EXTRA DATE ADDED - SUNDAY 13th JULY
Thanks you to all those who have booked a space for Saturday 12th - I'll look forward to seeing you on the walk!
Please click "Book Tickets" below to sign up to the 13th July.
Skiddaw is a huge mass of a mountain dominating the northern Lake District where it towers over Keswick and the surrounding area. The rocks that form the massif and other peaks in the North Western Fells are the oldest to be found in the entire Lake District, being laid down by sedimentary processes over half a billion years ago when the world was a very different place.
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While Skiddaw appears to stand alone in a well defined solitary position, there are several satellite summits that can be observed from valley level and offer their own individual challenges or scenery.
From the south, Latrigg, Dodd and Lonscale Fell can be easily identified. However, my favourite way to conquer Skiddaw is from Bassenthwaite to the north, taking in Ullock Pike, Longside Edge, Carl Side and with a descent via Bakestall. This provides some interesting terrain, a productive day out for Wainwright "Baggers" and absolutely breathtaking scenery throughout the walk.
Photo shown to demonstrate scenery. Walks will not take place in winter conditions.
The overall distance of this walk be 15 kilometres, or just under 10 miles, and is expected to take around 7 hours at a moderate pace and allowing time for refreshment stops.
There is a steep, rocky path with uneven terrain up to the North West Ridge, and a tough ascent to the summit of Skiddaw that crosses some scree that can be loose in place. It should also be be noted that the descent from Bakestall down to Whitewater Dash is also at quite a gradient with more uneven terrain and grassy slopes. There are also some fairly easy sections of flat terrain including an initial warm=up through countryside and a section of the Cumbria Way to finish.
Of course, participants will be in safe, experienced hands, but this is not a walk for beginners.
It is necessary to have previous hill walking experience and a good level of fitness to take part in this walk.
If you are for any reason unsure of your ability, please email me via moorstomountains@gmail.com and we can discuss things further before making a booking.
This walk is limited to 6 PARTICIPANTS at £40.00 per person.
Our start point will be Bassenthwaite village, which can be found just off the A591 on the east side of Bassenthwaite Lake. It is a very peaceful little settlement with lovely old buildings and rolling countryside. Quite different to the glacial valleys and the usual hustle and bustle found in other areas of the Lake District during the summer months. I will endeavor to advise on parking nearer the time.
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We will be leaving at 10:00 sharp, or earlier if possible.
There are bus services to and from Penrith, Keswick, Cockermouth and Workington.
And there is lots of various accommodation in the vicinity of Bassenthwaite, Braithwaite,
Portinscale and Keswick, including camping, hostels and B&B's.
Please ask me if you need any advice on public transport or where to stay.
Please bear in mind that I have calculated the route duration based on average speeds of clients. The walk may actually be done in a quicker time, but also may take longer than expected based on individual fitness levels within the group. As outlined, It is necessary to have previous hill walking experience and a good level of fitness to take part in this walk.
It should be mentioned that weather in the Lake District can be extremely unpredictable at all times of the year and so it isn't possible to guarantee excellent views on every walk. Multiple weather forecast sources are always studied before any Moors to Mountains activity. If there is a potential safety risk posed by the weather, an alternative route will be offered as per my T&C's.
Photo shown to demonstrate scenery.
Walks will not take place in winter conditions.
What to expect
when booking a professionally guided activity
with Moors to Mountains.
I have had a number of individual clients book on to a group activity who have been anxious about not knowing the others on the day. Most people who join for the first time are in the same situation, but I assure you that you'll be making new friends and feeling comfortable in your surroundings in no time. Not only am I here to keep you safe and lead the group, I like to engage all participants in interesting conversation and always make a point of providing a friendly and welcoming experience for all my clients.
While I have led groups all different sizes over the years, all Moors to Mountains groups are designed for smaller parties. The number of participants that I allow for will depend on the terrain. But, I find this allows me to give each individual client the maximum attention throughout an activity. Whether this is to answer questions or helping an individual across a section of uneven terrain.
My promise is to deliver a high level of care and
individual attentiveness to each participant.
As your guide, I am a qualified and insured Mountain Leader registered with the BMC and MTA.
I only operate in areas where I have experience of the terrain and are within the remit of my award.
Before I received the ML award, I was already actively volunteering in organising groups walks and wild camping expeditions across the UK from 2011. In that time, I have been lucky enough to spend time out on the hills and mountains with many people of different backgrounds and abilities. This experience has enabled me to develop an extensive knowledge of particular outdoor areas, and a penchant for designing routes that are both scenic and interesting.
There are often places of historical or geological interest along the way and I enjoy sharing my knowledge of the landscape, history, industry, wildlife and geology.
All Moors to Mountains outings include rewarding physical challenge, whether it be distance or terrain.
I also hold an up to date Outdoor First Aid certificate.
Upon booking a space, please don't overlook the Footwear, Clothing and Equipment Requirements.
It is imperative to wear clothing that is suitable for both the activity and the time of year. Weather conditions can change very quicky while out and about in the hills. All participants must wear sturdy footwear and arrive to the activity with all other items listed under Moors to Mountains Footwear, Clothing and Equipment Requirements (please click link to view).
Once a place has been booked on any activity.
I will personally contact each client by email with any relevant information to the specific activity. There will also be a
link to a Participation Consent Form that should be completed in good time before any activity takes place. This will
ask for important medical information, important contact details and also request consent for me to give first aid
where necessary, take any photographs (or not) and anything else relevant.
Cheers, COLIN.
