Blencathra

Walked on 10/01/2025

Walking Diary 2025

Scales – Blencathra (Scales Fell – Doddick Fell – Hallsfell Top – Gategill Fell – Known Crags – Blease Fell – Atkinson Pike) – Scales

Distance: 12.7 km Total Ascent: 745 metres Time Taken: 3 hours 15 minutes (moving time) Start Time: 10:55

The wintry weather continued in the Lake District so I headed north today to make the most of it and wow, I wasn’t disappointed. This was a perfect winter’s day one of the best and very enjoyable on one of my favourite fells. There was a surprising bit of cloud around the summit for a while but when that cleared it was indeed magical. What a great day out on the fells!

Great Mell Fell at the start of the climb from Scales.

It looked as though it was going to be the perfect winter day.

A beautiful sun filled sky but the temperatures were sub-zero still. It was warm enough climbing in the sunshine though and the going was easy in soft snow.

Plenty of ski tracks on the side of Mousthwaite comb.

The Pennines to the east. There wasn't a cloud in the sky, blue skies everywhere with all the fells being visible...

...until we got to the top of Scales fell when there was one fell covered in cloud - and we were on it!

Seemingly out of nowhere and un-noticed until now the cloud has covered the top of Blencathra.

What a view to the south.

Climbing higher the wind really picked so it was time to layer up and get the micro-spikes on at the same time.

Sharp Edge.

Getting colder as we climbed higher.

Someone is climbing Sharp Edge today.

Looking back before we were enveloped in cloud.

A Brocken Spectre.

Cornice.

It was eerie at the top with the sun trying to burn through the cloud.

Hurry up Dad!

Blencathra summit. It was like Piccadilly Circus behind me so I carried on across the summit to see if I could get out of the cloud again.

Yes, I could! Skiddaw now has a cloud cap.

That's more like it! Wow, the view was fabulous now looking to Gategill Fell Top.

Great Calva.

Snowy edge.

The Coledale fells from Blease Fell.

Superb! Depending on where you were on the ridge, the wind was quite fierce - you can see the spindrift in the sky in this photo.

Skiddaw is clear of cloud now.

Looking back from Blease Fell.

We found a nice, sheltered spot between Gategill and Blease Fell with a lunch spot with views to die for. There was only one thing on Fletcher's mind - it was Bonio time! I talked to quite a few passing folk here including people on skis, the conditions were peect for that with the deep snow.

Something to look at over lunch.

...and the view the other way.

Heading back to the summit now with the moon rising over Hall's Fell.

A long view to the east.

The summit of Blencathra, now clear of cloud (and people!).

Hall's Fell Ridge.

Looking back up from the descent, the Saddleback clearly visible now.

Blencathra in the setting sun.

Blencathra

Walked on 25/11/2023

Scales – Blencathra (Scales Fell – Doddick Fell – Hallsfell Top – Gategill Fell – Known Crags – Blease Fell – Atkinson Pike) – Foul Crag – Bannerdale Crags – White Horse Bent – Mousthwaite Comb – Scales

Distance: 12.3 km Total Ascent: 815 metres Time Taken: 3 hours 10 minutes (moving time) Start Time: 07:00

It was potentially going to be a beautiful day so I fancied a walk up Blencathra to catch the sunrise – thankfully the forecast turned out to be correct and it was indeed a fantastic morning. I loved every minute of this one…

Climbing Scales Fell at dawn and it was surprisingly light, no need for a headtorch.

Following Fletcher on Scales Fell.

First glimpse of the sun.

I wasn't quite at the top but not far off on Doddick Fell. Oddly enough, as I climbed after this there were a lot of people descending immediately after the sunrise.

looking towards Atkinson Pike from Hallsfell top.

Blencathra summit - the trig. 'O' is now a trig. 'C'!

What a beautiful morning.

The sun hasn't made it to the Vale of Keswick yet.

The Back o' Skiddaw.

Fletcher, patiently waiting for me. Jacket on now as the cold wind picked up on the top plus gloves off, gloves on, gloves off....(for camera operation!).

Looking back to the summit from Gategill Fell.

Know Crags, Blease Fell and beyond.

A panoramic from Blease Fell.

Any treats in there Dad?

A view into Coledale.

Retracing our steps.

Now it's all ours Fletcher, everyone has disappeared.

A view across the Solway Firth to Scotland.

The sun is higher on our return...

