Terrain Overview
Walk Overview
A week on from our last walk in the Far Eastern region when we actually got sunburn
this walk in the Northern region could not have been more different. Spring-like
conditions at the start of the walk from the Gale Road car park behind Latrigg to
horizontally driving snow and freezing cold wind on Skiddaw summit. Good paths
throughout so therefore safe in mist, driving snow or anything else
The Gale Road car park behind Latrigg is the start point for this walk
Turn left through the gate and keep to the line of the fence
Looking South over towards Helvellyn
The path turns left and reveals the well engineered track that initially leads up
to Jenkin Hill
We pass the Hawell Monument erected in memory of two Skiddaw Shepherds
At this point in time the weather is beautiful and giving very rewarding views.
Here we are looking back to the North Western Fells above Keswick
Just at the start of the climb. The stone track meanders up towards Jenkin Hill.
The grass path is more direct, but also steeper
Looking back to Derwent Water from the path
Within minutes the weather turned bad
After tussling against gravity and driving sleet we reach the fence at Jenkin Hill. If you
are going directly to Skiddaw keep straight on through the gate. We make a left turn
initially to climb Skiddaw Lesser Man en route to Skiddaw Little Man
The first belt of weather passes over us
Leaving clear conditions but freezing cold wind we climb up towards Lesser Man
From Skiddaw Lesser Man there is a clear track to follow to get to Little Man
Another belt of weather comes in as we make our way to Skiddaw`s South top
The next belt of weather arrives as we continue on from the South top to the Middle top
Looking towards Bassenthwaite Lake from Middle top
You ok there Spud?
Skiddaw Main Top (High Man). Click here for a 360 degree view
We continue along the North Top to pick up the fence line that leads unerringly
towards Bakestall. There is around a 1000 feet drop!
Looking back to Skiddaw North Top as we descend to Bakestall
The path down to the fence line. At the corner take a right turn to drop down
steeply to Bakestall. The path leading to the summit can be seen in the middle
of the shot
On the summit of Bakestall and another belt of snow. Click here for a 360 degree view
From Bakestall we return steeply to Skiddaw North top to pick up the path
back to Jenkin Hill
In between weather belts and a welcome break from the driving snow
So clear now that the Isle of Man comes into view
Descending Skiddaw South top. The path to the left avoids having to climb
Skiddaw Little Man again and leads directly to Jenkin Hill
A view of Blencathra as we approach Jenkin Hill
On the path back down to Gale Road as the latest weather belt is
just starting to clear
Team selfie on the way back down
Nearly back down and where has all the snow gone? ... Did we imagine it?
The four seasons in one day micro climate of Lakeland
