Skiddaw Mountain + Lattrig Fell: 6 Mile There And Back Route

Skiddaw stands proudly at 931 metres (3,054 feet), making it one of the highest peaks in England and a commanding presence above the beautiful market town of Keswick in the Lake District. Though it lacks the rocky scrambles of neighbouring peaks, Skiddaw’s vast open ridges and sense of height make it a deeply satisfying and scenic hike for both beginners and experienced walkers.

Skiddaw was actually the first mountain that I ever climbed, following a previous visit to Keswick where and friend and I walked up Latrigg – a classic gentle fell walk with stunning views. Skiddaw is the 4th highest peak in the Lake District and generally considered one of the oldest mountains in the Lake District.

There are a number of car parks for hiking Skiddaw. Gale Road car park (CA12 4PH) is a free car park with very limited spaces so this fills up quickly — get there early to avoid disappointment. For this route we parked in Keswick town centre in Central car park which is a pay and display car park. With capacity for 334 car spaces and five disabled spaces.

Skiddaw + Lattrig there and back route description

Stage 1 – Lattrig Fell on the way to the start of Skiddaw

Parking in Central car park in Keswick head out of the village past all the shops towards the Lakes and Dales Co-Op. Continue straight ahead with the River Greta on your right until it bends to the right just before Crosthwaite Road. Turn right up Crosthwaite Road and follow it around to where there is a right turn onto Brundholme Road.

Walk a short distance up Brundholme Road and there is a track off to your left. Take a left here and follow the track over the footbridge and begin the ascent up towards Lattrig. The initial climb is fairly steep and the path winds round and is generally a good clear path. Shortly you will reach a split section, there is a finger post sign here showing the route to Lattrig off to the right.

Turn right and continue to climb along the path — this is a bit more of a gentle climb than the start. Within around 30-minutes you will be at the top of Lattrig with great views on a good day and a bench to enjoy them from.

Stage 2 – Lattrig to Skiddaw summit

At the summit continue onwards and follow the path down, there is a sign pointing you towards Skiddaw to your left. There is a small car park at the foot of Skiddaw, follow the grass path along and through a gate. You now begin the steep ascent of Skiddaw mountain — as already mentioned there is nothing technical it’s just long.

Be warned although there are no ‘true false summits’ it certainly feels like there are several, especially if this is your first time hiking it. Soon enough you will reach the flat plateau of the summit — on a good day you get stunning views. From the summit this route just retraces your steps back down the mountain into Keswick.

Where to eat and drink after hiking Skiddaw

There is no shortage of options for grabbing a drink following hiking Skiddaw mountain. Keswick town centre has an abundance of pubs and restaurants (there must be 35+ pubs). As you would expect the prices match that of a town reliant on tourism, however, for a cheaper option there is a Wetherspoons.

A relative new comer to the Keswick pub scene is The Crafty Baa — housed in a historic building dating back to the 19th century. Expect wines and spirits and an impressive selection of ciders, craft beers and local ales served in pints and two thirds. Whisky lovers will be happy to hear the venue has a selection of 93 world whiskies to choose from.

Pics from the peaks – more from Skiddaw