Highlight • Viewpoint
Hiking
5.0
(28)
Carlside Cairn marks the 718-metre summit of Carl Side, a prominent fell nestled in the Northern Fells of the English Lake District. This significant viewpoint, part of the majestic Skiddaw mountain group near Keswick, is recognized as one of the fells listed in Alfred Wainwright's Pictorial Guides to the Lakeland Fells, making it a popular destination for hikers seeking to experience the region's iconic landscapes.
What truly captivates visitors to Carlside Cairn are the exceptional panoramic views it offers. From…
This Highlight is in a protected area
Please check local regulations for:
Tips
In the know? Log-in to add a tip for other adventurers!
Sign up for free
Nearby routes
Best routes near Carlside Cairn
4.7
(75)
651
hikers
12.9km
05:11
920m
920m
Hard hike. Very good fitness required. Mostly accessible paths. Sure-footedness required.
4.7
(64)
564
hikers
15.0km
06:02
1,080m
1,080m
Hard hike. Very good fitness required. Mostly accessible paths. Sure-footedness required.
4.5
(31)
411
hikers
12.3km
04:52
860m
860m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Mostly accessible paths. Sure-footedness required.
Details
Informations
Elevation 720 m
Weather
Powered by Foreca
Today
Tuesday 24 March
11°C
4°C
98 %
Additional weather tips
Max wind speed: 16.0 km/h
Most visited during
January
February
March
April
May
June
July
August
September
October
November
December
Carlside Cairn is generally considered an intermediate hike. While the summit itself is a grassy plateau, the ascent can involve potentially steep climbs depending on your chosen route. Many hikers combine it with other fells like Ullock Pike and Long Side, which adds to the overall challenge. It's a rewarding experience for those with some hiking experience.
Yes, Carlside Cairn is often incorporated into longer circular routes. A popular option involves ascending via Ullock Pike and Long Side, continuing to Carlside Cairn, and then potentially extending to Skiddaw before descending. This offers a varied and scenic ridge walk, providing excellent views throughout.
The duration of your hike to Carlside Cairn can vary significantly based on your starting point, chosen route, and fitness level. A direct ascent might take 2-3 hours return, but if you combine it with other fells like Ullock Pike, Long Side, or Skiddaw, a full day (4-7 hours) is more realistic. Always factor in time for breaks and enjoying the views.
Carlside Cairn can be suitable for families, but it depends on the children's age, fitness, and hiking experience. While the summit is relatively gentle, some ascent routes can be steep. Consider starting with a shorter, less strenuous route or ensuring your children are accustomed to longer walks with elevation gain. Always prioritize safety and bring plenty of snacks and water.
Yes, dogs are generally welcome on the public footpaths and trails leading to Carlside Cairn. However, it's crucial to keep them on a lead, especially during lambing season (spring and early summer) and around livestock, which are common in the Lake District. Always clean up after your dog to preserve the natural environment.
Parking for Carlside Cairn typically involves using car parks in nearby areas such as Dodd Wood or near Bassenthwaite Lake, from which various routes ascend Carl Side. Parking can fill up quickly, especially during peak season and on weekends, so arriving early is advisable to secure a spot.
While there isn't direct public transport to the base of Carl Side, you can reach nearby Keswick by bus. From Keswick, you might be able to find local bus services that go closer to the starting points of some Carlside Cairn routes, or consider a taxi for the final leg of your journey.
Weather conditions at Carlside Cairn, like much of the Lake District fells, can be highly unpredictable and change rapidly. Even on a clear day, strong winds, mist, and rain can appear suddenly. Always check the mountain weather forecast before you go and be prepared for all four seasons, regardless of the time of year.
Hiking to Carlside Cairn in winter is possible but requires significant preparation and experience. The fells can be covered in snow and ice, making conditions challenging and potentially hazardous. Appropriate winter gear, including ice axes, crampons, and navigation skills, are essential. It's best reserved for experienced winter hikers.
Both Carlside Cairn and Catbells offer fantastic views, but they provide different perspectives. Catbells is a lower, more accessible fell known for its iconic views over Derwentwater and Keswick. Carlside Cairn, being higher and part of the Skiddaw group, offers a more expansive, panoramic vista that includes Derwentwater but also stretches further across the wider fells, giving a greater sense of scale and wilderness. Carlside Cairn is generally a more strenuous undertaking than Catbells.
The Carlside Cairn area is home to various Lake District wildlife. You might spot native fell sheep grazing on the slopes, and birds of prey such as buzzards or even peregrine falcons soaring overhead. Keep an eye out for smaller birds and insects, especially during warmer months. Remember to observe from a distance and avoid disturbing any animals.
While there are no pubs or cafes directly on the trails to Carlside Cairn, you'll find a good selection of establishments in the nearby town of Keswick. After your hike, Keswick offers numerous options for refreshments, from traditional pubs serving hearty meals to cafes perfect for a warm drink and a snack.