for its popularity - the summit (and it's neighbour, Skiddaw Little Man) offer particularly fine views over Lakeland.
This route (and the elevation profile at the bottom of the page) assumes a starting position in the middle of Applethwaite (to the north of Keswick), at the bottom of How Gill. You can start at any point along the road that runs from Applethwaite to Millbeck, as the route runs along this lane. Head east along the road, beneath the fell, past the water works to the end of the lane, around 1 mile from the middle of Applethwaite. At the end of the road, turn left and follow the path heading north-east. After a short distance (less than quarter of a mile) the path forks: take the left-hand route, heading north-north-west, roughly following the course of Whit Beck (which is a short distance to the east). After around 3/4 mile the path forks again: take the left-hand route, heading north-west up Jenkin Hill. At the top of Jenkin Hill the path meets a fence. Head left, following this fence up towards the summit of Skiddaw Little Man.
The view from the summit cairn of Skiddaw Litle Man is superb and offers a wonderful panorama of the Lake District. After pausing to absorb the view and take a few photographs, head north-west from the Little Man, again following the fence until it rejoins the path that you left earlier on the ascent. This heads north-west to the Southern top of Skiddaw, and from there the path to Skiddaw's summit heads directly north. On a fine summer's day it is unlikely that you'll be enjoying the summit alone - it is more probable that there will be a horde of people enjoying the view and tucking into their sandwiches.
Once you've had a rest and some refreshments, head south, retracing your steps back to the Southern top. From the Southern top, descend south-west, down Allerdale Ramble to Carl Side. Shortly after Carl Side, the path begins to head south, dropping fairly steeply over White Stones, and then descending further until you reach Millbeck village. Turn left at the lane, and follow it until you reach your starting point.
Approx. distance: 7 miles
Approx. total ascent: 2984 feet
Approx. time: 3.5-4.5 hours