Best mountain peaks around Strickland Ketel serve as a gateway to numerous fells and elevated landscapes within the Cumbrian Mountains and the Lake District. This region offers a variety of fells that provide diverse hiking experiences. Visitors can explore picturesque fells and elevated terrain, ranging from family-friendly woodland walks to more challenging ascents. The area is characterized by its scenic vistas, typical of Northern England's natural environment.
Last updated: July 3, 2026
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Not far from Sour Howes is Sallows at a slightly higher elevation of 516 metres (1,693 feet). The summit is marked by a linear, rocky, grassy mound. There is also an OS plate nearby, but it is mounted at floor level so you will need to look for it.
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Sour Howes, which reaches a height of 483 metres (1,585 feet), sits between Troutbeck and Kentmere. I wish I could say something positive about the views here, but today the weather was typically British, and for the first half of the walk we didn't see anything. A persistent drizzle spoilt the view but not the walk. There are good trails up from Troutbeck village and for most of the ridge all away to Froswick. There's not much on top of the summit of Sour Howes, there is a number of grassy mounds and knolls with a pile of small stones marking the highest point.
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No real trig on this one. But if you had clesr skies, you'd have cracking views 360
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You’ll need to look carefully for the tiny OS plate (see my photo) that marks this summit
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bit muddy on the way up but gets better the closer you get to the top. worth it for lovely views
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Sallows makes a great objective for a fell run as it has spectacular views, a solid track underfoot and is never too steep on the ascent, meaning that it's a manageable run throughout.
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The area around Strickland Ketel offers several popular peaks. Orrest Head is highly regarded for its sublime views with minimal effort, easily accessible from Windermere. Another favorite is Brant Fell, offering spectacular views over Windermere from its summit. Sour Howes is also popular, known for its ridge walk and lovely views down Windermere.
Beyond the immediate vicinity, the wider Cumbrian Mountains and Lake District offer diverse fells. You can explore Arthur's Pike Summit, a Wainwright fell with panoramic views of the Outlying Fells of Lakeland. The area around High Street, including Mardale Ill Bell and Nan Bield Pass, provides a rugged circular walk with lovely views. Sheffield Pike offers breathtaking scenery across Helvellyn and Glenridding, ideal for an introduction to mountain hiking.
Yes, there are several options for easy walks. Orrest Head is known for rewarding views with little effort, making it perfect for beginners. Brant Fell also offers an easy climb with spectacular views. Additionally, the Dunmallard Hill Woodland near Ullswater provides a natural, family-friendly environment for hiking from Pooley Bridge. For more options, you can explore easy hikes around Strickland Ketel.
For those seeking a challenge, Scafell, England's second-highest peak, offers some of the best mountain views, though navigation can be difficult. The circular walk involving High Street, Mardale Ill Bell, and Nan Bield Pass presents a rugged and rewarding experience. Sheffield Pike also features craggy climbs, providing an ideal introduction to more demanding mountain hiking in the Lakes. School Knott is categorized as intermediate to challenging, offering stupendous views.
Absolutely. Orrest Head and Brant Fell are both considered family-friendly, offering accessible paths and rewarding views. The Dunmallard Hill Woodland is also categorized as family-friendly, providing a pleasant natural environment for walks. These spots are great for enjoying the outdoors with children.
The region around Strickland Ketel is excellent for various outdoor activities. Besides hiking, you can find numerous trails for mountain biking and running. For mountain biking, explore routes like the 'Staveley to Kentmere Park and Pike loop' or the 'Green Quarter Pass – Three Rivers Bridleway loop' by checking out MTB Trails around Strickland Ketel. Running enthusiasts can find trails such as the 'River Kent – Beckmickle Ing loop' or the 'Beckmickle Ings Wood – Potter Tarn loop' in the Running Trails around Strickland Ketel guide.
Scafell stands out as England's second-highest peak and offers some of the country's most spectacular mountain views. It is generally quieter than its neighbor, Scafell Pike, providing a more serene hiking experience. However, it requires good map and compass skills due to challenging navigation to the summit, making it a rewarding climb for experienced hikers.
The best time to hike the mountains near Strickland Ketel is generally from late spring to early autumn (May to October). During these months, the weather is typically milder, with longer daylight hours and less chance of snow on higher fells, making for more enjoyable and safer conditions. However, the Lake District weather can be unpredictable, so always be prepared for changing conditions.
While not widely known outside of dedicated fellwalkers, Sallows Summit and its neighbor Sour Howes are considered hidden gems. They offer spectacular views and a solid track underfoot, making them great objectives for a fell run or a rewarding hike. Alfred Wainwright himself included them in his Far Eastern Fells book, highlighting their scenic value.
Parking availability varies by specific trailhead. For popular spots like Orrest Head, parking can often be found in nearby towns like Windermere. For other fells, small car parks or roadside parking might be available at the start of routes. It's always advisable to check specific route details or local council websites for designated parking areas and any associated fees before your visit.
Many of the fells and trails around Strickland Ketel are dog-friendly, especially those that are less strenuous and pass through open access land. Paths like those leading to Brant Fell or the general easy hikes in the area are suitable. However, always keep dogs under control, especially near livestock, and be mindful of ground-nesting birds during certain seasons. Some areas may require dogs to be on a lead.
The peaks around Strickland Ketel offer incredible natural vistas. From Orrest Head and Brant Fell, you'll see expansive views of Windermere and the surrounding Lakeland fells. From Arthur's Pike Summit, you can enjoy panoramic views of Wainwright's Outlying Fells and even the distant North Pennines. School Knott provides wide views in all directions, including the dramatic Langdale Pikes.


See even more amazing summits around Strickland Ketel with these guides: