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Lake District Tourist Information Skiddaw Scafell Pike
The Lake District really has become known as the area in the UK for some of the best walking and climbing. The idea of a National Park in the Lake District came from none other than William Wordsworth. He instigated the idea in 1821. There's quite a few mountains in the Lake District - the Ramblers Association puts it at 248 mountains depending on your definition.
Regarding walking and climbing you'll find the whole range across the Lakes, with a choice of hard scrambles or leisurely valley floor walks good if you've children along in areas like Eskdale and Borrowdale. Dip into A.W.Wainwright's seven little illustrated books, still the definitive text on Lake District Fell Walking. Take to the heights of Skiddaw, Scafell Pike, Helvellyn or try Blencathra near Keswick, recommended by the Ramblers as the mountain to take the friend who isn't sure whether they're going to like fell walking! Find Lake District Hotels Find Lake District Accommodation
Skiddaw. Grand Old Mountain
The fourth highest peak in Lakeland is Skiddaw. It is only 152 feet lower that Scafell Pike. It has been referred to as an easy climb primarily because of it's well marked paths and accessibility from the centre of Keswick.
One of the most popular ways up Skiddaw's slopes is to head up to Ormathwaite and follow the Gale Road, which is quite rough, to a car park. You will pass the monument to three Hawell family shepards Then up you go on the steep slopes of Jenkin Hill (no refreshment hut here anymore, just the ruins of the old Skiddaw Hut, which is located at approximately the half-way point to the summit).
Blencathra. Grand drama on Saddleback
Familiarity with Blencathra does not bring contempt, says Wainwright, but rather greater admiration and affection.
Retreating glaciers certainly left their mark on this mountain, creating the drama of gouged flanks, crags and scree. Blencathra, back in the mid-18th century, was known as Saddleback, apt considering the shape of the southern front. Some of us might prefer friendly Saddleback, but both Wordsworth and Wainwright preferred Blencathra, Celtic for 'Hill of the Chair'. Saddle or chair, you decide.
Scafell Pike - England's Highest Mountain
Climbing up Scarfell Pike from Wasdale is not for the light-hearted. This is a steep climb, but well worth the effort with superb views of Scarfell Crag. Scarfell Pike is actually an enormous circular cairn and it's summit is covered in boulders.
The best views are to be had to the north and west where you'll glimpse Great Gable in the distance.
