Skiddaw via Ullock Pike & Longside

This map was created using GPS Visualizer's do-it-yourself geographic utilities.

Please wait while the map data loads...

Route: Ravenstone Hotel, Ling How, The Edge, Ullock Pike, Longside Edge, Long Side, Skiddaw, Little Man, Jenkin Hill, Lonscale Fell, Burnt Horse, Whit Beck, Gale Lane

Date: 07/04/2018
From: Ravenstone

Parking: Layby opposite Ravenstone hotel / Gale Lane Car Park
Start Point: Ravenstone Hotel
Region: Northern Fells

Route length: 9.4 miles (15.1km)
Time taken: 04:31
Average speed: 2.1mph
Ascent: 1,065m
Descent: 886m

Wainwrights on this walk:
Ullock Pike (690m), Long Side (734m), Skiddaw (931m), Skiddaw Little Man (865m), Lonscale Fell (715m)

Additional summits: Skiddaw North Top (922m), Skiddaw Middle Top (928m), Skiddaw South Top (925m), Skiddaw Lesser Man (815m), Jenkin Hill (735m)

Other points of interest: Longside Edge

Despite not having the towering crags of its 3,000ft brothers, Skiddaw makes up for this deficiency by being fantastically and consistently steep, rising from the valley floor to a height of over 900m in 3 short kilometres. That makes for an approximate gradient of 30% which is very steep indeed.

The route in question is one I've done before and one that might be difficult to replicate if you only have one car, as we utilised two to make this a linear walk between Ravenstone and Gale Road.

After arranging a few cars around the northern Lake District, we were thrust straight into what would sum up the first half of the walk, steepness. The path rises up behind the Ravenstone Hotel to meet the start of the ridge that would lead us over Ullock Pike and Long Side. There would be no gradual warm-up for this one. The weather would be startng off a bit drab but, as the day progressed, we were expecting a spell of rain to arrive. Better get cracking.

The steep climb up through the woods from the hotel

Emerging below the ridge

After the initial climb up onto the ridge, we followed the obvious path that leads along The Edge to Ullock Pike, a towering triangle of rock that presents an intimidatingly steep climb to the summit. By now, the weather was still fairly clear and we were treated to some wonderful views of Bassenthwaite and towards the north-west. The isolated fell of Binsey was also plainly in view.

Bassenthwaite and the Whinlatter Fells

Bassenthwaite village and Binsey

Broad End and Skiddaw

Skiddaw

The ridge below Ullock Pike

Skiddaw and the Ullock Pike ridge surrounding Southerndale

After finally getting the legs and mind up to walking speed, we made it to the top of Ullock Pike and gazed upon the slice of ridge that lay ahead of us; Longside Edge. Nowhere near as knife-edged as Striding or Sharp Edge but impressive nonetheless. It's obvious why this is probably the finest route up to the summit of Skiddaw. Wainwright was a particular fan.

Looking down the ridge towards Watches

Ullock Pike

The head of Southerndale between Skiddaw and Carl Side

The Coledale Fells

Rain-shrouded Scafell Pike

Panorama from Ullock Pike looking along Longside Edge

Dodd and the north western fells, disappearing into the rain

Bassenthwaite Lake panorama

Ullock Pike, the first peak of the day, marks the beginning of Longside Edge and is the first in a trio of fells that are committed to the chapters of Wainwright's legendary book series. In fact, the peak of Ullock Pike lacks any real prominence from Longside and it is, therefore, Wainwright's (and later Birkett's) writings that give it the status of an entirely separate fell.

Ullock Pike's summit

After crossing Ullock Pike and gazing down into the isolated valley of Southerndale, we continued on our way across Longside Edge to the fell Longside, a fell named for obvious reasons. Once again, the views of Bassenthwaite and the appearing Derwent Water are very good, with a new dimension added in our case by the hazy cloud that was starting to drift in, bringing with it the forecast rain. The path up the scree to the summit of Skiddaw was looking unpleasantly steep.

A view back along the ridge from Longside

Longside

Longside and Ullock Pike

As I mentioned, the climb up Skiddaw is via a very steep, slippery path. A steady rhythm of one foot in front of the other and some gentle encouragement from some folks on their way down eventually saw us up to the summit ridge.

