The sweeping White Side

White Side

Height863m (2,831ft)

Prominence42m (138ft)

RegionEastern Fells

Climbed5 Times

"Although White Side presents an intimidating wall of low crags to travellers on the road at Thirlspot its upper slopes are docile enough, being wholly of grass and easy gradients." — A. Wainwright

Positioned along the main ridge line between Helvellyn and Raise, White Side offers an interesting cartographic quirk for Lake District baggers. The high point itself is not actually labelled as a standalone summit on official Ordnance Survey maps; instead, the name 'White Side' historically denotes the expansive, plunging western slopes that drop down toward Thirlmere. Regardless of the map typography, it remains a major high-altitude presence standing at an impressive 863 metres.

The fell acts as a fine vantage point on a clear day, separating the deep glacial troughs of the eastern coves from the wider expanses of the Thirlmere valley to the west. While its eastern face features steeper drops above the head of Glenridding Common, the main paths traversing the broad ridge offer smooth, pleasant walking gradients.

Evading some typical weather on the summit of White Side

As is frequently the case along this exposed Cumbrian ridge, the weather at the top can take a sudden, wild turn. To combat the elements, the actual summit plateau features a substantial, well-built pile of rocks forming a rudimentary stone windbreak. It provides a highly welcome sanctuary from the biting winds, offering hikers the perfect spot to hunker down, regroup, and enjoy a quick bite to eat before pushing on toward Raise or the Helvellyn massif.