I’d not been to the summit of a mountain on a mountainbike before so figured I better put things right. Headed up to Keswick this morning (despite rubbish weather forecast) and did a tour of Skiddaw including going up to the summit at 931m / 3054ft. Cloud level was about 700m so sadly there wasn’t much of a view at the top. Was also freezing and blowing a gale!

I’m quite tired now as I’ve barely ridden this year. Should help with the fitness though 🙂

[url=https://flic.kr/p/s692VW]Skiddaw 140415-8[/url] by simondbarnes, on Flickr

[url=https://flic.kr/p/s693cN]Skiddaw 140415-7[/url] by simondbarnes, on Flickr

[url=https://flic.kr/p/rbCsAr]Skiddaw 140415-11[/url] by simondbarnes, on Flickr

[url=https://flic.kr/p/rQRPAf]Skiddaw 140415-14[/url] by simondbarnes, on Flickr

[url=https://flic.kr/p/rbCpd4]Skiddaw 140415-17[/url] by simondbarnes, on Flickr

[url=https://flic.kr/p/rP6X5V]Skiddaw 140415-15[/url] by simondbarnes, on Flickr

[url=https://flic.kr/p/s8hKzq]Skiddaw 140415-16[/url] by simondbarnes, on Flickr

Cool (literally).
Which way did you come down?
Walked up Skiddaw for first time last June on a scorching day via Ullock Pike.
Quite a few bikers came down that way – looks good if a bit naughty.
When I left the summit a few went down towards Latrigg – was very jealous as it took me about 2hrs or so to get to the Dog and Gun in Keswick – would have been 20 mins by bike!

Try Helvellyn from Glenridding next.

good stuff.
it is a heck of a slog to the top. did you come down ullock?

I fancy Skiddaw, just up and down. I want to walk it, so I may as well take my bike.

I kept it legal and went up and back down the bridleway. It is indeed a heck of a slog to the top Tony, especially when it’s blowing a gale! Glad I made the effort though. It means I can now eat all of the food in the world 🙂

Nice.

Try Helvellyn from Glenridding next.

Tried that a few years back. Didn’t summit though as weather turned really nasty and self preservation came into it.

How long did the slog up take?

kudos to you. I’d like to do Snowdon this year..(said that last year)

How long did the slog up take?

Bloody ages, especially once I’d ripped the skin off my left heel by pushing up in completely inappropriate footwear (v slightly too long carbon race shoes). Looks like a bit under 2 hours. I could do with investing in slightly lower gears once I wear these out. 24/34 was quite tough. Thinking 22/36 might be better.

Not done Skiddaw yet its on my to do list!

Do it on a day with fewer clouds Rich. Apparently the view on a nice day is amazing!

Some cool photos there! It’s one i need to do myself. Heard the top is loose and steep? sounds perfect! 😀

Bravo.
My favourite mountain, Skiddaw. Dominated the skyline during my youth .
I prefer to go up via Dash falls(whitewater dash). Get to the gate,and carry up the path adjacent to the fence.
Shortish carry and then ride to the summit.

I was just following a gpx I’d found on the web 🙂

The full Ullock Pike loop is a good ‘un- was the Bridleway descent worth it? I’d always discounted it when the alternative looks like this-

Glad you had a good day out- riding up big old hills is very addictive!

Good to see your old photography skills coming back too Simon.

I enjoyed the bw descent. There may well be better ones but I’d have never found them up in the clouds!

Get to the gate,and carry up the path adjacent to the fence.

I did this a few years ago after a big ride over Great Calva, Knott and Great Sca Fell. Was the most brutal carry I’ve ever done after all that.

Good, I might have a crack at your loop then- always good to do old hills new ways!

Very nice !

think you’ve inspired me to get a mountain ride in this year. Nicely done sir

Great photos! Sounds like you had a fantastic day of it too.

Right, I’m off up snowdon…

Riding mountain bikes up mountains? That’ll never catch on! 😉

great stuff

At last! A proper mountain biking thread!

Did the up and down then the circuit of Skiddaw many years ago; my brother crashed badly on the BW round the north side and wrecked both wheels and his shoulder. More recently this happened to a mate, who we miss very badly as he was probably one of the million people in this world who really mattered:

http://www.grough.co.uk/magazine/2013/09/11/widow-pays-tribute-to-mountain-biker-john-graham-who-died-on-skiddaw

So be careful, especially if you’re out alone on those big hills.

@globalti – just read the link, very sad.

So be careful, especially if you’re out alone on those big hills.

I was very careful indeed, mountains can be dangerous places 🙁

I did this a few years ago after a big ride over Great Calva, Knott and Great Sca Fell

Your blog of that ride inspired me to two aborted attempts to do the Great Sca Fell b/way.I struggled to find the summit. 🙁
I did however go up Mosedale side ,up the mine track that runs alongside Carrock Beck.
Still on my to do list… 😀

Your blog of that ride inspired me to two aborted attempts to do the Great Sca Fell b/way.I struggled to find the summit.
I did however go up Mosedale side ,up the mine track that runs alongside Carrock Beck.
Still on my to do list…

It was a fantastic day out on the bike, probably one of the hardest I’ve ever done, but it was brilliant.

The Great Sca Fell BW needs a couple of weeks of dry weather I would say for it to be properly good hooning fun.