Best mountain peaks around Setmurthy are located on the edge of the Lake District National Park, near Cockermouth in Cumbria, England. This area features accessible hill summits, mixed woodland, open fells, and forest paths. It provides a destination for walkers and hikers seeking varied terrain. The region offers a quieter experience compared to higher fells, with trails suitable for different fitness levels.
Last updated: July 3, 2026
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Both decent options between Skiddaw South Top and Skiddaw, south west heading towards Carl Side, require sure footedness and appear rather treacherous as you head off the top down the scree.
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A really simple one to tick off. But if you are going to accent via Carl Side, the climb up Carl is steap.
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Distinct from Skiddaw this is another small summit in the bag, topped with a sculpture made from scavenged iron and steel pieces.
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Skiddaw is frequently dismissed as dull and featureless. In the right conditions however, its (comparitively) smooth contours appear to soften the harsh, bleak summit plateau. The boundary between land and sky starts to become less distinct and it takes on an eerie stillness.
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Ling Fell and Sale Fell are the most northerly of the Wainwright Fells in the north western group. Overlooking Embleton and Wythop Mill and with commanding views of Bassenthwaite, the Skiddaw fells and further afield to Criffel in Galloway, both hills make good viewpoints despite their diminutive size. Sale Fell is the more easterly and slightly lower of the pair but being closer to Bassenthwaite Lake it has better views of that and to Dodd and the Long Side ridge of Skiddaw. Sale Fell is easily climbed from just above Wythop Mill where there is adequate parking.
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The Setmurthy area, on the edge of the Lake District National Park, offers several popular peaks. Among them, Skiddaw Summit is a natural monument known for its phenomenal views of Lakeland. Another highly regarded spot is Sale Fell, which offers fantastic views towards the Skiddaw range and a peaceful experience. Grisedale Pike is also a favorite, rising to a sharp peak with superlative views of the surrounding fells.
Yes, the region offers options suitable for families. Sale Fell is noted as a family-friendly summit with mainly grassy trails, making it accessible for a pleasant outing. Additionally, Watch Hill (Setmurthy Common) is described by Alfred Wainwright as a 'hill for all ages' due to its gentle ascents and grassy pastures, with routes like the Setmurthy Woods – Setmurthy Common Summit loop being an easy 3.5-mile path.
The mountain peaks around Setmurthy offer diverse and expansive views. From Skiddaw Summit, you can see a phenomenal panorama of Lakeland to the south. Little Man (Skiddaw) summit provides some of the finest views in the national park, including glistening Derwent Water. From Watch Hill, you can enjoy panoramic views across the Lake District, including the Vale of Lorton, Bassenthwaite Lake, and the Skiddaw massif, with distant views of Dumfries and Galloway on clear days.
Yes, Watch Hill (Setmurthy Common) offers a quieter experience compared to the more crowded, higher fells of the Lake District. It provides accessible hill summits with gentle ascents and excellent views, making it a peaceful alternative for walkers and hikers.
The area around Watch Hill (Setmurthy Common) has historical interest, featuring old quarries, historic benchmarks, ridge and furrow fields, and traces of old boundary walls. These elements offer a glimpse into the region's past while you explore the fells.
Beyond hiking and walking the peaks, Setmurthy offers a variety of outdoor activities. You can explore gravel biking routes, enjoy running trails, or embark on road cycling adventures. These guides provide options for different sports and difficulty levels in the surrounding area.
Yes, for those seeking more challenging experiences, Skiddaw Summit and Grisedale Pike are classified as challenging climbs. Long Side Summit is also an intermediate climb, offering an exciting ridge walk that is considered one of the best ways up or down Skiddaw.
Long Side Summit is a superb Wainwright fell, forming the central summit of the excellent Longside Edge. This narrow ridge is highly regarded as one of the best ways to ascend or descend Skiddaw, offering both excitement and excellent views, including Skiddaw's dome and Bassenthwaite Lake.
Yes, the Setmurthy area is generally dog-friendly. Sale Fell, for instance, is noted as a popular fell for dog walkers, with its grassy trails providing a pleasant environment for both owners and their pets.
While the region can be enjoyed year-round, visiting during clear weather conditions is highly recommended to fully appreciate the panoramic views. Many visitors note that clear days with low wind significantly enhance the experience, especially on peaks like Skiddaw Summit where views are a major draw.
Little Man (Skiddaw) summit is often highlighted for offering some of the finest views in the entire national park, arguably even better than its parent peak, Skiddaw. From here, you can witness a spectacular vista of glistening Derwent Water embraced by the soaring ridgelines and peaks of the southern Lake District.
The Setmurthy area caters to various ability levels. Watch Hill (Setmurthy Common) is particularly known for its accessibility, with Alfred Wainwright describing ascents as 'easily attained with a minimum of effort' due to gentle ascents and grassy pastures. While some peaks like Skiddaw and Grisedale Pike offer more challenging climbs, there are also easier paths and loops available, such as the Setmurthy Woods – Setmurthy Common Summit loop.


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