NY2428 : Ullock Pike
Strenuous; steep ascent and rocky ridge

Ullock Pike

690m Elevation
14m Prominence
England Country

Good walks are even better shared.

Overview

Ullock Pike is a 690.4-metre Wainwright above Bassenthwaite Lake, with a rocky ascent along The Edge and onward ridges to Long Side and Carl Side.

Ullock Pike

Ullock Pike is a 690.4-metre Wainwright on the western side of Skiddaw. Its rocky summit is linked to Long Side and Carl Side by a high ridge, making it a destination in its own right or the first top of a longer walk. Summit data from DoBIH via OpenFell.

Up The Edge

From High Side, take the Southerndale approach to the gap between Watches and Ling How, then climb the ridge to Ullock Pike. A rocky step below the summit needs careful footwork. For an out-and-back walk, descend the same ridge and retrace the approach to High Side. High Side route.

Choosing a longer return

A circuit starts at Scarness Road End (NY 234 293), climbs to Ling How and follows the ridge over Ullock Pike and Long Side to Carl Side. Descend through White Stones and Long Doors, then take the Skill Beck valley and woodland paths north to the start. Dodd is an optional out-and-back from Long Doors. The steep, loose climb to Skiddaw is a separate extension requiring its own return plan. Western circuit.

Summit outlook

Bassenthwaite Lake is a highlight of the view, with the lowlands of north Cumbria beyond. Clear conditions can reveal the Solway Firth and southern Scotland. The Edge gives an open ridge approach, but the climbing starts well before the summit. First-hand fell account.

Rock beneath the ridge

The Edge and Ullock Pike expose the Kirk Stile Formation of the Skiddaw Group. Much of the rock is dark-grey siltstone and mudstone in thin layers. British Geological Survey records folds and fossil graptolites here: evidence of the ridge's sedimentary geology. BGS memoir.

Access and facilities

Dodd Wood, opposite Mirehouse on the A591, has paid parking, toilets and a cafΓ©. It is a separate access point from High Side and Scarness Road End; plan the connecting paths if using it. Forestry England lists bus access, but check current stops, timetables and cafΓ© opening hours before travelling. Dodd Wood visitor information.

Before setting out

Allow time for the descent, check the mountain forecast and carry a map, navigation equipment, warm layers, waterproofs, food and water. Avoid exposed ground in strong winds or storms. Snow and ice demand winter equipment and skills. Leave your route with someone and turn back if conditions deteriorate. National Park safety advice.

Explore routes near Ullock Pike

Public walks starting within 80 km of this hill. Nearby does not mean a route reaches the summit; check its map and access before setting out.

Route planning notes

These notes describe possible approaches, not verified navigable routes or permission to cross land. Check current paths, local access rules and conditions before setting out.

High Side and The Edge

From High Side (NY 236 310), approach Ling How through Southerndale and climb the ridge to Ullock Pike. Return along the same ridge and retrace the approach. Long Side and Carl Side can be added before returning.

Strenuous fell walk

Scarness Road End circuit

From Scarness Road End (NY 234 293), climb to Ling How, then cross Ullock Pike, Long Side and Carl Side. Descend through White Stones and Long Doors, follow Skill Beck into Dodd Wood and take woodland paths north to the start. An optional Dodd ascent returns to Long Doors.

Strenuous fell circuit
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Hill facts and local notes

Classifications

Wainwright Birkett Synge Fellranger Deleted Nuttall

Elevation

690m

2,265 ft

Prominence

14m

Coordinates

54.6483, -3.1725

NY244287

OS Map

89 90

Explorer: OL4S

At the Summit

A rocky top with a cairn; the recorded summit feature is rock.

Terrain & Geology

Grassy fell paths become rocky on The Edge; the western circuit also uses steep descents and woodland tracks.

Ullock Pike and The Edge expose the Kirk Stile Formation of the Skiddaw Group, mainly thinly layered siltstone and mudstone. These are sedimentary rocks, with folds and fossil graptolites recorded by BGS.

Views & Scenery

Bassenthwaite Lake and north Cumbria spread out below, with the Solway Firth and southern Scotland visible in clear weather.

History & Heritage

Historical Significance

Ullock Pike is included in Book Five, The Northern Fells, of Alfred Wainwright's pictorial guides.

Getting There & Facilities

Check current local access restrictions, parking rules and transport timetables before travelling. These notes do not confirm public access to the summit.

Parking

The High Side route uses a small parking area at NY 236 310. The western circuit starts at Scarness Road End, NY 234 293. Dodd Wood has separate paid parking at NY 240 275. Check local signs and keep access clear.

Public Transport

Forestry England lists bus access to Dodd Wood. Check current stops, timetables and the last return service, then plan the walking connection to your chosen route.

Nearby Facilities

Dodd Wood has toilets and a café beside its car park. Check opening hours and carry food and water for the fell.

Safety Information

Known Hazards

  • The rocky step below Ullock Pike needs care on both ascent and descent.
  • Strong winds and storms make the open ridge hazardous; cloud can obscure the route.
  • Carry a map and navigation equipment, and plan the return before setting out.

Seasonal Hazards

Snow and ice make the ridge and steep paths substantially more demanding. Winter trips need suitable equipment and skills, with enough daylight left for the descent.

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 Ullock Pike?

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

Are there other walkers around Ullock Pike?

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 Ullock Pike search or of course create your own walk for Ullock Pike

Can I organise a walk to Ullock Pike?

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 Ullock Pike.

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 Ullock Pike?

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 Ullock Pike here

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

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Location

Ullock Pike location map

Grid reference: NY244287

View on OpenStreetMap

Opens a map in a new tab, centred on the hill.

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