Long Side: 734m Height, Walks and Skiddaw Views

Long Side is a ridge fell with a much larger neighbour: Skiddaw rises immediately to its east, while Bassenthwaite Lake opens out below the western slopes. At 734m, it is a substantial summit in its own right, though often visited between Ullock Pike and Carl Side. Its appeal lies in that combination of an airy crest, steep flanks and close views of Skiddaw.

A distinctive ridge beside Skiddaw

Long Side belongs to the ridge linking Ullock Pike with Carl Side on the western side of the Skiddaw massif. Its form is quite different from Skiddaw's broad upper slopes: the ground falls steeply away from a comparatively narrow crest, giving the fell a strong sense of height above the surrounding country. The ridge is commonly known as Longside Edge.

Bassenthwaite Lake is a principal feature of the outlook to the west, with wooded lower ground and farmland providing a contrast to the open fell. To the east, Skiddaw dominates at much closer quarters. Rather than offering a distant view of the massif, Long Side brings its steep western slopes into focus. The neighbouring ridge summits also give a clear sense of how this part of the fell country fits together.

Long Side among the Northern Fells

At 734m, or 2,408ft, Long Side ranks 71st among the 214 Wainwrights. It appears in The Northern Fells, Book Five of Alfred Wainwright's Pictorial Guide to the Lakeland Fells. Its summit grid reference is NY248284. Although closely bound to the larger Skiddaw massif, it has its own place in the collection, alongside Ullock Pike, Carl Side and the lower, wooded Dodd.

This western group shows a different side of the Northern Fells from the rounded uplands farther north. Here, successive summits, steep slopes and pronounced ridges create a more sharply defined skyline. Long Side is particularly rewarding for walkers who enjoy understanding the shape of a mountain group: its position makes the relationships between Ullock Pike, Carl Side and Skiddaw readily apparent.

Walking appeal and the wider circuit

Long Side is often included in walks combining Ullock Pike and Carl Side, with some outings continuing to Skiddaw. Its reputation is tied to this ridge rather than to a separate landmark or historical association. For many walkers, the attraction is the sustained high-level setting, with the view changing as the crest turns towards the neighbouring fells.

It is worth treating Long Side as more than a summit to collect on the way elsewhere. The contrast between the lake below and Skiddaw above gives it a character distinct from either Ullock Pike or Carl Side. As on any exposed ridge, wind, cloud and winter conditions can substantially alter the experience; a dedicated walking guide and current forecast belong alongside any plans.

Where Long Side stands

Summit at grid reference NY248284 · open full map

The real Long Side

Walking Long Side

We make artwork, not route guides — these are the guides we'd point a friend to:

• Lake District Walk: Ullock Pike, Longside Edge, Carl Side (walklakes.co.uk)
• Walking routes (lakedistrict.gov.uk)
• Tour of the Lake District - LDWA Long Distance Paths (ldwa.org.uk)

Weather on Long Side

Conditions estimated at summit height (734 m) via Open-Meteo. For a walker's forecast, use the Mountain Weather Information Service.

Long Side on your wall

A painting of Long Side can hold onto the things that make this ridge memorable: the clear line of the crest, Bassenthwaite below and Skiddaw rising beyond. On paper or canvas, that familiar arrangement of fell and lake brings a remembered walk into everyday view.

Own “Long Side Ridge in Sunlight” — our painting of Long Side → or browse all Fells & Mountains artwork

Neighbouring Wainwrights in The Northern Fells

• Ullock Pike 690 m
• Carl Side 747 m
• Dodd 502 m
• Skiddaw 930 m

Part of our guide to all 214 Wainwrights — see the full index.