Bag 4 Wainwrights in One Day: Skiddaw’s Lesser-Known Tops Loop

Why This Route Offers More Than Just Skiddaw

Skiddaw might be one of the most climbed mountains in England, but most walkers head straight up and back down via the same well-worn path. This route does things differently. By looping around the northern and eastern flanks of the massif, you’ll bag four rewarding Wainwrights, enjoy sweeping views, and get a much wilder, more peaceful experience than the summit slog.

Expect grassy ridges, quiet tops, and excellent scenery across the north-western fells. It’s a great option if you’ve already done Skiddaw itself—or want a less-crowded first foray into this area.

Route Snapshot

• Wainwrights Ticked Off:
  
  • Bakestall (673m)
  
  • Broad End (725m)
  
  • Skiddaw Little Man (865m)
  
  • Lonscale Fell (715m)
  
  
• Distance: 13–15 km
  
  
• Ascent: Approx. 900m
  
  
• Time: 5–6 hours
  
  
• Start/End Point: Gale Road Car Park (above Latrigg)
  
  
• Difficulty: Moderate (some steep ground and route-finding)
  
  
• Map Needed: OS Explorer OL4 – North-Western Fells
  
  

Summit-by-Summit Breakdown

Bakestall (673m)

A northern outlier of Skiddaw, Bakestall feels remote and tucked away. Approached via Birkett Edge, the climb is grassy but steep in places. The views north over the Solway Firth and west toward Bassenthwaite Lake are excellent. You’ll likely have it to yourself.

Highlights:

• Quiet approach and rarely-bagged summit
  
  
• Overlooks the dramatic Dead Crags
  
  
• Early leg-stretcher to get the day going
  
  

Broad End (725m)

Technically not a separate Wainwright, but it feels like one. Broad End forms the shoulder between Bakestall and the main Skiddaw ridge. It’s a grassy dome with far-reaching views and a sense of space.

Why include it:

• Easy to tag on the way to Little Man
  
  
• Excellent place to spot cloud inversions
  
  
• Wide views across to Blencathra
  
  

Skiddaw Little Man (865m)

Don’t let the name fool you—Little Man feels every bit like a proper mountain. Set just below the main Skiddaw summit, it offers better views, less foot traffic, and a more shapely summit than its big brother.

What makes it shine:

• Full panorama of Derwentwater and the Central Fells
  
  
• Feels exposed and dramatic
  
  
• Often overlooked by walkers heading to Skiddaw
  
  

Lonscale Fell (715m)

A wide, sweeping fell on the eastern flank of Skiddaw, with great views over Blencathra, Bowscale Fell, and Great Calva. It’s a simple final push before heading back to the start.

Why it rounds off the day perfectly:

• Broad summit, ideal for a quiet snack break
  
  
• Eastern views rarely seen by Skiddaw summit hikers
  
  
• A gentler descent awaits from here
  
  

Full Route Description: Skiddaw Lesser Tops from Gale Road

1. Start at Gale Road car park, just north of Latrigg (access via Keswick).
   
   
2. Head north across the fellside, picking up the path that climbs steeply to Bakestall via Birkett Edge.
   
   
3. Continue south to Broad End, skirting below Skiddaw summit.
   
   
4. Detour slightly west to climb Skiddaw Little Man—the most satisfying summit of the loop.
   
   
5. Follow the fence line and contour around east toward Lonscale Fell.
   
   
6. Descend back toward Latrigg and the car park via the Cumbrian Way or Lonscale Farm track.
   
   

Optional: You can extend the loop by including Skiddaw summit itself if conditions and time allow.

Navigation and Safety

• Some sections are poorly waymarked, especially between Bakestall and Broad End—use a map and compass.
  
  
• In mist, the open slopes can be confusing—GPS or pre-loaded GPX track recommended.
  
  
• Parts of the route can be boggy or exposed—check the weather before setting out.
  
  

What to Bring

• OS Explorer OL4
  
  
• Layered clothing (Skiddaw ridges can be windy)
  
  
• Water and snacks—no facilities en route
  
  
• Walking poles (helpful for grassy descents)
  
  
• Phone or GPS device with route downloaded
  
  

Nearby Refreshments

• The Old Sawmill Tearoom – at Whinlatter, if you’re detouring west post-walk
  
  
• The Dog and Gun, Keswick – legendary goulash and local ales
  
  
• Java Coffee Shop, Keswick – top-tier post-hike flat whites
  
  

Final Thoughts

This Skiddaw tops loop is ideal for anyone wanting a more solitary, scenic and satisfying day out without the usual crowds. You’ll bag four distinctive Wainwrights, avoid the main motorway path, and get a different take on one of the Lakes’ most popular mountains.

For Wainwright baggers, this loop fills in several outliers in one go. For everyone else, it’s a day well spent on quiet ridges, with views just as good—if not better—than the main summit track.

Be sure to track and log your summits in the Peaky Baggers app, where you can see your progress across the full 214.

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Photo by Hans Heap on Unsplash