Skiddaw and Bakestall via Barkbethdale

Joe Jackson

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This route is one of the quietest ways up Skiddaw, allowing for some peace and quiet whilst climbing this popular mountain. The route starts at a lay-by next to Peter House Farm and follows the road for a few kilometres to the south-west before starting the walk proper. The route crosses farmland around Barkbeth Hill and then starts heading south towards Southerndale. This is where you walk away from the crowds by heading over Little Knott and into the hidden valley of Barkbethdale. The valley is fairly small, secluded and remains in the shade in winter as it is north-facing, but also offers fantastic views to the Solway Firth. The path winds around the head of the valley and continues to the lower north summit of Skiddaw at 831m. A short detour south takes you to the main 931m summit and breathtaking panorama available on a clear day from the peak.

From the main summit of Skiddaw the route descends north to the lower summit (and second Wainwright of the day) of Bakestall. The view north from 673m is spectacular and relatively uninterrupted in the direction of the Solway Firth and Criffel. The route down is as quiet as the way up and follows a faint path north-west to a subsidiary summit called Cockup (listed as a Birkett Fell for those peak-bagging!) A steep, pathless descent in long grass takes you down to the Cumbria Way and then farm tracks lead you back to Peter House Farm.

England - North England - Cumbria - Lake District - North West