Carl Side (the grassy dome to the left) in its place amongst the Skiddaw massif
Carl Side
Carl Side forms an integral part of the grand Skiddaw range, standing prominently over the valley floor and looking directly down onto the streets of Keswick. Topographically, it acts as the dramatic grand finale to Longside Edge—the striking, curved ridge that contains the elegant heights of Ullock Pike and Long Side. For walkers approaching from this classic northwestern line, Carl Side is the final stepping stone before launching onto the steep screes of the main parent peak.
The mountain is separated from the main bulk of Skiddaw by the high depression of Carlside Col. This mountain pass holds a unique secret: Carlside Tarn. Standing as the only significant body of open water found at any real altitude across the entire Skiddaw group, this high-mountain pool is exceptionally shallow and frequently dries to a parched bed during hot summer spells, leaving it entirely devoid of plant life.
The quiet, rocky summit of Carl Side
True to the character of many classic Lakeland fells, the summit of Carl Side unfolds as a broad, smooth, grassy dome topped simply by a loose pile of slate stones. While the summit features are minimal, the landscape surrounding them is breathtaking. The ultimate highlight is the magnificent, uninterrupted view looking southwest over the shimmering expanse of Derwent Water and into the jaws of Borrowdale, balanced beautifully by the immense, dark, looming presence of Skiddaw and Little Man dominating the skyline directly behind you.
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