At 931m/3,054ft Skiddaw is the fourth highest peak in the Lake District, but its smooth slopes and summer popularity mean that some more hardened hill-walkers feel it is not a mountain to be taken seriously. But tackle it in winter and its barren, windswept slopes become every bit as challenging as Scafell Pike, Helvellyn - or even perhaps Scotland's Cairngorms. The vast open slopes of Skiddaw coupled with its satellite location to the north of Lakeland's rockier central peaks means that the wind-driven weather batters her slopes relentlessly throughout the year. In winter the onslaught of wind and snow can transform an ascent of Skiddaw into a fi erce mountain challenge with diffi cult navigation across vast open slopes while walking in the face of a battering wind. To make a day on Skiddaw even more interesting it is well worth avoiding the more popular southern approaches. Instead the western approach via Longside Edge adds some extra spice to the adventure. This splendid jagged ridge rises gradually to Skiddaw, providing stunning views of the challenge ahead while gradually manoeuvring the walker into a position that will demand more stamina and skill. The climb onto Skiddaw's summit is then a steep rise across a slaty slope where ice, snow and loose rock can make every step diffi cult as the wind threatens to blow you off your foothold. Finally you reach the summit itself, where the full thrust of the weather smashes through any gaps in your determination to reach the top. Clasping to the summit trig point the view could be panoramic, yet the wind and temperature drop may force you to descend north across the snowfi elds to rapidly escape. This fi nal section can be a playful stroll through powder - or a facenumbing battle to walk downhill to fi nd calmer weather below.
Distance 12.8km (8 miles)
Total ascent 900m
Time 5-6 hours
Start/finish Peter House Farm (NY249323)
Nearest town Keswick
Terrain high-level fell-walk over one main peak, with clear paths throughout and long, steady ascents and descents. In winter high winds and snow can make the navigation very challenging
Maps OS Explorer (1:25,000) OL4; OS Landranger (1:50,000) 89; Harvey British Mountain Map (1:40,000) Lake District and Superwalker (1:25,000) Lakeland North
Accommodation B&Bs, campsites and hotels in Bassenthwaite, Keswick and surrounding areas; Keswick Youth Hostel - tel. 0845 371 9746
Public transport trains to Penrith with regular bus services to Keswick, from where bus services extend along the A591, 1.5km from the start - tel. 0870 608 2608; www.cumbria.gov.uk
Guidebooks The Northern Fells by A Wainwright, pb Frances Lincoln; Collins Rambler's Guide: Lake District by John Gillham and Ronald Turnbull; Walking More Ridges of Lakeland by Bob Allen, pb Michael Joseph
Tourist info Keswick - tel. (017687) 72645
Nearest Cotswold store Keswick
Please refer to the attached PDF document for directions and a detailed trail description.
From Trail magazine, to subscribe visit www.GreatMagazines.co.uk/Trail © Copyright Bauer Media Limited 2011. All rights reserved. We have taken all reasonable steps to ensure these walks are safe and correctly described. However things do change and all outdoor activities involve a degree of risk. The publishers accept no responsibility for any errors or omissions or for any injuries or accidents that occur whilst following this walk.
Other
grahamn on scottexservices.com