The sedimentary slate beds created here are extremely thick and in areas can even affect a compass bearing so be warned. This involves slightly more exposed and rockier ground, culminating in a lung-bursting push up a rough scree slope. Gale Road is a steep and narrow road that comes up to the foot of Skiddaw from Ormathwaite, a small village on the opposite side of the main A66 trunk road that passes Keswick. Skiddaw Slate is unlike the rest of the mainly volcanic Lake District in that it is mostly sedimentary, created by mud and sediments from ages old ocean beds, the softer rock make up is of course a lot more likely to be shaped by the elements, giving the Back o'Skiddaw area its unique rolling hillsides. Skiddaw is the fourth highest mountain in England at 931m above sea level.
It is made of well-compacted stone but with a short section with a 1:7 gradient, it’s not suitable for people operating their own wheelchairs. Home European Treks World Treks Trekking Information Shop Gallery Trek Reviews Accommodation Competition While the geology of the other three are dominated by the Borrowdale Volcanics, the slates of Skiddaw are the oldest rocks in the region, laid down by sedimentary processes almost 500 million years ago and giving rise to generally more rounded hills. From the car park the way is signposted very clearly. we then took the path called Jenekin hill towards Skiddaw. Underscar Car Park - Jenkin Hill - Skiddaw - Skiddaw Little Man - Underscar Car Park: 13th November 2009: Nr Bassenthwaite - The Edge - Ullock Pike (94) - Longside Edge - Long Side (95) - Carl Side - Skiddaw - Bakestall (96) - Birkett Edge - Whitewater Dash - Cumbria Way - … The walk takes advantage of the Latrigg car park at the end of Gale Road which is already three hundred metres above sea level so takes off a third of the mountains total ascent for you. The track is ridiculously wide and obvious now as it heads first northwest then after meeting a few paths from the left heads directly north straight to the summit of Skiddaw. Also to the north in close proximity is the area known as Back o'Skiddaw with its remote rolling hills somewhat different to the rest of the rough and craggy Lake District. There are a few false summits and also one last small dip downhill before the actual summit with its trig point and stone cairn. All Rights Reserved. The walk starts at the Latrigg car park at the end of the Gale Road. we parked in the small car park on gale road. The car park at the end of Gale Road (Grid ref NY280253) is understandably very popular a fills up quickly, there were only three cars when I arrived, but it was still only 7.30 on a Tuesday morning out of peak season. Latrigg is the small hill to the south of the car park. From Little Man head north to north westerly off its summit and head down towards the obvious col between Skiddaw and Little Man where you will meet up with the track again you left earlier. Just after Ormathwaite and before Applethwaite you take a right up Gale Road and follow its steep incline to the very end where you will find the Latrigg car park. In winter it is a serious mountain but also great fun as some of the usual hazards are minimised somewhat due to the easier terrain, on a clear day the views are out of this world. Gale Road car park by Ian Capper geograph for square NY2825.