The long ridge of Skiddaw and Blencathra rising over farmland with snow on the tops

Blencathra, or Saddleback

The one that dominates the view as you drive in from Penrith along the A66 — and you can see why the Victorians called it Saddleback.

Two mountains in one

It dominates your view as you drive from Penrith to Keswick along the A66. Threlkeld nestles at the foot of the craggy ridges which fall steeply from the skyline. To the north of the summit, grassy slopes stretch gently away.

A narrow path picking along the top of a bare rocky ridge

Sharp Edge and Halls Fell

If you have some scrambling experience, Sharp Edge or Halls Fell Ridge will be the main draw — but do choose a dry day without too much wind, for the rock gets notoriously slippery when wet.

The green flanks and gullies of Blencathra seen across the vale from the south

The way up without scrambling

For those who enjoy a fell walk with superb views there are good paths over grassy slopes to the summit too — try Scales Fell from the White Horse Inn at Scales.