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
Walk Must-Haves
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LumoLeaf Portable Dog Water Bottles
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Mud Daddy 8L Portable Pet Washing Device
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OneTigris Tactical Dog Harness
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Hands Free Lead
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Frequently Asked Questions
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.
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.
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.
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