Skiddaw is a much-loved landmark fell, a Munro firth of Scotland. The cornerstone of the northern Lakes, revered down the generations by native and tourist alike as a gracious backdrop, particularly to views from Derwentwater and Bassenthwaite. It is a massif in its own right, with a company of supporting fells leading to an remotely sited summit. Built of slate and therefore almost bereft of crags, its upper slopes are beset with scree. Many who climb the fell do so as a one-off fell-walking event, they see the sleek slopes and judge it an ’easy’ ascent to a magnificent viewpoint. They are correct. But judgement and a little local knowledge are needed to avert tedium and fashion a memorable day on the fell.
To unlock Skiddaw’s finest qualities begin your walk from the charming little village of Bassenthwaite, which lies in the vale immediately to the north-west. Eyes turn quickly to the razor-edge leading to Ullock Pike, Long Side and Carl Side. Follow on from these grand-galleried viewpoints to traverse the southern slopes of Skiddaw and gather up Skiddaw Little Man, possessing the most comprehensive and expensive fell-top view in Lakeland. Backtracking over the main summit, des-cend via Bakestall to the beautiful waterfall of Whitewater Dash. Follow on down the enchanting Dash valley and subsequent green pastures to the regain Bassenthwaite where it all begun.
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© Mark Richards 2007
