Best mountain peaks around Caldbeck are found in the Northern Fells of the Lake District National Park, Cumbria, England. This traditional fell village serves as a base for exploring prominent and often quieter mountain peaks. The landscape is characterized by rolling, grassy fells, open moorland, and river valleys. Caldbeck offers access to a diverse range of hiking experiences, from challenging scrambles to gentler ascents.
Last updated: July 3, 2026
Highlight • Summit
Tip by
Highlight • Natural Monument
Tip by
Sign up now to discover places like this
Get recommendations on the best single tracks, peaks, & plenty of other exciting outdoor places.
Sign up for free
Highlight • Viewpoint
Tip by
Highlight • Summit
Tip by
Highlight • Viewpoint
Tip by
Sign up for free to discover even more peaks around Caldbeck.
Sign up for free
Already have an account?
Start today with a free account
Your next adventure awaits.
Login or Signup
Popular around Caldbeck
Lake District National Park – A Walk in the Parks
Cumbria Way — An epic hike through the beating heart of Lakeland
A Walk in the Parks – hikes across all of England’s national parks
Fells and lakes for little explorers — Family walks in the Lake District
Less remote by bike: Rides in the Lake District
Hiking around Caldbeck
Gravel biking around Caldbeck
Road Cycling Routes around Caldbeck
Running Trails around Caldbeck
MTB Trails around Caldbeck
Went up Carrock Fell the steep way from the road. Didn't take long, but blimey it was cold on the top!
0
0
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.
1
0
A really simple one to tick off. But if you are going to accent via Carl Side, the climb up Carl is steap.
0
0
Distinct from Skiddaw this is another small summit in the bag, topped with a sculpture made from scavenged iron and steel pieces.
0
0
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.
1
0
Pretty sure it's always windy here, great views, loads of points of interest, the hill forts are great too!
0
0
Skiddaw is a prominent mountain in the Lake District National Park in Cumbria, England, and Carl Side is one of the subsidiary peaks along the ridge leading to Skiddaw. Here's some information about the Skiddaw via Carl Side route: Route Description: The ascent of Skiddaw via Carl Side is a popular hiking route. It often begins at the Latrigg car park and ascends via Carl Side, providing stunning views of the surrounding Lake District landscape. Carl Side Summit: Carl Side is a fell (mountain or hill) situated to the southeast of Skiddaw. While not as high as Skiddaw, it offers fantastic panoramic views of the surrounding valleys and fells. Scenic Landscape: The route to Skiddaw via Carl Side takes hikers through a diverse landscape, including grassy slopes and rocky terrain. The scenery becomes increasingly dramatic as you ascend, offering picturesque views of Derwentwater and the Keswick area. Skiddaw Summit: Skiddaw itself is the fourth-highest mountain in England, standing at 931 meters (3,054 feet). The summit provides breathtaking views of the Lake District, the Pennines, and, on clear days, even the Scottish mountains. Hiking Difficulty: While the route is popular, it's important to note that the ascent can be challenging, particularly in adverse weather conditions. Hikers should be prepared for changing weather, and the ascent can be steep in places. Access Points: The Latrigg car park near Keswick is a common starting point for this hike. From there, the trail takes you up Carl Side and eventually to Skiddaw's summit. Weather Considerations: As with any mountain hike, it's crucial to check weather conditions before setting out and be prepared for changes in weather, especially during winter when conditions can be more challenging. Duration: The duration of the hike can vary based on individual hiking speed and conditions. It's advisable to plan for a full day, especially if you want to take your time to enjoy the scenery. Always ensure you are well-prepared with appropriate gear, including sturdy hiking boots, warm clothing, and navigation tools. Additionally, it's a good idea to let someone know your hiking plans and estimated return time for safety.
2
1
Pick a still day as it can be very bleak on the northern fells due to the exposure to winds from any direction.
0
0
For truly panoramic vistas, Skiddaw Summit is an excellent choice, offering views across the Solway Firth to Scotland, the distant Yorkshire Dales, and the full expanse of the Lake District fells. Blencathra Summit also provides superb views, encompassing the Solway Firth, Scotland, Scafell, Borrowdale, Derwentwater, Helvellyn, and the Eden Valley.
Yes, Carrock Fell Summit is notable for its historical significance, hosting the remains of an Iron Age hillfort. Its slopes also show extensive signs of centuries of mining activity. High Pike also has historical mining activity on its northern slopes.
Great Calva, located roughly at the center of the Northern Fells, is distant from roads and offers a remote and tranquil hiking experience away from crowds. High Pike also provides a sense of remoteness and peace, differing from the busier parts of the Lake District.
Blencathra Summit offers varied routes, including the exhilarating scramble of Sharp Edge, a knife-edged arête, making it a challenging option. Great Calva can also be challenging due to its remote location and heather-clad terrain.
Skiddaw Summit is known for its well-constructed paths, making it one of the simpler high fells to ascend despite its height. High Pike is described as a 'comfortable' fell by Alfred Wainwright, known for its rounded, moorland dome appearance rather than a sharp peak, offering fine, fast walking.
The area around Caldbeck offers a variety of outdoor activities. You can find numerous hiking trails, including moderate and difficult routes to peaks like Carrock Fell and High Pike. There are also running trails and more challenging mountain hikes, such as those around Blencathra and Skiddaw.
Yes, High Pike and Carrock Fell Summit are commonly combined in popular circular walks from the Caldbeck area. You can find routes like the 'Carrock Fell & High Pike loop from Calebreck' among the hiking trails around Caldbeck.
Blencathra Summit is unique for its distinctive plateau shape and its complex system of rocky spurs and scree slopes to the south and east, contrasting with smoother northern slopes. It's particularly famous for Sharp Edge, a challenging scrambling arête, and Hall's Fell ridge, described by Alfred Wainwright as 'positively the finest way to any mountain-top in the district'.
Carrock Fell Summit has unique geology, primarily composed of Gabbro, a rough igneous rock also found in Scotland's Black Cuillin, making it suitable for climbers. Great Calva lies at the head of a major geological fault, offering extensive views to the south.
While Skiddaw Summit offers phenomenal views, Little Man (Skiddaw) summit is often cited as offering one of the finest views in the entire national park, arguably better than its parent peak, with glistening Derwent Water embraced by the soaring ridgelines of the southern Lake District.
Visitors appreciate the diverse range of hiking experiences, from challenging scrambles to gentler ascents, all providing spectacular views. The sense of remoteness and peace, especially on fells like High Pike and Great Calva, is also highly valued, offering a chance to explore the tranquil Northern Fells away from busier areas.
The Lake District fells offer different experiences throughout the year. While specific recommendations for Caldbeck peaks aren't detailed, generally, late spring to early autumn provides the most favorable weather for hiking. However, winter walks can be stunning for those prepared for colder conditions and potential snow.
For more information about Caldbeck, the traditional fell village that serves as a base for exploring these peaks, you can visit Visit Cumbria or learn about its history and geography on Wikipedia.


See even more amazing summits around Caldbeck with these guides: