Skiddaw
DATE 30.05.2015 | DISTANCE 11KM | HIGHEST POINT 931M
Posted by Matt | Filed under lake district
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A couples weekend in the Lakes was suggested a while back and since then I was worried about what I could plan that everyone would enjoy. Well I think I managed it! All sorts of ideas where juggled around including walks of different levels, boat rides and shopping. Day one would involve climbing up skiddaw for those who needed a high level fix and shopping in keswick for anyone who didn't fancy the slog. I was surprised to see everyone was up for Skiddaw but very pleased we would all be together.
We started out from peter house farm at the north of the mountain and made our way up the edge/longside edge. we chose a good day for it... overcast but dry with a light breeze... perfect walking conditions. as we ascended the visibility was fantastic and we could easily see out to scotland and the coast. we made plenty of stops on the way up to absorb our surroundings. we could see so much! Derwent Water, Keswick, The Coledale Round, Bassenthwaite lake... some of the best views around.
The final push up through the scree to the summit was about as steep as it gets. We all felt the burn as we pushed on but this just made it all that more rewarding as we reached the top. the view to the east and Blencathra suddenly opened up and we stood around looking everywhere. after a quick group shot at the summit we made our descent which was much more of a slog than i remembered.
descending the north side of skiddaw involves constant unknown footing. the ground has limited tracks, it was incredibly spongy and each tussocky step involved some level of sinking. eventually we traversed around broad end and found the faint track beside cock up gill which leads the way down.
it was about 6:30pm when we got back to the cars. Next stop, beer and curry!!