...and now turning into a properly gorgeous morning.

Vale of Keswick panoramic.

Skiddaw from the summit.

The White Cross.

Bannerdale Crags, our next target. We are at the top of Sharp Edge (bottom right).

The descent of Foule Crag and it is still icy in the shadows.

Sharp Edge profile.

Phew, warm now and down to shirt sleeves on Bannerdale Crags.

The East Ridge.

A Currick, Bannerdale Fell.

Blencathra.

The Sharpest of Edges from White Horse Bent.

Sharp Edge, Blencathra.

Nearly back to the car - Mousthwaite Combe.

Blencathra

Walked on 15/01/2022

Start point: Scales (NY 349 272)

Scales – Scales Fell – Blencathra – Scales Fell – Scales

Distance: 5.3 miles Total Ascent: 660 metres Time Taken: 2 hours 25 minutes Start Time: 07:00

Following on from yesterday’s fabulous walk up to Scafell Pike, conditions looked as though they may be the same today so I really fancied witnessing the conditions from a different perspective so it was up to Scales early to head for Blencathra summit for the sunrise. Unfortunately there is no one that can predict the weather or conditions with 100% accuracy and on this occasion the weather did not play as predicted! Ho-hum, you can’t win them all…

Well I did make it for sunrise in plenty of time but the expected conditions were not there. The cloud was low but above the fell tops. Helvellyn was covered in cloud but there was cloud dropping into St John's in the Vale and Threlkeld making it look like an inversion may be on the cards...but alas, no!

Low sun into low cloud gave a strange sunrise - linear light to the east with virtually nothing to the west.

Looking to the south west it is dull, Derwent Water cloaked in cloud.

Diminutive Binsey shows through the mist.

Lenticualr clouds, strange sky and conditions.

Sharp Edge from the descent - someone is already crossing.

Scales Fell and a brief clearing of the sky...now I am on the way down!

Blencathra via Hall’s Fell Ridge

Walked on 22/01/2015

Start Point: Threlkeld (NY 318 256)

Threlkeld – Hall’s Fell Ridge – Blencathra (Hallsfell Top – Gategill Top – Blease Fell) – Threlkeld

Distance: 4.8 miles Total Ascent: 734 metres Time Taken: 3 hours 10 minutes Start Time: 10:30

Weather: Cold and clear, 0°C

I really wanted to climb Blencathra in these conditions after I spotted it in the sunshine when passing the other afternoon. This was a day on the fell to remember and the sort that doesn’t come around too often. Wainwright said that the climb to Blencathra via Hall’s Fell Ridge is the finest way to any mountain top in the Lake District and I have to say I agree with him, especially on a day like today.

I couldn't resist this shot on my way past, the sunrise was looking so good over the Leven Estuary that I had to turn around and get this photo.

Likewise, I paid a visit to Derwent Water to see this sight - it was very cold but worth it for this view.

Following the wall above Threlkeld on the way to Hall's Fell.

Looking across to Clough Head.

Hall's fell ahead, the path can just about be made out snaking up the fell.

Crossing Gate Gill.

Knott Halloo on Gategill Fell from the climb.

The skies were a changing as I climbed. Looking across to Great Gable in the distance (towards the right of the photo) it looked as though there was a cloud inversion.

The Mell Fells and frozen ground.

Climbing Hall's Fell.

Looking across to Gategill Fell top.

Blencathra summit from Hall's Fell.

At the foot of Hall's Fell Ridge - time to get the crampons on.

Following the ridge the conditions were fantastic - hardly a breath of wind, clear blue skies and lots of snow...just magic.

...yet every time I looked behind conditions were changing and it looked as though we were on for a full blown inversion.

Dougal - the King of the Fells.

Onward and upward.

Looking back down the ridge.

The curve in the ridge.

This is what a good day on the fells looks like!

Cloud coming in.

Made it! All alone on the summit.

The view to the south from the summit.

...and looking to the west.

The summit ridge.

The Dodds and the Helvellyn ridge.

Looking back to the main summit from Gategill Fell.

Looking down, the mist constantly swirling around.

That's a seat with a view.

Looking south again, the cloud dropping into the valleys.

Looking down from above.

Dougal on Blease Fell.

Looking down from heaven.

Grisedale Pike and the north western fells from the descent.

Dougal does a spot of tracking.

Heading back to Threlkeld.

