Overlooking Keswick, Bassenthwaite Lake (the only 'Lake' in the Lake District) and Derwentwater Skiddaw is the 6th highest mountain in England. Skiddaw lies on the other side of the Derwent valley from the Whinlatter trail centre.
The ride has two parts, one along the eastern side of Skiddaw which follows the Cumbrian way. The other is road on the Western side of the mountain which is unfortunately all road, and the A591 at that. There isn't an off road route round the western side of the Mountain, there is however a tea shop (The Old Saw Mill) at Dodd wood, this is one of the options to start / finish the ride the others being from Keswick, or Bassenthwaite village.
For me the best way round the mountain is to start with the road and then climb up and over the Back o' Skidda. Unless you are starting out from Keswick in which case you'd start with the mountain and follow the road back.
The route over the mountain takes the Cumbrian way up to Skiddaw house from Latirgg car park (this is the point you'll join if starting from Keswick). The climb upto Skiddaw house is rocky but not mega technical, it is fairly exposed as you climb along the valley. The single track continues all the way up to Skiddaw house at which point you can choose to split off and ride round Blencathra. From this point onwards it's fairly open double track, with some fairly rapid sections all the way down to Tod Gill. Crossing the valley for the last part of the descent contouring the valley side whilst it drops steeply away below.
The views on the eastern side are of the valleys surround Skiddaw, whilst the route back along the road has view of Bassenthwaite lake. A nice ride more along the lines of a cross country route rather than a more technical enduro ride. There isn't a ride I've done in the lake district that doesn't' have cracking views and this ride again adds to that.
Skiddaw MTB Route
| Distance | 25km |
| Time | 2-3hrs |
| Climbing | 500m |
| Starting Location | Bassenthwaite / Dodd wood / Keswick |
| Pubs, Cafes | The Old Saw Mill |
| Parking | Bassenthwaite / Dodd wood / Keswick |
| Route | View route on Komoot View route on Garmin Download GPX |
The Lake District offers a great number of rides, from trail centres to moorland and mountains. Why not make a weekend or even a week long trip and explore what the Lake District has to offer.
Did you try this out? Comment here!