A Skiddaw walk from Keswick to the summit of Skiddaw via Glenderaterra Beck. A route with stunning views of Blencathra and the whole of Derwentwater
Skiddaw is one of the Lake District’s best-loved mountains – a dramatic peak rising above the town of Keswick in the North Lakes. This walk, which takes a leisurely and meandering route to the summit via the pleasant valley of the Glenderaterra Beck, is the connoisseur’s choice when it comes to climbing Skiddaw. Rather than a steep slog straight up the front, it looks for a more scenic variant.
The descent, however, is a bit more direct, and lets you enjoy those fabulous views south across Keswick and Derwent Water as you return to your starting point.
Hillwalking gear needed
You’ll need a good waterproof jacket – check out the best men’s waterproof jackets here, or women’s waterproof jackets here. Don’t forget your walking boots! A rucksack should also be carried. For hillwalking in summer, a pack of no more than about 30L is needed.
Start/Finish: Keswick Youth Hostel
GR: NY267235
- Turn L out of hostel and go over bridge following road R around hotel. Take the footpath on R edge of road and join the Cumbria Way, continuing with it straight uphill. When the path splits after a bend, keep on L track, crossing a stream and continuing along a fence and felled woodland on L.
- At car park head R to gate, cross and turn L uphill. At next gate head diagonally through the field following arrow for Cumbria Way. Cross beck and walk around edge of hill round to Glenderaterra Beck to then head up through the valley.
- Continue for roughly 3km to the youth hostel on the plateau. Follow wall behind it and turn R to head W and directly uphill to Sale How. Go straight over it and up to the ridge top. Turn R to stile, cross and head uphill. Continue straight along the soon flat hilltop until trig point. When reached, turn back and retrace steps back to stile. Cross and follow ridge top to the next stile.
- Follow the path downhill for around 2km back to the car park and retrace the same route back down to Keswick.
A Skiddaw walk from Keswick to the summit of Skiddaw via Glenderaterra Beck. A route with stunning views of Blencathra and the whole of Derwentwater
Skiddaw is one of the Lake District’s best-loved mountains – a dramatic peak rising above the town of Keswick in the North Lakes. This walk, which takes a leisurely and meandering route to the summit via the pleasant valley of the Glenderaterra Beck, is the connoisseur’s choice when it comes to climbing Skiddaw. Rather than a steep slog straight up the front, it looks for a more scenic variant.
The descent, however, is a bit more direct, and lets you enjoy those fabulous views south across Keswick and Derwent Water as you return to your starting point.
Hillwalking gear needed
You’ll need a good waterproof jacket – check out the best men’s waterproof jackets here, or women’s waterproof jackets here. Don’t forget your walking boots! A rucksack should also be carried. For hillwalking in summer, a pack of no more than about 30L is needed.
Start/Finish: Keswick Youth Hostel
GR: NY267235
- Turn L out of hostel and go over bridge following road R around hotel. Take the footpath on R edge of road and join the Cumbria Way, continuing with it straight uphill. When the path splits after a bend, keep on L track, crossing a stream and continuing along a fence and felled woodland on L.
- At car park head R to gate, cross and turn L uphill. At next gate head diagonally through the field following arrow for Cumbria Way. Cross beck and walk around edge of hill round to Glenderaterra Beck to then head up through the valley.
- Continue for roughly 3km to the youth hostel on the plateau. Follow wall behind it and turn R to head W and directly uphill to Sale How. Go straight over it and up to the ridge top. Turn R to stile, cross and head uphill. Continue straight along the soon flat hilltop until trig point. When reached, turn back and retrace steps back to stile. Cross and follow ridge top to the next stile.
- Follow the path downhill for around 2km back to the car park and retrace the same route back down to Keswick.
