NY2527 : Ascending Carl Side

Carl Side

747m Elevation
28m Prominence
England Country

Good walks are even better shared.

NY2527 : Ascending Carl Side

Michael Graham Photo source

Explore routes near Carl Side

Walks starting near this hill. Open a route to check its map, distance and full itinerary.

Route planning notes

These notes describe possible approaches. Check a route's map and access information when planning your walk.

Carl Side from the Conflict of the Skiddaw Range

A scenic route starting from the path near the Latrigg car park, winding gently up through heather and grassland, leading to Carl Side with stunning views along the way.

5.5 km ~2.5 hours Moderate

Ascent from the Little Man of Skiddaw

This slightly more challenging route offers a direct ascent from the Little Man, featuring rocky terrain and breathtaking vistas.

3 km ~1.5 hours Challenging
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Hill facts and local notes

Classifications

Nuttall Wainwright Birkett Synge Fellranger Subsimm

Elevation

747m

2,450 ft

Prominence

28m

Coordinates

54.6424, -3.1560

NY254280

OS Map

89 90

Explorer: OL4S

At the Summit

The summit of Carl Side features a small stone cairn, offering a perfect opportunity for a well-deserved photo, although the selfies may never truly capture the beauty of the panoramic views.

Terrain & Geology

Primarily grassy with rocky sections particularly near the summit. Expect occasional boggy patches that may try to swallow your boots if you're not careful.

Primarily composed of volcanic rocks such as andesite and basalt, which form the dramatic crags and rock faces found in the region. The area also exhibits interesting glacial features from the Ice Age, making it a rich site for geological study.

Views & Scenery

From the summit, you can witness stunning views of the nearby Skiddaw mountain range, Derwentwater, and the rolling hills of the Lake District. On a clear day, the sight can be simply breathtaking.

History & Heritage

Name Origin

The name 'Carl' is derived from the Old Norse term 'karl', meaning man, while 'side' could reference its lofty position overlooking the surrounding areas.

Historical Significance

As part of the Skiddaw range, Carl Side holds historical significance for both its natural beauty and its prominence as a walking destination within the Lake District National Park.

Getting There & Facilities

Parking

The nearest parking is at the Latrigg car park, located off the A591, which accommodates a number of cars and provides direct access to the trails.

Public Transport

Regular bus services operate from Keswick to various points around Skiddaw and the surrounding areas.

Nearby Facilities

In Keswick, you'll find plenty of facilities including cafes, pubs, and public toilets—perfect for a pre- or post-hike snack to refuel those weary legs.

Safety Information

Known Hazards

  • Be mindful of changeable weather conditions typical of the Lake District, which can turn from sunny to dreary quicker than you can tie your laces.
  • Watch out for loose rocks, especially on steeper sections of the ascent.

General Safety Tips

  • Check weather conditions before setting out
  • Carry appropriate clothing and equipment
  • Let someone know your planned route
  • Take a map, compass, and GPS device
  • Carry emergency supplies: food, water, first aid kit, torch

Hills

Some common questions about the hills answered

Are there group walks up Carl Side?

Many walkers use Walkmates to join or organise walks with others. You can check for group walks around Carl Side through the maps

Are there other walkers around Carl Side?

Activity varies by location and time, but Walkmates lets you see whether others have shared walks or shown interest in this area. Find other people through the walking friends search walking friends for Carl Side search or of course create your own walk for Carl Side

Can I organise a walk to Carl Side?

Yes. If there aren’t any walks listed already, you can create a walk and make it available for others to join.

If you're signed up to Walkmates, you can create a walk to Carl Side.

How do I find a walk up this hill?

There are often multiple ways to walk this hill, depending on experience and route preference. Walkmates helps you explore walks and routes that others have shared.

Can I suggest a new route up Carl Side?

Yes. You can suggest or create routes to share with others. Walkmates focuses on the social side of walking, so routes are used to help people organise walks and explore areas together, rather than as detailed navigation tools or route libraries.

Other uses really appreciate knowledgeable walkers sharing their routes. Share your favourite route to Carl Side here

The is an error or something incorrect about this hill. How do I let you know?

We always strive to keep the information on Walkmates as accurate as possible. If you find an error, please let us know through the contact form and we'll aim to correct it as quickly as possible

Location

View the hill's mapped position and surrounding paths.

Grid reference: NY254280

View on OpenStreetMap

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