Approaching the scree path

Longside and Ullock Pike

Looking down the scree to Carl Side

Climbing the steepest part of the path

We popped up at Skiddaw Middle Top, one of a trio of Birkett summits in addition to the marked high point. With the objective of the summit a few short metres away, we began our steady approach, just as the rain arrived.

This view down the scree path gives a sense of how steep it is

Clouds spill over Little Man

Heading for Skiddaw's summit

Skiddaw's toposcope and trig pillar

The summit

Little Man and Lonscale Fell

Once the summit formalities were complete (the obligatory snack-stop and photo) we were on our way again, bound for Skiddaw South Top and ultimately Skiddaw Little Man. Climbing the clear path reminded us that there was still a fair bit of walking to be done before we'd reach the car again and the legs were feeling a bit stiff after the punishment they suffered on their way up Skiddaw. Still, any climb seems a breeze after the slog up Skiddaw and before long, we were at the summit gazing down through the murk into Keswick and beyond towards Lonscale Fell.

Heading for Little Man

Little Man's summit

Keswick and Derwentwater

Lower Man's summit

Keswick from Lower Man

We descended to Howgill Tongue at the top of Applethwaite Gill, crossing the col and starting the easy climb up Lonscale Fell, following the fence line to the summit. From most directions, Lonscale Fell presents itself as a grassy dome, however, a steep wall of crag mark the eastern face and make it instantly recognisable when viewed from the Cumbria Way.

Looking down to Lonscale Fell

The path at Jenkin Hill

A look back to Skiddaw

Lonscale Fell's summit

Beginning our descent

It was still fairly early so, instead of descending back to the cars at Gale Lane, we decided to take a longer route down Burnt Horse to meet the Cumbria Way at Skiddaw House, the lonely hostel located in the wild moors of the northern fells.

Burnt Horse

Mungrisdale Common and Blencathra

Lonscale Pike

Roughten Gill

By the time we reached the Cumbria Way, it had started to rain quite heavily so there are only a few photos of the last couple of miles. From Skiddaw House, it's a flat, easy walk along the Glenderaterra valley to Lonscale Crags and then west across Whit Beck back the cars where we could finally dispense of wet clothes and boots and make our way back to the Youth Hostel for a well-earned shower.

Glenderaterra Beck

Whit Beck

The Long Side ridge is without a doubt the best way to reach Skiddaw, the sixth highest mountain in England, and has some mountain character in an area where it is hard to find, despite the lofty elevation of Skiddaw. It is perhaps the most accessible mountain in the Lake District thanks to the paths rising directly from Keswick but I would urge you to consider this route over any approaching from the south.

The Greenburn Round

This map was created using GPS Visualizer's do-it-yourself geographic utilities.

Please wait while the map data loads...

Route: Grasmere, Easedale Road, White Crag, High Raven Crag, Helm Crag, Bracken Hause, Gibson Knott, Moment Crag, Calf Crag, Shoots, Steel Fell, Cotra Breast, Helmside, Ghyll Foot, Grasmere

Date: 09/12/2017
From: Grasmere

Parking: A591 Layby
Start Point: Grasmere
Region: Central Fells

Route length: 7.8 miles (12.55 km)
Time taken: 03:58
Average speed: 1.97 mph
Ascent: 743m
Descent: 752m

Wainwrights on this walk:
Helm Crag (405m), Gibson Knott (422m), Calf Crag (537m), Steel Fell (553m)

Other Summits: None

Other Points of Interest: Far Easedale, Greenburn

Despite the modest height of the surrounding fells, a circuit of the Greenburn valley has so far defeated me on three previous occasions; wind, rain and wind-blown snow being the main culprits. This time, however, there was nothing standing in the way of finally joining up the route between Helm Crag and Steel Fell.

It was a promising forecast, sun for much of the day but cold with a significant dusting of snow. It had all the hallmarks of a great day out.

The starting point I've used many times is the long layby along the A591 as it leaves Grasmere to the north, heading for Dunmail Raise. Arriving here early is the key as, even on quiet days, it can quickly fill up. A short stroll through the village is required to reach Easdale Road which begins the route towards Far Easedale.

Helm Crag basking in the morning sun

The fells above Far Easedale

Silver How

Prior to reaching Brimmer Head Farm, a narrow walled lane leaves the road to begin climbing Helm Crag. Despite the huge rocks on the ground, it's helpfully signed posted 'no cars' - I'd be surprised if anything could actually drive up it, even the venerable Land Rover Defender. A well-laid path zigzags up the southern slopes of the fell giving tremendous views of Easedale and Far Easedale beyond. Though the path had a considerable covering of ice, all of it was avoidable for now.

