Carl Side

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Carl Side
Distant shot of the three fells on Longside Edge
Elevation	746 m (2,447 ft)
Location	Cumbria, England
Range	Lake District Northern Fells
Prominence	c. 30 m
Topo map	OS Landrangers 89, 90, Explorer OL4
OS grid reference	NY255280
Listing	Hewitt, Nuttall, Wainwright

Carl Side is a fell in the English Lake District, forming a part of the Skiddaw "family". It is listed in Alfred Wainwright's Pictorial Guides to the Lakeland Fells as one of the Northern Fells. Carl Side is near the town of Keswick, and can be seen prominently from its streets.

1 Topography
2 Geology and Mining
3 Summit and View
4 Ascents
5 References

[edit] Topography

A ridge descends south westward from the summit plateau of skiddaw before swinging around to the west and finally north. This curving line of high ground is known as Longside edge, and descends over the three fells of Carl Side, Long Side and Ullock Pike. Held between Longside Edge and the mass of Skiddaw is the valley of Southerndale. Carl Side itself stands at the southern extremity of the curving ridge, having a triangular plan with ridges to the north west, north east and south.

To the north east the fell is separated from Skiddaw by Carlside Col (2,345 ft). This depression contains Carlside Tarn, the only standing water found at any altitude in the Skiddaw group. Very shallow and frequently dry in summer, the tarn has no plant life. Set in a particularly windy location, the slight retaining bank at the south eastern edge may be in danger of erosion.^[1]. The Skiddaw side of the col is a rough scree slope while the Carl Side slope is gentler and grassed.

From the summit of Carl Side a system of ridges descends southward towards Millbeck. The main spur runs straight for a mile, the first half being of gentler gradient and culminating in a large patch of white stones at about 1,600 ft. There is a very short rocky arête here, before the spur falls abruptly to the valley floor. On the eastern side of this section are the crags of Doups. The southern ridge sends out shorter branches on either side, just above the patch of white stones. On the west, across the rocky col of Long Doors is Dodd, a fell on Forestry Commission land which is largely wooded. To the east is Carlsleddam, a steep sided spur which appears sharply peaked in views from below. Although less inspiring in close up, it does have a narrow and airy summit ridge.^[2]

sketch map of Carl Side

The north western connection to Long Side is a narrower ridge with rough ground to the north, bounding the head of Southerndale. As with all of the waters of Carl Side, Southerndale Beck ultimately finds its way to Bassenthwaite Lake, curving around the northern tip of Ullock Pike.

The eastern boundary of the fell is formed by Slades Beck, a stream flowing over several dams and wiers to Millbeck. Across the valley is Skiddaw Little Man. Finally on the south west, falling from Long Doors, is Skill Beck, a heavily forested valley between Carl Side and Dodd.

[edit] Geology and Mining

In common with much of the Northern Fells the Kirk Stile Formation of the Skiddaw Group predominates. This is composed of laminated mudstone and siltstone with greywacke sandstone and is of Ordovician age.^[3]

A trial level can be found in the little valley between Carlsleddam and the south ridge. This exploited a vein containing baryte and galena and operated in the 1870s.^[4]

[edit] Summit and View

The summit is a predominantly grassy plateau with smooth slopes descending on all sides except north. Here there are some shattered crags looking down upon Southerndale. A small cairn marks the highest point. The view southward down Derwentwater is excellent, backed by a wide vista of fells from Clough Head to Sale Fell. Tewet Tarn on High Rigg is the only other significant waterbody in view. Nearer at hand are the grey flanks of Skiddaw and Little Man, looming oppressively above the summit.^[2]

[edit] Ascents

Carl Side is often climbed indirectly via Ullock Pike and Long Side, the narrow ridge providing a fine walk which is often continued to Skiddaw. Millbeck provides the nearest starting point, with variations possible via Carlsleddam, the south ridge, the intervening valley and Slades Beck.

Further from Keswick along the Carlisle road is Little Crosthwaite, a small settlement at the foot of Dodd. A start can be made here, climbing through the forestry to Long Doors before joining the south ridge. Indirect climbs via Dodd are also possible although the going can be very rough.

From High Side near Bassenthwaite an approach can be made along the length of Southerndale, ascending finally to Carlside Col. ^[2]^[5]

[edit] References

^ Blair, Don: Exploring Lakeland Tarns: Lakeland Manor Press (2003): ISBN 0-9543-9041-5
^ ^a ^b ^c Wainwright, Alfred: A Pictorial Guide to the Lakeland Fells,Book 5 The Northern Fells: ISBN 0-7112-2458-7
^ British Geological Survey: 1:50,000 series maps, England & Wales Sheet 29: BGS (1999)
^ Adams, John: Mines of the Lake District Fells: Dalesman (1995) ISBN 0-85206-931-6
^ Birkett, Bill: Complete Lakeland Fells: Collins Willow (1994): ISBN 0-0021-8406-0