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Skiddaw Walk from Gale Road Car Park | Keswick Walks | Lifehop
Adventure Travel Blog Lake District Lovers

Skiddaw Walk from Gale Road

ullock pike ridge from skiddaw

Car Park for Skiddaw Walk: Gale Road car park, CA12 4PH (Latrigg car park)

Skiddaw Coordinates: 54.651400, -3.147761

Distance: Approx. 5.5 miles

Skiddaw Height: 931m

Ascent: 699m

Difficulty: Challenging

Time: Approx. 3.5 – 5 hours

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Dominating the skyline, Skiddaw is one of the best Keswick walks and lays claim to being one of the highest mountains in the Lake District, standing at a dizzying height of 931m. Climbing Skiddaw mountain is no mean feat and there are several routes to the summit. This Skiddaw route starts from Gale Road car park and leads you to the summit via Jenkin Hill and past Skiddaw Little Man.

carl side and skiddaw little man
Carl Side and Skiddaw Little Man

Because of its lofty height, Skiddaw weather conditions can change rapidly so make sure you check in advance and be well prepared for all eventualities. If you’re planning on doing the Skiddaw walk alone, this is a great route as the path is well trodden and easy to navigate. You can also extend the walk to Skiddaw from Keswick, taking a circular route or adding in Latrigg Fell. Skiddaw is a Wainwright fell that’s featured in his “Pictorial Guide to the Fells”.

Skiddaw Walk via Jenkin Hill Route Directions

Begin this Skiddaw walking route from Gale Road car park. Although there is free Skiddaw parking here, spaces are limited so aim to arrive early or during quiet times.

gale road path
Gale Road car park

Head through the gate at the top of the car park and take a left along the path signposted Skiddaw. From here you’ll see Carl Side, Skiddaw Little Man route and Jenkin Hill on your left and on the right, Blease Fell. Continue along the path until you reach another gate and follow the zig-zagging bridleway up Jenkin Hill to the left.

skiddaw walking route
Gate to Jenkin Hill path

This is a steep ascent and can seem somewhat relentless, however, the views over Derwentwater, Keswick and the Northwestern Fells provide a good excuse to stop now and then to catch your breath and enjoy the scenery.

derwentwater view
View over Derwentwater

Pass the monument and go through another gate. Looking behind you, you’ll see Derwentwater and the likes of Helvellyn, Great Dodd and Calfhow Pike, among other mighty peaks. From here, the path gets steeper.

memorial jenkin hill
Jenkin Hill monument

After about half a mile, Skiddaw Little Man comes into full view. You can go left to its summit and continue along the trail on the other side or follow the path to the right along the base.

skiddaw little man
Skiddaw Little Man

Go through the gate to the right and follow the wide trail. On a clear day, you can see as far as the Scottish peaks.

Shortly you’ll see the Skiddaw summit ridge. As the path undulates, you’ll pass several cairns marking the way. Just before the true summit, the imposing ridge of Ullock Pike comes into view.

skiddaw summit
Skiddaw Summit Trig

Continue past the cairns to the trig pillar. When I reached the summit, the wind was howling and swirling around, so the views were a little misty, and the temperature had dropped considerably. This just goes to show how Skiddaw walking conditions can change suddenly in the Lake District fells. I could just about make out Bassenthwaite Lake so I retraced my steps back to Ullock Pike ridge where there were clearer views over the lake.

ullock pike ridge and bassenthwaite from skiddaw
Ullock Pike and Bassenthwaite

Return along the same path to Gale Road car park, find the nearest local pub and enjoy a well-earned drink!

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