Great Calva stands at the head of a major geological fault running through the centre of the Lake District, and so from the summit it is possible to see all the way south over Thirlmere.

Confusingly this Forest contains no trees, —other than the windbreak of Skiddaw House — but is a marshy upland area at around 1,300 feet (400 m) surrounded on all sides by higher fells.

Great Calva has a prominent southern spur, around which the Caldew flows before steering north east for the Eden Valley.

In a strict topographical sense Candleseaves Bog is the connection between Great Calva and Skiddaw, but it could hardly be described as a ridge route.

Between Black Nettle Hause and Birkett Edge on Bakestall the beck reaches Whitewater Dash, a fine series of waterfalls.

Looking directly down the Glenderaterra Valley and the Vale of St John, the gap gives an unimpeded view as far as Loughrigg and Steel Fell.

Approaching from the northwest, one can take the bridleway between Great Cockup and Little Calva from Orthwaite to reach the col between Knott and the summit.

Alternatively, Great Calva can be climbed up the pathless south ridge from Skiddaw Forest, which creates a number of options for starting points.