Blencathra

Height: 868 metres / 2848 feet Grid reference: NY 32345 27712 Category: The Northern Fells

Blencathra consists of six separate fell tops. Only the main one, Hallsfell Top is counted by Wainwright but Birkett counts each individual top – Atkinson Pike, Hallsfell Top, Gategill Fell, Blease Fell, Doddick Fell and Scales Fell. Sharp Edge, the famous arête, ascends to Atkinson Pike.

Hallsfell Top

Height 868 metres/2848 feet Grid Reference NY 32345 27712 Wainwright – The Northern Fells

The summit of Blencathra.

Dougal on the summit of Blencathra

The summit of Blencathra from Hall’s Fell Top – the highest point on the ridge

Hall’s Fell Ridge, an excellent way to reach the top

Atkinson Pike (Foule Crag)

Height 845 metres/2772 feet Grid Reference NY 32430 27356

Sharp Edge

Gategill Fell Top

Height 851 metres/2792 feet Grid Reference NY 31777 27356

Blease Fell

Height 804 metres/2638 feet Grid Reference NY 31199 27028

Doddick Fell

Height 742 metres/2434 feet Grid Reference NY 32839 27720

Doddick Fell from Hall’s Fell Ridge

Scales Fell

Height 682 metres/2238 feet Grid Reference NY 33192 27873

Blencathra via Gategill Fell

Walked on 21/07/2014

Start Point: Threlkeld (NY 318 256)

Threlkeld – Knott Halloo – Gategill Fell – Blencathra – Doddick Fell – Threlkeld

Distance: 4.2 miles Total Ascent: 733 metres Time Taken: 3 hours Start Time: 08:40

Weather: Boiling, 22°C

It was another beautiful morning to continue the fantastic summer weather we have been enjoying recently. This walk to Blencathra from Threlkeld has a bit of a gruelling start with the climb to Knott Halloo on Gategill Fell being steeper than steep! Nice to bump into StridingEdge fans John Unsworth and Lily up on the summit today too. This walk will feature in an edition of Trail magazine later this year.

Early morning Windermere.

Four in a row, the Fairfield fells in the distance.

Bowfell and Langdale Pikes reflections.

Grasmere.

Grasmere panorama.

Helm Crag.

Derwent Water (1)

Derwent Water (2) + geese! On with the walk...

Bright and green on Gategill Fell. Knott Hallo is the lump on the skyline to the right.

Looking across to Blease Fell.

The steep climb to Knott Halloo was hard work in this baking sunshine.

Knott Halloo.

Gategill Fell Top from Knott Halloo, the rock turret right of centre.

Hot work for the Dougalster.

This is a mighty fine ridge.

This is a mini Striding Edge according to Wainwright.

Looking back down from the steep section near the top.

The ridge from the top - Knott Halloo is the furthest point on the ridge to the right.

The back o' Skiddaw.

The view to Derwent Water and the north western fells.

Central is the Doddick Fell ridge, the one I will use in descent.

Gategill Fell and the ridge recently ascended from the summit of Blencathra.

Dougal at the summit.

Looking back to the summit from the top of Doddick Fell.

Looking down the Doddick Fell ridge from Doddick Fell Top.

Doddick Gill.

It was thirsty work today.

Gate Gill - dry as a bone.

Blencathra via Sharp Edge

Walked on 27/02/2013

Start point: Scales (NY 349 272)

Scales – Sharp Edge – Blencathra (Atkinson Pike – Hallsfell Top – Scales Fell) – Scales

Distance: 4.5 miles Total Ascent: 642 metres Time Taken: 2 hours 45 minutes Start Time: 08:10

Weather: Sunny, warm in the sunshine. 8°C

Yet another beautiful day here with sunny blue skies all around. Today we climbed Sharp Edge up to Blencathra, the reminder that it was still winter was on the north face of the edge where the ice was treacherous to the unwary.

Warning: Do not attempt Sharp Edge in winter conditions unless you know what you are doing. Never take a dog that way.

Moon setting over the north western fells.

Derwent Water at dawn...it was so cold down here, -7C, my fingers were really numb even with gloves on.

Catbells. Onwards and upwards...

Mousthwaite Comb.

Looking back down and across to Clough Head on a gorgeous day.

Sharp Edge ahead.

Scales Tarn.

Climbing towards Sharp Edge.

At the foot of the climb.

On Sharp Edge. The north face (to the right in this photo) was icy and treacherous.

