Skiddaw

Starting from Keswick, this one gets straight down to business. I usually park near the dual carriageway, then use the bridge to cross safely before the climbing begins properly. It is a slightly odd way to begin a Lakeland walk, with a bit of roadside practicality before you are suddenly looking up at the fellside.

The first pull up to Latrigg is the warm-up that does not always feel like one at the start. It is steady, not technical, but it is long enough that you want to settle into a comfortable pace early and not charge off. Latrigg is a lovely first reward too, with that quick look back over Keswick and Derwentwater.

From Latrigg the route opens out as you head towards Skiddaw Little Man. The paths are generally clear, with a mix of pitched sections and stony track. Higher up you get that proper mountain feel, where you can feel the height in your legs, and you notice the wind more.

The climb to Skiddaw Little Man is where I start pacing properly. Keep it steady, take short pauses, and have a drink when you need it. From the Little Man the summit feels close, but there is still enough climbing left to make the final push a proper effort.

Skiddaw summit is broad, high and exposed, the classic big-fell style. Lunch at the top is well earned, and on a clear day the views across the Northern Fells and out towards other Lakeland peaks are huge. After that, the descent via Lonscale Fell gives the day a nice change in character, with a quieter high-level feel that helps you ease out of summit mode. Just keep something in reserve for the downhill, because after a big day your knees will still want a bit of respect.