The best walks and hikes around Underskiddaw

Underskiddaw offers a wide selection of hiking routes, with over 60 trails available. These range from easy, family-friendly walks to challenging mountain ascents, catering to various skill levels.

Yes, Underskiddaw has 21 easy hiking routes perfect for beginners or families. One example is the Skiddaw Car Park – View of Derwent Water loop from Applethwaite, a 1.7-mile trail that takes less than an hour to complete and leads through the serene hamlet of Applethwaite.

For breathtaking panoramic views, consider routes that ascend the fells. The Ullock Pike – Long Side Summit loop from Mirehouse (S bound) offers extensive vistas from fells leading towards Skiddaw. Additionally, the Skill Beck – Mirehouse & Gardens Tea Room loop from Dodd Wood car park explores Dodd Wood, known for its superb viewpoints across the Northern Lake District, Bassenthwaite Lake, and even the Solway Firth.

Many of Underskiddaw's trails are circular, allowing you to return to your starting point without retracing your steps. Examples include the Skill Beck – Mirehouse & Gardens Tea Room loop from Dodd Wood car park and the Little Man (Skiddaw) summit – Carl Side loop from Applethwaite.

Underskiddaw is rich in natural beauty and historical landmarks. You can encounter formidable fells like Skiddaw, Blencathra, and Carl Side. Scenic views often include Derwent Water and Bassenthwaite Lake. Notable summits to explore include Catbells Summit and Little Man (Skiddaw) summit. The ancient Castlerigg Stone Circle is also a remarkable attraction with panoramic mountain views.

Yes, the region around Underskiddaw features several beautiful waterfalls. You can find highlights such as Stybeck Waterfall, Dash Falls, and Blease Gill Waterfalls, offering picturesque spots along your hike.

The trails in Underskiddaw are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.7 stars from over 1700 reviews. Hikers frequently praise the diverse and dramatic landscapes, the extensive panoramic views from the fells, and the variety of terrain that caters to all abilities.

Yes, many areas in Underskiddaw are dog-friendly. The Keswick old railway line, for instance, offers an easy, dog-friendly circular walk. When hiking with dogs, always ensure they are under control, especially around livestock, and adhere to local guidelines for responsible pet ownership in the Lake District National Park.

The Lake District, including Underskiddaw, offers hiking opportunities year-round. Spring and autumn provide pleasant temperatures and stunning scenery with fewer crowds. Summer is popular but can be busy. Winter hiking is possible for experienced individuals, but requires appropriate gear and awareness of weather conditions, as higher fells can be challenging.

While Underskiddaw itself is a parish with peaceful hamlets like Applethwaite and Millbeck, the nearby town of Keswick offers a good selection of cafes, pubs, and accommodation options. These provide excellent spots to refuel and relax after a day on the trails.

The terrain in Underskiddaw is highly varied. You can expect everything from gentle, grassy slopes and well-maintained paths in lower areas and woodlands, to rugged, rocky ascents on the higher fells like Skiddaw and Blencathra. Some routes, particularly those leading to summits, may involve steep climbs and uneven ground.

A significant portion of the area falls within the Skiddaw Group Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI). While specific routes aren't solely dedicated to the SSSI, many trails, especially those in Dodd Wood and around the Skiddaw fells, traverse this geologically and ecologically important area, offering insights into its rich flora and rewilding efforts.