Great Calva

Great Calva is a fell in the Lake District’s Northern Fells, set in the remote Back o’ Skiddaw group. It stands at the heart of a major geological fault, with the subsidiary summit of Little Calva to its west. The fell overlooks Skiddaw Forest, a marshy upland at about 400 metres, where three streams divide the Northern Fells. Dash Beck, the River Caldew and the River Glenderaterra all rise nearby, shaping the surrounding landscape. The single building in Skiddaw Forest is Skiddaw House, once a shepherds’ bothy and now a Youth Hostel. The summit ridge stretches half a mile, with wet ground underfoot and two cairns marking the highest points. A stone windshelter stands east of the summit, offering shelter from the wind. The view south is striking, taking in the Glenderaterra Valley, the Vale of St John and distant fells like Loughrigg and the Scafells. The northern side, however, offers fewer sights, as the nearer fells block the view. Heather and grass cover most of the fell, making walking challenging. Paths lead to the summit from several directions. A bridleway from Orthwaite passes between Great Cockup and Little Calva to reach the col near Knott. From Skiddaw Forest, a pathless south ridge offers another route, while tracks follow Dash Beck and the Caldew from lower starting points. The Glenderaterra valley provides access from the south, with routes starting near Threlkeld or Gale Road car park. Waterfalls like Whitewater Dash add to the scenery along the way.