Skiddaw
Skiddaw at 931 metres dominates the northern skyline above Keswick. From town it looks improbable — the mountain appears as a clean, rounded mass of grey-green slate, its upper slopes bare and almost featureless. The reality is that Skiddaw is one of the more accessible big fells, built on old Skiddaw Slate that weathers to smooth, rounded ridges rather than the craggy drama of the volcanic Borrowdale fells to the south. The summit ridge runs broadly north-south, with the highest point at the southern end. The views are exceptional in clear conditions: the Solway Firth and Scotland to the north, the Cumbrian coast and the Isle of Man to the west, and the entire volcanic knot of the central Lakes spread out to the south. It is the kind of summit that rewards a clear autumn day more than most. The upper mountain can be brutally exposed. The slate surface that looks solid can be treacherous in frost or rain. There is nowhere to shelter on the top, and the ridge funnels wind.
Walking
The tourist path from Latrigg car park (CA12 5JR, free) is the most popular approach and takes a direct line north through moorland and up to Skiddaw Little Man, then on to the main summit. The path is well-made and signed, with steady gradient rather than steep sections. The distance is around 8 miles return with 900 metres of ascent. Most walkers allow 5 to 6 hours. The path continues across Jenkin Hill before the final ridge pull to the summit. A better approach for those who want solitude is via Ullock Pike and Long Side from Ravenstone (CA12 4QG). This takes the northwest ridge, a far more dramatic and less-walked line. The Ullock Pike section is genuinely narrow and airy, with a sense of exposure more typical of the volcanic fells. Allow an extra hour. Skiddaw is often done from Keswick town itself by fit walkers — a long road walk out, then the fell ascent. This adds around 4 miles and removes the car park faff, though the legs pay for it.
Routes
Latrigg car park approach
Latrigg car park, free parking
Tips
The upper mountain is exposed and the slate surface ices hard. Do not underestimate the wind chill. The tourist path can be busy on summer weekends — the Ullock Pike route will give you the mountain mostly to yourself. The Square Orange cafe in Keswick is a solid breakfast option before the walk. Carry a wind layer even in July; the summit is usually significantly colder than Keswick.