The way is pretty clear

Easedale Beck

Easdale Beck and Easedale

Brimmer Head Farm

Tarn Crag

'NOT FOR CARS'

The lower part of Helm Crag's path

Sun over Loughrigg Fell

Easedale

I paused overlooking Dunmail Raise before pressing on towards the top. The fell turns more rocky and mountainous as you reach the top and it's an interesting place for a look around. The rocks that create The Lion and The Lamb loom ahead and appear to be the highest at first glance. However, along the ridge is an equally prominent rock, The Howitzer, that forms the true summit of the fell. It's climbable but not as straightforward as it initially appears.

Blea Rigg

Far Easedale

The icy path on Helm Crag

Grasmere

Stone Arthur

Seat Sandal, Fairfield, Great Rigg, Stone Arthur and Heron Pike

The Langdale Pikes

Helm Crag's 'Lion'

Looking through Dunmail Raise towards Thirlmere

Helm Crag's summit with Dunmail Raise in the background

Bracken Hause separates Helm Crag from the neighbouring Gibson Knott and provides a quick way back down to the valley below if required. Up ahead is a short climb up onto Gibson Knott, a knobbly section of the ridge that is classed as a fell in its own right.

Bracken Hause, Gibson Knott, Greenburn Bottom and Steel Fell

Steel Fell, Dunmail Raise and the Helvellyn range

Helm Crag from Bracken Hause

Easedale and Silver How

Far Easedale

Gibson Knott's summit looking towards Steel Fell

The path continues on crossing lumps and knolls as it does until it reaches the prominent Calf Crag, standing proud above the empty  Brownrigg Moss though surrounded by higher fells on almost all sides.

Steel Fell

Tarn Crag and Blea Rigg

The ridge route towards Calf Crag

Seat Sandal with Fairfield behind

Blakerigg Crag on Steel Fell

Far Easedale

A brief break in the clouds

The imposing Deer Bields

Far Easedale panorama

Pike of Carrs

Looking back along Far Easedale

Deer Bields, Blea Rigg and a distant Wetherlam

Approaching Calf Crag

The final plod to the summit

Calf Crag's summit cairn

High Raise

High Raise panorama from Calf Crag

From Calf Crag the route is easy enough, following an old boundary fence (marked by the iron posts that remain). It swings close to the edge above Greenburn at Shoots, giving a superb view into the valley. An easy climb follows to reach the summit of Steel Fell.

Far Easedale

Blue skies over the Helvellyn range

Greenburn

Add caption

Greenburn

Rough Crag

Brownrigg Moss

The central and southern fells

Nab Crags

Wythburn

One of the old boundary posts on Steel Fell

Panorama from Steel Fell

Steel Fell

Add caption

Now, a brief lesson. As I began to make my descent, I happen upon a steep, fairly icy section of Cotra Breast. Given the experience of the day, I decided that by the time I had wrestled my crampons out of the bag and lashed them to my boots I could have negotiated the steep bit and be happily on my way. I had also passed a fell-runner coming in the other direction making light work of the area.

Raise Beck

Cotra Breast

Great Rigg

Panorama from Cotra Breast

Cotra Breast

No sooner had I clambered down the rocks, I stood on a small patch of sheet ice, sending me sprawling down, hard on my shoulder before sliding on my back a short distance. After indulging in some colourful language, I sat up, thankful that I had come to a stop with nothing more than a bruised arm and ego. Fortunately, I was never at risk of being thrown off an edge and it was just a minor scare and a valuable lesson learnt.

Steel Fell

The rest of the descent passed without incident though my shoulder was causing some discomfort. As I sit writing this a month later, it's only just feeling back to its old self. At the bottom of the slope is Helmside Cottage and a stretch of roading walking back to the layby.

The view along Grasmere

Gibson Knott over Greenburn

Helm Crag's summit features

Steel Fell

Greenburn

Below Helm Crag

Cotra Breast leading to Steel Fell

Seat Sandal

So, after numerous attempts to complete the Greenburn Round, I had finally done it. It goes to show that even the more modest peaks can get some gnarly weather. I'll remember this walk for the tumble on Steel Fell but rather it happened here than on something like the Corridor Route. It's all experience in the end.