The small village of Millbeck sits on a medieval cultivation terrace, ploughed into the southern slopes of Skiddaw during the thirteenth century. Paths from Millbeck lead up to Skiddaw via Carl Side, and into the woods around the flanks of Dodd. The road east to Applethwaite runs along the terrace. The poet Robert Southey considered the mid-point on this terrace to have the best view down Derwent Water, and it does indeed command a very fine view down the full length of the lake.