One of the Lake District's best-known peaks has been put up for sale as its owner attempts to pay off a hefty tax bill.

Blencathra, a 2,850ft (868m) high mountain that imposes itself across the northern fells, has been placed on the market for £1.75m.

Known as Saddleback due to its distinctive shape, the mountain was dubbed "one of the grandest objects in Lakeland and one of the best known" by Alfred Wainwright.

But the Earl of Lonsdale, Hugh Lowther, has been forced to try and sell the 2,676 acre (1,083 hectares) plot to help pay off the reported £9m tax he owes from his father's inheritance.

"My family have owned Blencathra and its manor for over 400 years, so the sale of this property will be a great loss," he said.

"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 buyer will obtain grazing rights for 5,471 ewes, 732 hoggets, 200 lambs and also be entitled to use the title Lord of the Manor of Threlkeld.

The feudal lordship title will also allow the owner to apply to the College of Arms for an individual coat of arms.

With a guide price of £1.75m, the same amount of money could potentially buy just a one bed apartment in Knightsbridge, London.

John Robson, managing director of H&H Land and Property, 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."

Describing the kind of buyer he thinks will come forward, Mr Robson said he expected them to be looking for something to pass on to future generations.

"Someone who obviously has a certain amount of disposable income and something they really want to pass onto future generations," he said.

"They will want to own something in the Lake District that is easily recognisable and it's a similar market to jewellery or a landscape painting."

