Skiddaw 7 – Guided Hiking Challenge in the Lake District

Taking on seven peaks in a single day is no small task, but for those who love a challenge, this is an unforgettable hiking experience. Covering 22.5km of varied terrain, this route through the Northern Fells offers steep ascents, beautiful views, and a real sense of achievement. With a qualified mountain leader guiding the way, you'll navigate dramatic ridgelines, open moorland, and rocky paths while taking in some of the best scenery the Lake District has to offer.

Key Details

• Distance: 22.5km (14 miles), 4,100ft ascent
• Duration: 7-9 hours
• Difficulty: Hard – for experienced hikers
• Peaks Included: Ullock Pike, Long Side, Carl Side, Skiddaw, Skiddaw Little Man, Lonscale Fell, Latrigg
• Start/Finish: Latrigg Car Park, Gale Road, CA12 4PH

What to Expect

This is a demanding yet rewarding route, perfect for experienced hikers who enjoy pushing their limits. The day begins at Latrigg Car Park, where you'll meet your guide and fellow walkers before setting off on the first ascent. The challenge starts straight away with a climb up Ullock Pike, a sharp ridge offering incredible views over Bassenthwaite Lake. From here, the trail follows the ridge to Long Side and Carl Side, gaining height gradually as the full scale of the surrounding fells comes into view.

The next section is the toughest—ascending Skiddaw itself. Standing at 931m, it's the highest peak of the day and provides far-reaching views across the Lake District and, on a clear day, as far as Scotland. The climb is steep and requires steady effort, but reaching the summit is a moment worth savouring. After taking in the scenery, the route descends slightly before heading up to Skiddaw Little Man, a peak that offers a unique perspective of the main summit.

The latter part of the hike involves a gradual descent towards Lonscale Fell, where the terrain becomes a mix of rocky paths and grassy sections. The final climb of the day is up Latrigg, a relatively gentle ascent compared to what’s already been tackled but still offers fantastic panoramic views over Keswick and Derwentwater. From here, it's a steady descent back to the car park to complete the full circuit.

With a mix of steep climbs, technical terrain, and gorgeous scenery, this route demands good fitness and hiking experience. Your guide will be there to support you throughout, offering navigation, encouragement, and ensuring everyone completes the challenge safely.

Location

The Northern Fells of the Lake District provide the perfect backdrop for this hike, featuring dramatic ridgelines, exposed summits, and vast open spaces. The area is home to Skiddaw, one of England’s most prominent mountains, offering a great view over the surrounding landscape. 

With a mixture of well-worn trails, steep scrambles, and grassy plateaus, this region is ideal for those looking to take on a serious hiking challenge.

Prerequisites

This event is designed for hikers with a good level of fitness who are used to long days in the hills. You should be comfortable covering at least 12 miles over uneven and rocky terrain, with sustained ascents and descents. 

As this is a physically demanding challenge, it’s important to be prepared with the right kit and plenty of food and water. If you have any medical conditions that could affect your participation, please let us know in advance.

Why Choose Us

Led by highly experienced and qualified mountain leaders, this hike offers a safe yet challenging experience for those looking to push themselves. Our guides are passionate about the outdoors and have an in-depth knowledge of the Lake District, ensuring you get the most out of the day. With small group sizes, we provide a supportive and friendly environment, making this a great opportunity to meet like-minded hikers.

We believe in creating experiences that go beyond just reaching the summit. Our focus is on providing a well-paced, enjoyable day out, where everyone feels encouraged and looked after. Whether you're tackling Skiddaw for the first time or looking to complete a new personal challenge, our team is here to make sure you have an unforgettable day in the mountains.