Bassenthwaite Lake viewed from the western approach to Skiddaw

Skiddaw via Long Side and Carl Side: The Quieter Way Up

Skiddaw is one of the giants of the Lake District. At 931 metres, it is England's fourth highest mountain, and its broad summit towers above the northern fells. Most walkers head up from Keswick via the main tourist path, but our favourite approach is from the western side, taking in Long Side and Carl Side before tackling the final climb to the summit.

This one is a lung burner from the start, but the ridge walking and views over Bassenthwaite Lake make it well worth the effort.

Starting from High Side and Ravenstone Manor

There is a roadside layby just past Ravenstone Manor on the A591 near High Side, although parking is limited. Please park considerately and leave gates, drives and passing places clear. You could also ask at Ravenstone Manor whether they would allow you to park there; permission is entirely at their discretion, so don't count on a space.

The manor is an excellent option for post-walk food and a hard-earned drink. It's certainly something to look forward to on the way back down.

From the start the path climbs straight onto the fellside. There is very little gentle warming up here, just a sustained pull upwards and increasingly good excuses to stop and admire the view.

The climbing path above Bassenthwaite Lake
The ascent starts working your lungs almost immediately, but the views are worth stopping for.
Bassenthwaite Lake stretching into the distance below Skiddaw
Bassenthwaite Lake makes a spectacular backdrop throughout the lower climb.

Along Long Side and Carl Side

Higher up, the path heads towards Long Side (734m) before continuing along the ridge to Carl Side (746m). This is the part of the walk I particularly enjoy. The ridge has more character than the usual Keswick approach, and the views feel enormous.

Looking back, Bassenthwaite Lake lies beneath you, framed by the wooded slopes of Dodd and the western fells. Further round, the views open towards Keswick, Derwentwater and the central mountains.

Derwentwater and its islands with the Lake District fells behind
Looking south over Derwentwater and towards the central Lakeland fells.

On one of our walks, we also managed to photograph military jets passing across the fells. Not something you'll see every time, but quite a sight when it happens.

Low-flying military jet crossing in front of distant Lakeland mountains
A low-flying jet passing across the fells.
Jet aircraft seen against a mountain ridge in the Lake District
Another glimpse of the aircraft as it crossed the mountain backdrop.

The Final Climb to Skiddaw

From Carl Side, the climb to Skiddaw itself is the part that really tests the legs. It is a steep ascent over loose slate and scree, with plenty of shifting stones underfoot. Take your time on the way up, and be especially careful if you're descending the same way. The scree can be awkward even when it's dry.

Penny the Vizsla sitting among Skiddaw's loose rocks and slate
Penny taking a moment on the rocky upper slopes.

Once the gradient finally eases, the summit ridge feels wonderfully open. On a clear day the views stretch across the northern Lake District, towards the Solway Firth and, when visibility allows, Scotland.

Penny resting on a grassy high fell with mountain views behind
A sunnier outing, and an ideal spot for Penny to stop and take in the view.

Skiddaw in Winter Is a Different Mountain

The photographs here are from different visits, and they show just how much Skiddaw can change with the conditions. One day it's blue skies and wide views. Another day the path is white with frost, cloud rolls in and the summit feels like a completely different place.

Two walkers approaching a frosty crest on Skiddaw
A very different Skiddaw, with frost covering the path and fellside.
Penny wearing a coat on a cold frosty mountainside
Penny looking considerably less impressed by the winter conditions.
Bassenthwaite Lake fading into low mist seen from the mountain
Cloud building over Bassenthwaite Lake.

Winter warning: The steep, loose ascent above Carl Side becomes much more serious in snow and ice. We've seen plenty of people trying to shuffle down icy slopes on their backsides, which is hardly the descent anyone has planned. Traction matters, but microspikes are not a substitute for full winter equipment where steep, hard snow or ice requires crampons and an ice axe. Check conditions, know how to use your equipment and turn back if you're not prepared.

Small slate cairn heavily rimed with frost on the upper slopes of Skiddaw
Rime ice coating the slate high on the mountain.
Penny beside a snow-covered trig point on Skiddaw summit
Penny beside Skiddaw's trig point on a wintry summit visit.

Skiddaw's broad summit plateau can also make navigation difficult when the cloud closes in. Don't rely on the path being visible, and make sure you've got a reliable map, compass and the skills to use them.

The Descent and a Well-Earned Finish

If returning to High Side by the same line, retrace the route over Carl Side and Long Side. Be cautious with the loose scree immediately below Skiddaw, especially in wet or freezing conditions. The lower slopes bring Bassenthwaite Lake back into view, and there are plenty of reasons to pause for another photograph.

Then there's the prospect of food and refreshments at Ravenstone Manor if they're serving when you finish. A fitting end to a demanding mountain walk.

Worth the Climb?

Absolutely. Skiddaw via Long Side and Carl Side is a tougher, more rewarding alternative to the standard tourist path. It gives you a great ridge, some of the finest views of Bassenthwaite Lake and a final climb that makes reaching the summit feel earned.

Penny certainly seemed to think we'd done enough for one day. Judging by the state of her when we got home, she'd given the walk everything she had.

Penny the Vizsla asleep in the sunshine at home after a walk
The post-walk recovery position.

Route Information

  • Route: High Side on the A591, Long Side (734m), Carl Side (746m), Skiddaw (931m)
  • Difficulty: Strenuous mountain walk
  • Parking: Limited roadside layby near Ravenstone Manor; ask before using any private parking
  • After the walk: Ravenstone Manor for food and refreshments, subject to opening hours
  • Map: View the ascent on OS Maps

The linked OS Maps screenshot shows the ascent to the summit. If walking back to High Side, plan and check your return route before setting off. Always check the mountain forecast and carry suitable clothing, supplies and navigation equipment.

Back to blog