The climb of Skiddaw via Ullock Pike is a fine way to approach this 3,000 foot popular summit. The Ullock Pike ridge is full of interest with spectacular views. Look for the lovely little Carlside Tarn.
There is no finer approach to Skiddaw than via the arched bow of the Ullock Pike ridge. Skiddaw is often maligned and sometimes with good reason. The approaches from Keswick are a little monotonous (but safe). However scrambling up to the 3,000 foot contour over the exposed Skiddaw Slates is a dramatic and immensely satisfying experience. To really enjoy the mountain climb Skiddaw via Ullock Pike. It offers an entertaining but safe ridge with great views and there is a haunting loveliness to the entire area.
The Ullock Pike ridge offers fabulous views. Look north and enjoy the Dunfries hills of Scotland seen over the Solway Furth. To the south there is the splendid panorama of the Derwentwater Fells. Bassenthwaite Lake runs parallel to the Ullock Pike ridge. The direct descent from the summit in to Barkbethdale is quick and good underfoot. All of this completes one of the easiest and most pleasurable walks of a 3,000 foot mountain in England.
For a young one aiming to clock his first 3,000 foot mountain this is the best choice – full of interest, safe and not too long.
From the summit take a rough north west bearing and head for the farm track just above Barkbeth Gill.
From Carl side up to the summit plateau is scree and very steep. Hard going underfoot. Need to hold on in parts. Poles help. Not precipitous, no steps or real pathway, but needs careful navigation definitely not recommended in wet weather as it would be dangerous.
The path from Carl Side is not dangerous. However a slip on the wet rocks may cause an injury just like any wet walk on rock. This is no different though to any walk on our highest mountains and a lot safer than the summit area of Scafell Pike!
Hi its Mountain Mike todays target for myself and Skiddaw Steve is Ulloch Pike,Longsides,Carl Sides and Dodd,conditions dry underfoot and sunny very warm,all four Wainwrights bagged an error coming off Dodd but we are alive to tell the tale great day.Great pictures
I once had a brokken spectre on a snowy day where the cloud and sun played with each other, somewhere between Longside and Carlside.
How children friendly is this walk? I have two age 9 and 11 both are sporty. Which section would be most difficult (if any).
The walk should be fine for the children as long as they are sensible. There is no difficult sections with some walking along rocks/scree. Just fun way up Skiddaw
Saved for Oct halfterm to walk up with the kids.
Doing this tomorrow, hope the weather is kind
Looking forward to it
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