My Epic Bank Holiday Hike: Ullock Pike to Dodd via Skiddaw

The 04th May 2025 Bank Holiday weekend presented a perfect opportunity for a challenging hike in the Lake District. I decided to tackle a significant section of the Skiddaw range, aiming to summit nine Wainwrights in a single day. The planned route was ambitious: Ullock Pike, Long Side, Carl Side, Skiddaw, Bakestall, Skiddaw Little Man, Lonscale Fell, Latrigg, and Dodd (Skiddaw). The total distance clocked in at 18 miles. The entire hike took 9 hours and 40 minutes. 

Ullock Pike -Northern Fells - 2,264ft (690m) - Grid Ref: NY 24441 28759

My day began with the ascent of Ullock Pike. This distinctive fell rises sharply. It offers a dramatic start to the Skiddaw Horseshoe. Ullock Pike stands at 2,264 feet (690 metres) high. The path is well-trodden, and as I gained height, the views began to unfold. Derwentwater sparkled in the distance. The surrounding fells gradually revealed their majestic forms. 

Long Side - Northern Fells - 2,408ft (734m) - Grid Ref: NY 24879 28442

From the summit of Ullock Pike, my route continued towards Long Side. This next Wainwright is a more gradual ascent. It provides a welcome respite after the initial steep climb. Long Side reaches a height of 2408 feet (734 metres). The path connecting the two fells traversed a scenic ridge. This ridge offered expansive views to the west. I could see Bassenthwaite Lake stretching out below. The rolling landscape of the northern Lake District came into view. 

Carl Side - Northern Fells - 2,448ft (746m) - Grid Ref: NY 25496 28082

The next Wainwright on my itinerary was Carl Side. This fell sits between Long Side and the imposing bulk of Skiddaw. Carl Side is 2,448 feet (746 metres) high. The ascent from Long Side to Carl Side was relatively short. The views from Carl Side were impressive. They offered a different perspective of Derwentwater and the fells I had already conquered.

Skiddaw - Northern Fells - 3,054ft (931m) - Grid Ref: NY 26041 29082

The ascent of Skiddaw was the most significant undertaking of the day. Skiddaw stands as one of the Lake District's highest peaks. It reaches a considerable 3,054 feet (931 metres). The climb from Carl Side was a steady and persistent uphill trek. The panoramic views expanded dramatically as I gained height. I could now see a vast expanse of the Lake District. Distant fells and shimmering lakes stretched out in all directions. Reaching the summit of Skiddaw was a moment of immense satisfaction. Despite the biting wind and the -2 degrees Celsius wind chill.

Bakestall - Northern Fells - 2,210ft (674m) - Grid Ref: NY 26632 30856

Leaving the summit of Skiddaw, my route took me north towards Bakestall. This fell offers a different character. It presents a more rugged and less frequently visited aspect of the Skiddaw range. Bakestall reaches a height of 2,210 feet (674 metres). The descent from Skiddaw towards Bakestall was steep in places. The views from Bakestall offered a unique perspective back towards Skiddaw and the route I needed to head back.

Skiddaw Little Man - Northern Fells - 2,838ft (865m) - Grid Ref: NY 26676 27792

From Bakestall, I retraced my steps slightly before heading towards Skiddaw Little Man. This subsidiary summit of Skiddaw offers excellent views. It sits at a height of 2,838 feet (865 metres). The climb to Skiddaw Little Man was a relatively short but steep ascent. The path was clear and well-defined. Reaching the summit of Skiddaw Little Man provided another fantastic viewpoint. It offered a slightly different angle on the surrounding fells and valleys. Skiddaw itself looked imposing from this slightly lower vantage point.

Lonscale Fell - Northern Fells - 2,346ft (715m) - Grid Ref: NY 28544 27144

My next objective was Lonscale Fell. This fell lies to the east of Skiddaw Little Man. It stands at 2,346 feet (715 metres) high. The traverse from Skiddaw Little Man to Lonscale Fell involved a gradual descent. The terrain was a mixture of grassy slopes, and you needed to cross through the fence (gate) and then back again to reach the summit. I could see Blencathra and the Helvellyn range in the distance.

Latrigg - Northern Fells - 1,211ft (369m) - Grid Ref: NY 27920 24694

The descent from Lonscale Fell led me towards Latrigg. This lower fell offers easily accessible panoramic views of Keswick and Derwentwater. Latrigg reaches a height of 1,211 feet (369 metres). The path to Latrigg was well-maintained and relatively gentle. It provided a welcome change after the more strenuous climbs of the day. The views from Latrigg were stunning. They offered a classic vista of Keswick nestled beside Derwentwater. The surrounding fells formed a dramatic backdrop.

Dodd (Skiddaw) - Northern Fells - 1,647ft (502m) - Grid Ref: NY 24438 27346

My final Wainwright of the day was Dodd (Skiddaw). This fell is located on the northern flanks of Skiddaw. It reaches a height of 1,647 feet (502 metres). My legs were beginning to feel the cumulative effect of the day's hike. The climb to Dodd, though not the highest of the day, felt challenging. Reaching the summit of Dodd provided a final opportunity to look back at the impressive Skiddaw range I had traversed. The views down towards Bassenthwaite Lake were also rewarding. The sense of accomplishment at having completed my ambitious hike was immense.