Walkers on Blencathra

Visitors to an upcoming Lake District mountain festival will have the opportunity to walk up a mountain recently put on the market with a price tag of more than £2m.

Keswick Mountain Festival’s hike programme includes a trip up Blencathra, the 868m (2,848ft) fell being sold by the Earl of Lonsdale to help pay off an inheritance tax bill.

The festival’s hiking schedule also includes the chance to summit 40 Wainwrights in four days.

Keswick Mountain Festival has 34 guided walks, which also include popular peaks such as Helvellyn, Skiddaw, Scafell Pike and Cat Bells.

Lucy Scrase, Keswick Mountain Festival director, said: “Our hike programme has always been very popular and a highlight for many visitors.

“With the help of our partners, we have put together a big selection of guided walks that we believe makes the most of the wonderful landscape around Keswick and gives every visitor an incentive to put on their hiking kit and go exploring.

“Wainwright Walks is new for this year and I am sure that it will appeal to many people who want to visit some of the tops that the great man wrote about.”

The festival, which runs from 15 to 18 May, is sponsored by outdoor brand Dare 2B and is based in the town’s Crow Park. Sporting events, live music, high-profile speakers, outdoor activities and other attractions are on the bill for the event.

More details, including how to book for guided walks, are on the Keswick Mountain Festival website.