The follows a route from near Latrigg - a relatively low (1203ft) hump of a mountain behind Keswick. Start on Brundholme Road and follow Spooney Green Lane. You'll reach the Underscar car park at the end of Gale Rd after about an hour. If you're feeling lively you could add an ascent up Latrigg, otherwise stick to the trail and take the next left-hand fork, which begins the long plod to the fell-top. Look out for a ruined building known as the "Halfway House' on your right as you ascend past Lonscale Fell (2344ft). Victorian and Edwardian tourists would have once paused here for refreshments.

After another long climb you'll reach a left-hand detour to Skiddaw Little Man (2838ft), but this mini-summit is better left for the descent. Stick to the main trail and carry on up the steep path for around half a mile over a series of 'tops'; you'll know when you've reached the true summit when you're standing next to the Ordnance Survey trig point.

Standing proud of the surrounding fells, and covered with a shattered expanse of slate and rock, Skiddaw's peak is a dramatic place to be. If the weather's clear, there are unforgettable views in all directions; you should be able to glimpse all the great Lakeland ranges, including the Helvellyns, Scafells and, on a really good day, the Scottish peaks.

There are several possible descents, including the ridge trail over Carl Side and various routes down to Bassenthwaite Lake, but retracing your steps allows you to take in the summit of Skiddaw Little Man on the way down. 

Pubs nearby