~Snowy Skiddaw~

6th December 2008

The snow had fallen and the sky had cleared, it was time to head up to the Lake District and make a long overdue ascent of Skiddaw. Indeed this was my first walk in the Northern Fells for more than 10 years....

Skiddaw Summit

Scroll down for photos and a description of the walk

Parking and Start Point 08:00

Sun Rises on NW Fells

The start of the walk was very icy. I didn't have crampons and had to step carefully. I'm on the route known as the tourist path. Previously I've climbed Skiddaw by two other routes, so this was new to me.

The Way Ahead

Derwentwater

The Route up Skiddaw

The Ratcliffe's Christmas Card for 2008

It was very cold up here, but exhilarating and the photo opportunities were plentiful.

The Post

Skiddaw Summit

Me at the top of Skiddaw

Walkers battle against the snow

Ullock Pike

Dodd - I'll be there soon

Dodd Summit

Lake Bassenthwaite

Sun Setting Over NW Fells

The end of my walk is not far away. It's been a great winter walk and my legs are weary.

Walkers: Just Me

Time taken: 8hr over an undetermined distance, somewhere in the region of 12 miles, according to my legs.

Route: Parking near Keswick, flank of Latrigg, Skiddaw tourist route, Skiddaw, Carl Side, Dodd, road walk back to the car/

Weather and conditions: Clear and crisp, very cold on top

Greetings Count: Low, not many about today

Richard's Refreshment Review: To be honest, I'm writing this account 13 months on from the event. I can't remember if I stopped on the way home, so no retrospective RR this time.