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October 27, 2023Conquering Skiddaw via Longside Edge, Tracing Wainwright's Steps
Are you ready to embark on an unforgettable hiking adventure in the stunning Lake District? Join us on an exhilarating journey through the heart of nature as we set out to conquer Skiddaw via Longside Edge, retracing the legendary footsteps of Alfred Wainwright. This hiking adventure promises breathtaking vistas, challenging terrain, and a deep connection with the Lake District’s untamed beauty. Join us as we explore Skiddaw and discover the magic of Longside Edge.
Other resources:
Don’t forget to access/download the full route and mapping on OS Maps for this route.
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Turn by Turn Directions
Upon arriving at the Ravenstone Hotel, our hiking journey commences with a scenic trek through Dodd Wood, as captured in Video 1:10. We follow a trail that leads us southward, just adjacent to the hotel. The climb through Dodd Wood offers breathtaking vistas of Bassenthwaite Lake, as showcased in Video 2:10. Our path proceeds towards Ling How, marking our route southward to The Edge, as seen in Video 2:30. From The Edge, we enjoy a splendid perspective of our onward journey, taking in the route toward Ullock Pike and beyond to Skiddaw.
The ascent of Ullock Pike is showcased in Video 3:10 and rewards us with awe-inspiring views, as highlighted in Video 3.20. Continuing along Longside Edge, we arrive at Carlside Tarn, featured in Video 4:50. Although it may be small and somewhat uninspiring, the panoramic views across to Keswick and Derwent Water more than compensate for any initial disappointment. The final leg of our journey to the summit is a scree-covered terrain, which can be quite demanding. Don’t forget to pause and glance behind you at Video 5:25, as the views are truly breathtaking.
Upon reaching the plateau, a relatively short trek brings us to the summit of Skiddaw, as depicted in Video 6:20. Here, a trig point and information plate await, providing insights into the points of interest visible from the summit. It’s an ideal moment to take a break and savor the awe-inspiring scenery.
Leaving the summit of Skiddaw, we head northward towards Broad End, as shown in Video 6:55, before embarking on our descent, which boasts a manageable gradient. Continuing northwest through the heather-covered terrain, we must locate a less-defined path, as illustrated in Video 8:10. It’s advisable to download the route and use the OS GPS App, the link to which can be found below, to ensure you don’t miss this trail. While navigating around Barkbethdale/Barkbeth Gill horseshoe, you’ll have ample time to contemplate the walk, as indicated in Video 8:55, and appreciate the remarkable adventure it has been.
Our route then leads us to Little Knot, where we are treated to a fantastic view of the path we’ve just completed, as showcased in Video 9:50. Subsequently, we follow a small ridge that reconnects with the path we ascended earlier. As we make our way back from the fells, we cut through Dodd Wood to return to our starting and ending point at the Ravenstone Hotel, where a visit is highly recommended.
Upon completing this exhilarating hike, one can easily understand why this trail was cherished by Alfred Wainwright as one of his favorites.
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Resources used whilst bringing you this walk…
Mapping and Directions:
OS Map App – Ordnance Survey Maps and routing
Maps – Ordnance Survey Maps
Compass – Must have
Equipment used:
Jacket – Rab Microlight Alpine Jacket – Equipment Review
Jacket – Montane Gravity Gore-Tex Jacket
Footwear – Merrell Accentor Sport GTX
Boots – Scarpa Rush Trek GTX – Equipment Review
Trousers – Montane BMC Terra Pants
Waterproof Trousers – Mountain Hardwear Epic Pant
Socks – 1000 mile wool fusion double layer
Head Torch – Lifesystems Intensity 220 Head Torch – Equipment Review
Backpack – Hi Gear Active22
Bladder – Camelbak 2.5L Hydration Reservoir
Camera Kit
GoPro 5 – Go anywhere action camera
hohem iSteady Pro 4-Gimbal stabiliser – Making your video professional
Lavalier Microphone – Capture professional audio
Insta360 ONE X2-360 Degree Camera – bringing video to a new dimension
Insta360 3M (10ft) Invisible Selfie Stick – make it look like a drone
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Other Walks & How to equipment guides you may be interested in:
Other Walks:
Haystacks via Scales Force, Red Pike, High Stiles & High Crag
Helvellyn via St Sunday Crag, Grisdale Tarn & Gleridding Common
Ambleside to Grasmere via Loghrigg Tarn & Fell
Walking Aira Force & High Force Waterfall’s Ullswater
Ingram Valley – Linhope – Ravenhill
Hen Hole, Three Sisters, Dunsdale & The Cheviot – What Great Walking.
Historic Market Town of Morpeth, Surrounding Countryside & River Walking.
Simonside Hills Circular in the Northumberland National Park.
Expert Review links:
Plan Watch Walk – Expert Reviews.
How to buy – The best Waterproof Jacket.
How to but – The best Walking Trousers.