Skiddaw Forest

Downs, Moorland in Cumberland Allerdale

England

Skiddaw Forest

Bakestall Bakestall as seen from the northern slope of Skiddaw - it's the sun-dappled dome immediately beyond the near edge of fellside. The 'Back o' Skiddaw' mountains lie further away centred on the bulk of Knott. Bakestall is of course just a minor rise and is part of Skiddaw itself.
Bakestall Credit: Trevor Littlewood

Skiddaw Forest is a picturesque area located in Cumberland, England. Nestled in the northern part of the county, it encompasses a vast expanse of diverse landscapes, including downs, moorland, and forested areas. Covering an approximate area of 74 square kilometers, Skiddaw Forest is a haven for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts.

The forest is dominated by the imposing presence of Skiddaw, one of the highest peaks in the Lake District National Park. Standing at 931 meters above sea level, Skiddaw offers breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding countryside. Its rugged slopes and rocky crags provide a challenging terrain for hikers and climbers.

The forest itself is characterized by dense woodlands, with a variety of tree species such as oak, birch, and beech. These woodlands are home to a rich assortment of wildlife, including red squirrels, roe deer, and numerous bird species. Visitors can explore the forest through a network of well-maintained trails and footpaths, allowing them to immerse themselves in the natural beauty of the area.

Skiddaw Forest also boasts expansive moorlands and downs, characterized by heather-clad hills and open grassy areas. These vast open spaces provide a sense of tranquility and solitude, making it an ideal location for those seeking peace and solitude. The moorlands are home to a variety of flora and fauna, including rare species such as the bilberry bumblebee and the whinchat.

Overall, Skiddaw Forest offers a diverse and captivating landscape, with its mix of woodlands, moorlands, and downs. Whether it's hiking, wildlife spotting, or simply enjoying the stunning scenery, this area is a must-visit for nature enthusiasts and those looking to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life.

