Skiddaw and Blencathra via Lonscale Fell

The route

This 23.2 km horseshoe is one of the great Northern Fell rounds, linking four Wainwrights in a single high circuit with 1,412 m of ascent. It takes in Lonscale Fell (715 m), Skiddaw Little Man (865 m), Skiddaw (931 m) and Blencathra (868 m), topping out on the highest ground in this corner of Lakeland. It is a committing mountain day that demands fitness, navigation and a settled forecast.

Climbing from the Gale Road area above Keswick, the route gains the broad whaleback ridge and traverses Lonscale Fell, with the deep trench of Glenderaterra dropping away to the east. The path then sweeps up onto Skiddaw Little Man, a fine summit in its own right with a commanding view south over Derwentwater.

The high tops

A short climb gains Skiddaw itself at 931 m, the high point of the day and the dominant fell of the northern Lakes. The summit ridge is long, stony and fully exposed to the weather. From here the round drops east across the wild, quiet ground near Skiddaw House before the sustained pull onto Blencathra.

Blencathra

Blencathra's summit sits on the lip of its famous southern face, a line of plunging ridges and combes. The return descends carefully towards the valley and back round to the start. Depending on the line off the mountain this can involve steep, rocky ground, so choose your descent to suit conditions.

Why it works

It is a true high mountain round that strings the best of the Northern Fells together in one effort. Carry full kit, food and water, and be ready to navigate, because much of the route is far from shelter. Save it for a clear, settled day and you will understand why this corner of the Lakes draws fell runners back season after season.