Skiddaw from Bassenthwaite - Tuesday 20th May 2008

Description: 

Starting from High Side, above the village of Bassenthwaite the route climbs Skiddaw, one of the highest mountains in England, via the fine Ullock Pike ridge and descends the northern slopes to Dash Falls

From the layby at High Side we will climb onto the ridge above and follow it south, with fine views over Bassenthwaite Lake and to the Solway coast. As we climb the ridge over Ullock Pike and Carl Side the view to the south will gradually reveal itself with views over Derwentwater to Borrowdale and the high fells beyond.

From Carl Side the route climbs steeply, the final push to the summit ridge with wonderful panoramic views. From the summit we will cntinue to the north, descending the northern end of the ridge to meet the top of the path that descends to Bakestall.

From Bakestall the path continues to descend to the north to meet the track below. A short walk down the track will give views of Dash Falls to the right. We will follow this track until it reaches the roadside at Peter House Farm where footpaths cross the fields back to High Side.

Directions:
By Road:
From Keswick follow the A591 Carlisle road north out of the town, corssing the A66 at the roundabout. Continue on this road through Dodd Wood and pass the Ravenstone Hotel to the right. A short distance further a lane leads to the right, signposted to Orthwaite, follow this for aprox. 200m to a layby on the right, we will meet here.
From Cockermouth: Follow the A66 from Cockermouth, following signs for Keswick, turn off the main road at Dubwath, signposted to Bassenthwaite, and turn right almost immediatly, passing the marina. Continue on this road until the bridge on the right is reached, cross the bridge and follow the road to the junction outside the Castle Inn, turn right here and follow this road past Bassenthwaite Church, at the top of the hill past the church a lane leads to the left, signposted to Orthwaite, follow this for aprox. 200m to a layby on the right, we will meet here.

By Bus:
The X4 bus travels between Workington and Penrith, passing through Cockermouth and Keswick this passes the bottom of the lane, 200m away..