A panoramic view climbing the edge.

The 'awkward place'.

Looking down Razor Edge.

Made it! The view from the top.

Skiddaw from Atkinson Pike.

A beautiful day up on the top of Blencathra.

The White Cross looking to the Coledale fells.

The frozen summit tarn.

Dougal - walking on water?

Blencathra.

Dougal on the summit of Blencathra.

The Vale of Keswick and beyond.

Looking across Derwent Water and down on Love the Lakes, Keswick.

The Coledale fells across Gategill Fell.

Looking back from the descent.

Sharp Edge in profile.

Blencathra with the saddle in view from Scales Fell.

Fabulous.

Castlerigg Stone Circle panoramic, Blencathra beyond.

Blencathra via Gategill Fell, Knott Halloo & Doddick Fell

Walked on 07/08/2012

Start point: Threlkeld (NY 318 256)

Threlkeld – Knott Halloo – Gategill Fell – Blencathra – Doddick Fell – Threlkeld

Distance: 4.2 miles Total Ascent: 733 metres Time Taken: 3 hours Start Time: 12:20

Weather: A mixed bag. 18°C

I was getting itchy feet so when the opportunity for a walk arose I grabbed it – I was going come rain, hail or shine! As it turned out is was really quite warm on the climb and when I reached the top I couldn’t believe how many people were up there (I never saw anyone on the steep way up though). This and a couple of other things that happened reminded me why I like to get out early…

a Blencathra via Gategill Fell, Knott Halloo, Doddick Fell.JPG

Knott Halloo prominent on Gategill Fell from Blease Gill (I took this photo at the end of the walk as it came out better than those taken at the beginning!).

Clough Head over Threlkeld from the climb alongside Blease Gill.

St. John's in the Vale.

The clouds are drifting over distant Catbells from the first small rock shelter on the climb of Gategill Fell.

There's a bit of rain in there somewhere.

Knowe Crags on Blease Fell from Gategill Fell.

A heathery hidey-hole.

Climbing higher - it's a steep one this.

The final part of the climb to Knott Halloo.

Knott Halloo.

The view over Keswick from Knott Halloo.

Looking up to Gategill Fell Top from just above Knott Halloo with the rock turret on the right.

Miniature Striding Edge.

Looking up the ridge from the rock turret.

The fly catchers hold paws on the miniature Striding Edge (appropriately).

Hall's Fell, Doddick Fell beyond.

The final tower.

Looking back down to the rock turret (centre) and Knott Halloo (right).

As I climbed to Gategill Fell Top, the mist came in with a little bit of short lived drizzle, so there were no views from there, here looking down on Gate Gill. I was informed by one lady on the summit that I had 'come the wrong way' - thanks, I will remember that next time.

Those people are stood on Gategill Fell Top, looking from the summit.

Hall's Fell Ridge from the descent towards Doddick Fell.

Scales Tarn and Sharp Edge.

Blencathra summit from Doddick Fell Top.

Looking down the Doddick Fell ridge, the route of descent, from Doddick Fell Top.

Doddick Fell Top as viewed from Wainwright's second rock-turret.

...and the view from the first rock-turret.

Looking up to Doddick Fell Top from 1450'.

Sunshine over the Mell Fells.

Doddick Gill from Doddick Fell looking to Hall's Fell Top, the summit of Blencathra.

Gate Gill looking to Blencathra's summit. Gategill Fell is to the left, Hall's Fell on the right.

Gategill Fell above Threlkeld.

Blencathra via Sharp Edge

Walked on 01/07/2011

Start point: Scales (NY 349 272)

Scales – Sharp Edge – Blencathra (Atkinson Pike – Hallsfell Top) – Hall’s Fell Ridge – Scales

Distance: 5.5 miles Total Ascent: 824 metres Time Taken: 2 hours 45 minutes Start Time: 07:00

Weather: Sunny and warm. 15ºC

This morning’s walk was to Blencathra taking in the two most interesting ridges on there – Sharp Edge and Hall’s Fell Ridge. Both of these are excellent so it was a great walk all round, shame the cloud only cleared fully when I was almost back down.

Note: Just because I took my dogs over Sharp Edge, it doesn’t mean that every dog or indeed every person can do this one – it is a very exposed ridge and is treacherous in wet or icy conditions. Plenty of people have come a cropper crossing Sharp Edge. You have been warned!

