The huge slate dome rising directly behind Keswick is Skiddaw, the fourth-highest mountain in England at 931 m. From its summit you can see the Solway Firth, the Galloway hills, and the entire central Lake District laid out in folded ranks below.
The standard ascent from Latrigg car park is a relentless but uncomplicated slog up a wide stone path — six miles round trip, about five hours, no scrambling, but no shelter either. Going up by the eastern ridge from Threlkeld via Lonscale Fell is longer and quieter. In winter, Skiddaw turns serious quickly: the summit ridge holds snow and ice well into spring.