Long Side facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Long Side |
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Seen across Southerndale from the summit of Skiddaw, 1.5 km to the NE.
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| Highest point | |
| Elevation | 734 m (2,408 ft) |
| Prominence | 40 m (130 ft) |
| Parent peak | Skiddaw |
| Listing | Hewitt, Wainwright, Nuttall |
| Geography | |
 Long Side
Location in Lake District
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| Location | Cumbria, England |
| Parent range | Lake District, Northern Fells |
| OS grid | NY248284 |
| Topo map | OS Landranger 89, 90 OS Explorer 4 |
Long Side is a cool mountain, or "fell," found in England's beautiful Lake District. It's about six kilometers northwest of a town called Keswick. This fell is part of the famous Skiddaw group of mountains. Long Side stands tall at 734 meters (2,408 feet). It sits on the northwest ridge of Skiddaw, and the middle part of this ridge is called Longside Edge. Even though the very top of Long Side doesn't have a specific name, the name "Long Side" is used for the southwest slope below the summit on maps. Many hikers climb Long Side when they are heading to the top of Skiddaw. The path along its northwest ridge is thought to be one of the best and quietest ways to reach the 914-meter (3,000-foot) summit of Skiddaw.
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Exploring Long Side's Landscape
Long Side has some interesting features. Its southwest side drops steeply towards Bassenthwaite Lake. These slopes are covered with coniferous trees, like pine and fir, in an area called Longside Wood. This forest is found below 400 meters.
How Long Side Connects to Other Fells
To the northwest, Long Side has steep, broken cliffs that lead down to a quiet valley called Southerndale. Long Side also connects to a nearby fell called Ullock Pike. A path about 600 meters long runs along the edge, linking these two fells. To the southeast, the ridge continues from Long Side to connect with a higher fell called Carl Side, which is about 800 meters away.
Understanding Long Side's Rocks
Like many mountains in the Northern Fells, Long Side is mostly made of rocks from the Kirk Stile Formation. These rocks are part of the Skiddaw Group. They are made of thin layers of mudstone and siltstone, along with a type of sandstone called greywacke. These rocks formed a very long time ago, during the Ordovician period.
Climbing Long Side: Popular Routes
Many people climb Long Side as part of their journey to the top of Skiddaw. One popular route starts at the Ravenstone Hotel on the A591 road (grid reference NY235296). From there, climbers first go up Ullock Pike using its northern ridge. Then, they continue along Longside Edge to reach the summit of Long Side. To get to Skiddaw, the path stays on the ridge to Carl Side. After that, it's a steep climb up a loose, rocky path to Skiddaw's summit.
Direct Path to Long Side's Summit
You can also climb Long Side directly. This route starts from the Old Sawmill car park (grid reference NY235281) on the A591. You follow a special trail marked by the Forestry Commission through Longside Wood. This trail helps you find your way through the trees to the open mountain. From there, you climb the steep side of the fell to reach the top.
Reaching the Summit
The very top of Long Side is marked by a pile of stones. From here, you get a fantastic view of Bassenthwaite Lake. Looking east, you'll see the huge shape of Skiddaw, which blocks much of the view in that direction.