When I was passing Newby Bridge early this morning, things were looking interesting so I had to stop and grab a couple of photos…

Blencathra, Sharp Edge, Hall's Fell Ridge

Blencathra route map.

New day rising, Windermere.

Perfect, tranquil reflections and the mist of the new day rising from Windermere.

Calm.

Newby Bridge. On to the walk...

Mousthwaite Comb.

Cloud capped Clough Head.

The view from the top of the path to Mousthwaite Comb with the cloud hanging over the Dodds.

A closer shot from further up.

Blencathra is not looking quite so good at the moment though, I'm hoping the sun will burn that cloud off.

A bit further along the path in the Glenderamackin Valley and Sharp Edge is clear of cloud.

Sharp Edge from Scales Tarn.

Scales Tarn from the foot of Sharp Edge and Dougal does a double take of the way up.

Sharp Edge - looks good to me.

Sharp Edge and Foule Crag.

You can make out a figure at the top in this shot which give some scale to Sharp Edge.

Dougal Doo goes for it - like Mr Magoo, he cares not a jot what is below and takes it all in his stride. I managed to drop my lens cap here of all the places to do it! I could see it lying temptingly below though so I dumped the bag and left Casper and Dougal in charge whilst I went down to retrieve it - loyal Casper did as instructed and sat with the bag. Dougal? He couldn't resist following me down of course!

Climbing The Edge.

Casper enjoys living on the edge.

Onward and upward (and along).

Climbing Foule Crag.

The Lion Kings beat me to the top.

Looking down.

A panoramic view from the top.

Sharp Edge profile.

Once on the summit ridge the cloud was down and swirling around, here looking into the sun at the White Cross.

Walking on water at the summit tarn.

A brief parting of the clouds from the summit.

Dougal and Casper on Blencathra.

Looking down Hall's Fell Ridge, the way we are descending.

A view through to Derwent Water and the north western fells.

There's no holding Dougal back.

The middle section.

Hall's Fell Ridge.

Looking up the ridge to the summit.

A panoramic of Blencathra from Hall's Fell Ridge.

Looking down, over Gate Gill.

It's a great view up here directly to the summit of Blencathra.

Clough Head from the descent of Hall's Fell, the cloud has lifted now. Just got the proofs for the 2012 calendar (NOW SOLD OUT!)

Blencathra via Scales Fell

Walked on 08/02/2011

Start point: Mungrisdale (NY 361 303)

Mungrisdale – Souther Fell – Scales Fell – Blencathra – Bannerdale Crags – Bowscale Fell – The Tongue – Mungrisdale

Distance: 8.1 miles Total Ascent: 907 metres Time Taken: 4 hours Start Time: 08:40

Weather: An icy cold wind but clear. 5°C

There was a mighty cold and icy wind up on the top of Blencathra today and there was a fresh dusting of snow. The wind and ice were strong enough to keep me off Sharp Edge, that can wait until another day. To the south there was a big cloud build up and the way it lay right across the tops and kept changing made an intriguing backdrop throughout the walk.

The River Glenderamackin at Mungrisdale.

Sky over Great Mell Fell at the start of the climb to Souther Fell.

A bit leaden, but I wondered if it would brighten up?

Bowscale fell and The Tongue, the eventual route of descent.

Casper checks out Bannerdale and Bannerdale Crags. Blencathra is swathed in mist to the left.

The icy summit of Souther Fell. From here and right over Blencathra, the ice cold wind became quite strong.

The cairn at the south western end of Souther Fell.

Heading for Scales Fell.

Sharp Edge from Souther Fell.

The view of Sharp Edge and Foule Crag from Mousthwaite Comb.

Looking back to Souther Fell across Mousthwaite Comb.

Saddleback from Scales Fell.

A zoom shot showing the way the cloud was building to the south and that large layer pouring over the tops and into the valleys seemed to be creeping northwards.

Sharp Edge profile from Scales Fell.

Scales Tarn.

Doddick Fell Top and Scales Fell.

The icy summit of Blencathra, Hallsfell Top.

Hall's Fell Ridge.

Keswick and Derwent Water with that big cloud cap now on the high fells to the west.

Casper and Dougal on the summit of Blencathra.

Looks like playtime for the boys heading to Atkinson Pike.

The Back o' Skiddaw from the part frozen summit tarn.

A contrast in colours from Atkinson Pike.

Mono Blencathra.

The intriguing cloud cap to the south.

At the top of Sharp Edge.

