The Gazette can reveal offers have been made in the race to buy Blencathra.


Lord Lonsdale, who is selling the land, admits it is likely to sell for more than the £1.75million price tag.


The estate agent handling the sale of Blencathra revealed there is ‘unprecedented global interest’ in the mountain - fuelling speculation of a foreign millionaire buyer.


John Robson, Managing Director at Carlisle-based H and H Land and Property, said requests for legal packs have been made from abroad.


“Legal packs are normally taken-up by interested parties who are ready and able to make an offer,” he said.


“There is no doubt that the prospect of owning the mountain has struck a chord with the community, high net worth individuals and long term investors alike.”

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This is not good news for the Friends of Blencathra - an action group dedicated to raising money for a public buyout of the mountain, which has been owned by the Lowther family since 1620.


They fear that the mountain could fall into disrepair if a foreign bidder was successful as they may struggle to maintain the land from abroad.

Debbie Cosgrove, Chairman of Friends of Blencathra, said: “We would welcome a meeting with Lord Lonsdale. It’s supposed to be sealed bids but if he sould share what’s in those bids it would be good because we could see if it’s still feasible to keep taking public donations.

"We have got thousands of people supporting this. He could become a local hero and still get his money by discussing the sale with the community.”

The action group are holding public meeting to discuss further fundraising.

It will take place at 2pm at the Rheged Centre, Penrith, this Saturday, May 31.

For more information visit www.friendsofblencathra.co.uk.