Skiddaw from Keswick
Cumbria
Skiddaw, 931m high, is the fourth highest mountain in England and one of the great rounded whalebacks that dominate the north Lakes. From the Latrigg car park above Keswick the Jenkin Hill path climbs steadily along the shoulder of Lonscale Fell before pulling up the long stone path to Little Man and the bare summit ridge. It is a dog friendly walk in the sense that the terrain is non-technical throughout, but the distance and bare exposure on top mean it suits only dogs with real hill fitness.
Park at the Latrigg car park at the top of Gale Road, free and first-come first-served. Herdwick sheep graze the whole of the Skiddaw massif and ground-nesting birds breed on the summit plateau, so dogs must be on a short lead from the car park onwards. The path is wide stony track turning to steep pitched stone and eroded grit on the final pull; there is no reliable water between the beck near Whit Beck and the summit in dry weather. Keswick has dog friendly cafes and pubs in abundance for afterwards, and a full range of public toilets at the Lakeside car park.
At a Glance
- Distance
- 10.5 km (6.5 miles)
- Difficulty
- Hard
- Duration
- 5 hr 30 min
- Walk Type
- Peak, Moorland
- Route Type
- Out and Back
- Off Lead Potential
- None
- Livestock Risk
- High
- Facilities
- None on the fell; toilets, pubs and dog friendly cafes in Keswick two miles away.
- Parking
- Free Latrigg car park at the top of Gale Road; arrives early in summer and in icy winter may be closed.
As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Skiddaw from Keswick dog friendly?
Skiddaw gets a 6 out of 10 for dog friendliness — it welcomes dogs, but with some important caveats. The terrain is non-technical throughout, which is a real plus, but the route is long and the summit ridge is bare and exposed, so it's best suited to dogs with genuine hill fitness rather than casual walkers' companions.
Can dogs be off lead at Skiddaw from Keswick?
Unfortunately not — dogs must be kept on a short lead from the Latrigg car park onwards for the entire route. Herdwick sheep graze across the whole Skiddaw massif, and ground-nesting birds breed on the summit plateau, so lead control is essential throughout.
What should I know before visiting Skiddaw from Keswick with my dog?
A few things are worth planning for ahead of time. There's no reliable water source between Whit Beck and the summit in dry weather, so carry enough for both you and your dog, especially on warmer days. Parking is free at the Latrigg car park on Gale Road but it's first-come first-served — arrive early in summer and be aware it may be closed in icy winter conditions. There are no facilities on the fell itself, but Keswick, about two miles away, has plenty of dog friendly cafes and pubs for a well-earned rest afterwards.
Visitor Reviews
No reviews yet. Be the first to share your experience.
What’s Nearby?
Walk0 mi awayLatrigg Summit Walk from Keswick
Cumbria
The easiest Wainwright in the Lakes, with the best view over Derwent Water, made for dog friendly families and older dogs.
Walk1.8 mi awayFriar’s Crag and Derwentwater Lakeshore (Keswick)
Cumbria
Excellent lakeshore access, mostly off-lead walking and easy underfoot; a reliable and rewarding walk for dogs of all ages
Walk3.8 mi awaySaddleback (Blencathra) from Scales
Cumbria
The mighty northern ridge of Blencathra from a quiet hamlet, a dog friendly fell classic for sure-footed hill dogs.
Walk4 mi awayCat Bells
Cumbria
Open fell with good off-lead freedom, but limited water on the ridge and sheep on the lower slopes keep the score from going higher.
Walk5.7 mi awayThirlmere Shoreline and Helvellyn Viewpoint Walk
Cumbria
A quiet wooded reservoir walk beneath the Helvellyn range, a dog friendly day with easy terrain and huge skyline views.
Walk6.2 mi awayHelvellyn via Thirlmere
Cumbria
A magnificent mountain day but the length, exposure and lack of water on the upper fell make this demanding for dogs as much as owners.
