Carlsleddam, a steep sided spur that appears sharply peaked from below: though less inspiring close up it does have a narrow and airy summit ridge. The north-western connection to Long Side is a narrower ridge with rough ground to the north, bounding the head of Southerndale. Southerndale Beck, like all of the waters of Carl Side, ultimately finds its way to Bassenthwaite Lake, curving around the northern tip of Ullock Pike. The eastern boundary of the fell is formed by Slade's Beck, a stream flowing over several dams and weirs to Millbeck. Across the valley is Skiddaw Little Man. To the south west Skill Beck falls from Long Doors through a heavily forested valley between Carl Side and Dodd. Geology 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. 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. 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 Slade's Beck. A start can also be made from Little Crosthwaite, a small settlement at the foot of Dodd along the Carlisle road, 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. References Fells of the Lake District Hewitts of England Nuttalls