Skiddaw via Sale How

About

The northern and eastern slopes of Skiddaw are strikingly different than other Lake District fells. They are gentler and run off in great sweeps to an area of high moors and rolling hills known collectively as the 'Back o' Skidda'. The only features that relieve the uniformity of the landscape are deep cuts of becks and the odd broken crag. It is a lonely landscape and this is its great charm. You can lose yourself amongst its vastness and enjoy a bit of contemplation as you walk.

Access into this area is made easy by a well-graded bridleway that circumnavigates this northern side of Skiddaw. It can be followed to Skiddaw House, formerly a row of shepherds' cottages, and more recently a hostel, from where easy pathless slopes can be climbed to gain Skiddaw's main summit ridge. The normal path to Skiddaw makes an excellent descent route back to Keswick and maintains the relaxed style of walking.