Springtime on Skiddaw - Photo Gallery

I parked on the Orthwaite Road, and went through the gate next to parking area; after a muddy start, I climbed up onto the steepening ridge before a rugged clamber to the summit of Ullock Pike. It's an easy walk along the airy ridge to the summit of Long Side; a deceptively steep ridge with a sudden drop a few feet away from the cairn. There was snow underfoot, and the mist came in as I walked up to the summit of Carl Side, before the asscent on an obvious, intimidating, snow-covered path up into the dark grey slate of Skiddaw. I kicked steps into foot-deep snow using my ice-axe rather than slide awkwardly on the shale masquerading as a path. The summit of Skiddaw was covered by a foot of snow, and as I walked to the summit the mist started to clear; I walked back along the ridge, descended to the col and followed the fence up to the summit of Skiddaw Little Man. I descended to the tourist path and walked back towards Skiddaw; from the col I followed a compass bearing across snow-covered ground towards Sale How, before followin footsteps in the softening snow down to Skiddaw House. I had to take off some a layer of clothing and some gloves, before a long walk along the road to Dash Beck, another long walk out to the road, and then a couple of miles back to the car; it was really warm by then after my Spring walk on Skiddaw.

© Andy Wallace 3rd Apr 2010