The great mass of mountain and moorland to the north of Keswick and the A66 is dominated by the smooth slate slopes of Skiddaw and the sharp ridges of the aptly named Saddleback, or Blencathra which rises abruptly from behind Threlkeld. The Cumbria Way long distance footpath cuts through this important SSSI area, the only shelter being the lonely Skiddaw House, originally a shepherd's refuge and now a YHA hostel in summer.
Minor roads skirt the mountains with several small settlements sited on the foothills. Mungrisdale and Mosedale lie on the eastern flank under the sharp crag of Carrock Fell and its ancient hill fort, looking out towards Greystoke Forest. Hesket Newmarket is a handsome village arranged around a spacious green; the local small brewery is an important asset. Close by is Caldbeck on the northern fringe of the National Park, a traditional and picturesque village with a limestone gorge walk, a very impressive church and the Priest's Mill dating back to 1702.
On the west the open moorland (where sheep roam widely across the roads) slopes steeply toward the lower plain with the intricate pattern of fields. Uldale nestles in a valley while neighbouring Ireby spreads over undulating farmland. Bassenthwaite village, not far from the lake, faces south and west across open country. With church, school, green and pub, this is an attractive centre for exploring the lakes and Cumbrian coast.
Completing the circuit of the mountain fringe are the hamlets of Millbeck and Applethwaite on the sunny south facing slopes of Skiddaw. The popular starting point for walks onto Latrigg and Skiddaw. There are wonderful views across the north and central Lake District.
