Blencathra: a Mountain for Sale
Iconic Lake District Landmark and Lordship for Sale – H&H Land and Property market Blencathra mountain on behalf of Lonsdale Estates
One of the most iconic symbols of the Lake District is coming on to the market, offering someone the unique opportunity to buy their very own mountain and become Lord of the Manor of Threlkeld. This mountain is being sold with a guide price of £1.75 million through the Carlisle office of H&H Land and Property.
Blencathra, arguably the most imposing of the Lakeland Fells and commonly known as ‘Saddleback’ because of its distinctive shape, was dubbed ‘one of the grandest objects in Lakeland and one of the best known’ in famous fell walker Alfred Wainwright’s definitive guidebook. Now buyers have the chance to invest in this significant 2,850ft (868m) high landmark.
John Robson, Managing Director of H&H Land and Property, which is handling the sale, said: “This really is a once in a lifetime chance to buy one of the jewels in the Lake District’s crown, which is being sold on behalf of Lonsdale Estates.
“This is the first time we have handled the sale of a mountain – and what a mountain it is. Set in the Northern Fells of the Lake District National Park, Blencathra’s characteristic silhouette is clearly visible over a wide area of Northern Cumbria. Blencathra is particularly prominent from the northern section of the M6 and the A66 when entering the National Park towards Keswick.”
The mountain covers 2,676.36 acres (1,083.11 ha) of common grazing land and includes a number of historic lead mines; it is offered with the historic feudal Lordship title. The buyer will be entitled to use the title Lord of the Manor of Threlkeld and can apply to the College of Arms for an individual Coat of Arms.
Blencathra has been part of the Lonsdale Estates for generations. Commenting on the sale, Hugh, the current Earl of Lonsdale said: “My family have owned Blencathra and its Manor for over 400 years, so the sale of this iconic property will be a great loss. However, we need to realise capital for Inheritance Tax following the death of my father in 2006 and our aim is to retain the core portions of the Lonsdale Estates intact as far as is possible”.
The central flanks of Blencathra fall sharply on three sides towards the A66; to the West it adjoins the Skiddaw range, whilst to the North the land falls more gently towards Bowscale and the Uldale Fells. Scales Tarn nestles in a bowl below the Eastern flank, surrounded by steep crags; it is overshadowed by Sharp Edge, the main route to the summit, which is famous among walkers and climbers. And it’s definitely worth the climb! 360 degree views from the summit sweep out across the Eden Valley, the northern Pennines and up to the Southern Uplands of Scotland to the north and east, while from the south and west, climbers are rewarded with views across the main Lakeland Peaks reaching as far as North Wales and the Isle of Man on a clear day.
The Blencathra massif is part of the Skiddaw Group Site of Special Scientific Interest and the Lake District High Fells Special Area of Conservation. The open Saddleback Common is registered common land and is used by local farmers to graze sheep.
Five historic lead mining sites are part of the massif, but there are no mines or mineral rights included in the sale. However, the new owner will benefit from a new alternative energy scheme on Saddleback Common. The vendors have signed 50-year lease for a hydro electric project for an adjoining Outdoor Centre.
The Lake District National Park is one of the best known and most loved areas of the United Kingdom and is currently undergoing an application for World Heritage status.
Despite its beautiful sense of isolation, Blencathra is just 12 miles from the M6 and 13 miles from Penrith’s well-served railway station, where journey times to London are now just three hours.
Blencathra, which overlooks the A66 between Penrith and Keswick, is at the heart of a tourist and sporting honeypot. The mountain is in the middle of some of England’s very best walking, climbing and sailing country, just four miles from Derwentwater, eight from Bassenthwaite Lake, 12 miles from Ullswater and the Helvellyn range, and 16 miles from Ambleside and Windermere. Close to the areas very best Pennine grouse moors, pheasant and partridge shooting, and salmon fishing on the River Eden, Blencathra is a sportsman’s paradise.
The buyer will receive an annual £1,000 rent for the hydro energy site, plus a Royalty Rent of £4/megawatt hour for production over 1500MWH a year. Both rents will be reviewed every three years.
For further background information visit www.blencathra.info
