Lake District
Ullock Pike
690M
2265FT
About Ullock Pike
Ullock Pike is the first prominent peak on the celebrated Longside Edge ridge. It offers one of the most exhilarating and airy approaches in the Northern Fells, providing a sharp, defined climb that serves as a far more interesting alternative to the slog up Skiddaw’s main tourist path.
Key Statistics
Rank
170th Highest in Region
Parent Range
Northern Fells
Prominence
?
14.4m
Nearest Town
Bassenthwaite
Geology
Ullock Pike is built from the Kirk Stile Formation, mainly layers of mudstone and siltstone, giving the fell its smooth, crumbly character.
Classifications
Find It
OS Grid Reference
NY244287
Latitude
54.6483°N
Longitude
3.1725°W
Did You Know?
- •The fell is primarily composed of Skiddaw Slate, which is among the oldest rock in the Lake District, dating back approximately 500 million years to the Ordovician period.
- •The name 'Ullock' likely originates from the Old Norse 'ulfr-clocc,' which translates to 'wolf-hill' or 'howl-place,' hinting at the historical presence of wolves in these fells.
- •Most hikers reach the summit via 'The Edge,' a narrow and steep ridge from High Side that provides continuous, unobstructed views across Bassenthwaite Lake toward the North Western fells.
- •From the summit, you can clearly see the nesting sites used by Ospreys near the shores of Bassenthwaite; these birds of prey famously returned to breed here in 2001 after a 150-year absence.
- •While the ridge feels like a major achievement, reaching the top of Ullock Pike often delivers a blow to the ego as you realize Skiddaw’s massive, scree-covered summit still looms 240 meters higher, looking down on you like a judgmental schoolmaster.