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Skiddaw Forest Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 54.651472/-3.1353109 or Grid Reference NY2629. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Bakestall Bakestall as seen from the northern slope of Skiddaw - it's the sun-dappled dome immediately beyond the near edge of fellside. The 'Back o' Skiddaw' mountains lie further away centred on the bulk of Knott. Bakestall is of course just a minor rise and is part of Skiddaw itself.
Bakestall
Bakestall as seen from the northern slope of Skiddaw - it's the sun-dappled dome immediately beyond the near edge of fellside. The 'Back o' Skiddaw' mountains lie further away centred on the bulk of Knott. Bakestall is of course just a minor rise and is part of Skiddaw itself.
North from Bakestall A cairn and rocks are just below the summit. Looking across the valley of Dash Beck, with Binsey (centre left), Latrigg and Over Water (right) in the mid distance. Criffell is visible in the far distance on the left, across the Solway Firth.
North from Bakestall
A cairn and rocks are just below the summit. Looking across the valley of Dash Beck, with Binsey (centre left), Latrigg and Over Water (right) in the mid distance. Criffell is visible in the far distance on the left, across the Solway Firth.
The Cumbria Way, Skiddaw Forest The Cumbria Way low level alternative route follows the bridleway from Skiddaw House to Bassenthwaite, climbing out of the upper Caldew Valley near Dead Beck (next photograph <a href="https://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/7009530">NY2830 : The Cumbria Way, Skiddaw Forest near Dead Beck</a>).  The mountain in the background is Little Calva.
The Cumbria Way, Skiddaw Forest
The Cumbria Way low level alternative route follows the bridleway from Skiddaw House to Bassenthwaite, climbing out of the upper Caldew Valley near Dead Beck (next photograph NY2830 : The Cumbria Way, Skiddaw Forest near Dead Beck). The mountain in the background is Little Calva.
The Cumbria Way, Dead Beck The bridleway from Skiddaw House to Bassenthwaite dips down into the small valley of Dead Beck, a tributary of the River Caldew (next photograph <a href="https://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/7013660">NY2830 : The Cumbria Way near Dead Beck</a>).
The Cumbria Way, Dead Beck
The bridleway from Skiddaw House to Bassenthwaite dips down into the small valley of Dead Beck, a tributary of the River Caldew (next photograph NY2830 : The Cumbria Way near Dead Beck).
The Cumbria Way, Skiddaw Forest near Dead Beck The Cumbria Way long distance trail follows the bridleway from Skiddaw House to Bassenthwaite, crossing the lower slopes of Great Calva approaching the valley of Dead Beck (next photograph <a href="https://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/7009523">NY2830 : The Cumbria Way, Dead Beck</a>).  This remote track is the only vehicular access to Skiddaw House Youth Hostel.
The Cumbria Way, Skiddaw Forest near Dead Beck
The Cumbria Way long distance trail follows the bridleway from Skiddaw House to Bassenthwaite, crossing the lower slopes of Great Calva approaching the valley of Dead Beck (next photograph NY2830 : The Cumbria Way, Dead Beck). This remote track is the only vehicular access to Skiddaw House Youth Hostel.
The Cumbria Way near Dead Beck The Cumbria Way low level alternative route follows the bridleway from Skiddaw House to Bassenthwaite as it climbs across the lower slopes of Little Calva (next photograph <a href="https://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/7074080">NY2830 : The Cumbria Way near Dead Beck</a>).
The Cumbria Way near Dead Beck
The Cumbria Way low level alternative route follows the bridleway from Skiddaw House to Bassenthwaite as it climbs across the lower slopes of Little Calva (next photograph NY2830 : The Cumbria Way near Dead Beck).
The Cumbria Way near Dead Beck The Cumbria Way low level alternative route from Skiddaw House to Caldbeck climbs across the slopes of Little Calva near Dead Beck (next photograph <a href="https://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/7074340">NY2830 : The Cumbria Way near Candleseaves Bog</a>).
The Cumbria Way near Dead Beck
The Cumbria Way low level alternative route from Skiddaw House to Caldbeck climbs across the slopes of Little Calva near Dead Beck (next photograph NY2830 : The Cumbria Way near Candleseaves Bog).
The Cumbria Way near Candleseaves Bog The Cumbria Way follows the Skiddaw House access track across the lower slopes of Little Calva (next photograph <a href="https://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/7074378">NY2730 : The Cumbria Way near Candleseaves Bog</a>).
Approximately 488m above sea level, for walkers following the low level alternative route this is the highest point on The Cumbria Way between Ulverston and Carlisle; slightly higher than Stake Pass on the route further south.
The mountain in the left background is Bakestall.
The Cumbria Way near Candleseaves Bog
The Cumbria Way follows the Skiddaw House access track across the lower slopes of Little Calva (next photograph NY2730 : The Cumbria Way near Candleseaves Bog). Approximately 488m above sea level, for walkers following the low level alternative route this is the highest point on The Cumbria Way between Ulverston and Carlisle; slightly higher than Stake Pass on the route further south. The mountain in the left background is Bakestall.
The Cumbria Way near Candleseaves Bog The Cumbria Way low level alternative route follows the Skiddaw House access track and public bridleway across the lower slopes of Little Calva (next photograph <a href="https://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/7076764">NY2730 : The Cumbria Way near Dash Beck</a>).
The Cumbria Way near Candleseaves Bog
The Cumbria Way low level alternative route follows the Skiddaw House access track and public bridleway across the lower slopes of Little Calva (next photograph NY2730 : The Cumbria Way near Dash Beck).
Candleseaves Bog
Candleseaves Bog
A long descent from Skiddaw
A long descent from Skiddaw
Fence on Birkett Edge In the absence of a clear path in places, the fence is a good guide on the way up through the steep heather-coated slope to Bakestall.
Fence on Birkett Edge
In the absence of a clear path in places, the fence is a good guide on the way up through the steep heather-coated slope to Bakestall.
The summit cairn on Bakestall A rather insignificant cairn - and actually the slightly lower cairn to the north gives somewhat better views.
The summit cairn on Bakestall
A rather insignificant cairn - and actually the slightly lower cairn to the north gives somewhat better views.
Access track to Skiddaw House The only vehicular access to Skiddaw House Youth Hostel is by a rough track across the open moorland of Skiddaw Forest from a minor road near Bassenthwaite.
This section of the track is almost 500m above sea level; it is a public bridleway and the Low Level Alternative route of The Cumbria Way long distance path from Carlisle to Ulverston.
Foule Crag is in profile on the skyline with the summit of Blencathra to the right.
Access track to Skiddaw House
The only vehicular access to Skiddaw House Youth Hostel is by a rough track across the open moorland of Skiddaw Forest from a minor road near Bassenthwaite. This section of the track is almost 500m above sea level; it is a public bridleway and the Low Level Alternative route of The Cumbria Way long distance path from Carlisle to Ulverston. Foule Crag is in profile on the skyline with the summit of Blencathra to the right.
Looking down Birkett Edge This is the principal descent from Bakestall. Opposite is Little Calva.
Looking down Birkett Edge
This is the principal descent from Bakestall. Opposite is Little Calva.
Across Candleseaves Bog On the skyline is Blencathra.
Across Candleseaves Bog
On the skyline is Blencathra.
Looking up Birkett Edge This is the path to Bakestall and Skiddaw. It is the steepest part of the climb to Skiddaw.
Looking up Birkett Edge
This is the path to Bakestall and Skiddaw. It is the steepest part of the climb to Skiddaw.
On the Cumbria Way, north of Skiddaw House Skiddaw House <a href="https://www.geograph.org.uk/gridref/NY2829">NY2829</a> can be seen beyond the distant stretch of track in the sunlight. The steep escarpment in the far distance is the east face of Lonscale Fell <a href="https://www.geograph.org.uk/gridref/NY2927">NY2927</a>.
On the Cumbria Way, north of Skiddaw House
Skiddaw House NY2829 can be seen beyond the distant stretch of track in the sunlight. The steep escarpment in the far distance is the east face of Lonscale Fell NY2927.
Show me another place!

Skiddaw Forest is located at Grid Ref: NY2629 (Lat: 54.651472, Lng: -3.1353109)

Administrative County: Cumbria

District: Allerdale

Police Authority: Cumbria

What 3 Words

///poker.flamed.rant. Near Keswick, Cumbria

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Nearby Amenities

Located within 500m of 54.651472,-3.1353109
Skiddaw Forest
Place: locality
Lat/Long: 54.6505348/-3.138417
The data included in this document is from www.openstreetmap.org. The data is made available under ODbL.

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