Skiddaw & Longside Edge
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The first aim of the walk is to gain Millbeck. You could follow the A591 but adjacent to the road is a permissive path. It involves slightly more ascent but it is a much more pleasant option. Follow the path south past Watch Crag then south-east to rejoin the road at White Stones. Take the next left off the A591 and follow the minor road to Millbeck.
NY255262 Head 2 along the narrow lane at Benny Crag. Follow the path north then north-east around woodland to the side of Slades Beck. Slades Beck is contained deep within a steep gill and feels like you're almost inside Skiddaw. It's a steep ascent but the distraction of the rock architecture around you makes the climb fly by! Climb first on the west side of the beck then on the east side and follow it north then north-west to the flat col between Carl Side and Skiddaw.
NY256282 It’s worth 3 taking a breather at the col as the next bit of the route is a steep slog. Turn north-east and either climb directly up the scree onto the summit ridge or follow the zig-zag slightly to the left (north-east). Once you hit the ridge turn left and NY260290 4 Sitting in a relatively isolated position, Skiddaw gives amazing views. You normally get a good shot of most of the Lakeland fells, but if particularly clear you should also be able to pick out a large chunk of the Southern Uplands across the Solway Firth. If you're really lucky you might even spot the Isle of Man. To continue, re-trace your steps back down the steep path to the col beside Carl Side. 5 NY256282 Next comes Longside Edge. This fine shapely ridge extends northwest, then north from Carl Side and is separated from Skiddaw by Southerndale. From a distance, the crest of Longside Edge looks deceptively narrow suggesting that there may be some scrambling involved. Closer inspection reveals otherwise; nevertheless it is an excellent ridge. From Carl Side head north-west and follow the crest of Longside Edge to Ullock Pike. Drop down the north ridge of Ullock Pike to a shallow col below Ling How. Leave the ridge-top path and take the path (left) descending south-west towards the A591. A permissive path parallels the road and is followed south to the car park.