Dougal Doo.

Descending Foule Crag, Bowscale Fell ahead.

Glenderamackin Valley.

Blencathra from Bannerdale Crags.

The main cairn to the north east.

Foule Crag on Blencathra from Bowscale Fell.

Skiddaw from Bowscale Fell summit.

Looks like that big cloud has overtaken Blencathra now as well.

Bowscale Fell from The Tongue.

Mungrisdale from the top of the steeper than steep descent.

Looking back to The Tongue from near Mungrisdale. By the time I got to the car and onto the A66, all the fells that I had been watching under cloud all morning were now clear with the exception of Blencathra which stood alone with its own cloud cap!

Blencathra via Hall’s Fell Ridge

Walked on 08/12/2010

Start point: Threlkeld (NY 318 256)

Threlkeld – Hall’s Fell Ridge – Blencathra (Hallsfell Top – Gategill Top – Blease Fell) – Threlkeld

Distance: 4.8 miles Total Ascent: 734 metres Time Taken: 3 hours 10 minutes Start Time: 10:30

Weather: Very cold and very clear. See below ºC

The predicted Arctic temperatures certainly happened overnight and the morning looked very promising being amazingly crisp and clear. I had a climb to Blencathra up the Hall’s Fell Ridge, a brilliant way to climb up there in any conditions but it was even more special today. The weather certainly raised the feeling of exposure and heightened my awareness today.

Note: This is a serious winter climb, not a walk. Just because me and my dogs managed to climb it today, it doesn’t mean that everyone can. At the very least you need to carry the correct winter equipment (crampons and ice axe) and know how to use them.

Blencathra route map.

More than a bit chilly at Threlkeld this morning (actually it had warmed up from -14C a bit further down the road!).

Still, Dougal doesn't seem to mind the Arctic temperatures. According to him we should all run round and round in circles to keep warm.

Walking alongside Kilnhow Beck.

Hall's Fell ahead.

Hallsfell Top - the summit of Blencathra, from the crossing of Gate Gill.

Clough Head and it is beautiful and sunny. The climb to Hall's Fell Ridge was surprisingly warm given the ambient temperature and there wasn't a breath of wind at this level. That had me stripping layers and the hat and gloves were off in no time.

Views that go on forever today though - the clearest of clear days.

The Pennines look so close you could touch them today, Great Mell Fell to the right.

Gategill Fell from the climb.

At the bottom of Hall's Fell Ridge - time to get the crampons on as things get a little more serious now.

A beautiful view from the crampon stop.

There were a couple of other climbers ahead on the ridge.

We were all sensible chaps today - crampons and ice axe were definitely needed up here today so we could admire the fantastic views.

The view across Doddick Fell and Scales Fell.

Climbing higher, I couldn't resist having a look at this view often!

It was around here that the wind started picking up making it extremely cold and I soon had those layers back on. Of course coming to the narrow and tricky sections, a strong wind was the last thing I needed.

Looking down.

The curve in the ridge.

Bitterly cold nearing the top.

This is the final section Dougal. Come on lad, we can do it!

Wow, the view from the summit of Blencathra was indeed spectacular today.

The view to the east.

Too many fells to name - you can see them all today.

A panoramic view from the summit of Blencathra.

A snowboarder on the top of Blencathra...

...this is the cool way to get down, and the quickest.

The wind was quite fierce at times along the ridge, as Casper finds out.

Blencathra in winter.

Dougal and Casper top out on Blencathra.

The Blencathra summit ridge.

Looking towards Derwent Water.

Hallsfell Top from along the ridge.

Immaculate looking Skiddaw.

Great Calva and the back o' Skiddaw fells, Scotland beyond.

Lots of spindrift heading for Gategill Fell.

Thirlmere glimmering in the sunshine.

Gategill Fell Top.

Someone else is climbing the Hall's Fell Ridge.

The Helvellyn ridge (with Helvellyn being the highest point in this photo) amidst a burst of spindrift.

Heading for Blease Fell.

Blease Fell.

The Kings of the Fells.

Blencathra.

Descending Blease Fell looking across to frozen Derwent Water.

I think Dougal may have spotted the car!

Heading for Threlkeld below.

Gate Gill.

Back at Threlkeld and the end of a superb winter walk.

Blencathra via Sharp Edge

Walked on 17/05/2010

Start point: Scales (NY 349 272)

Scales – Sharp Edge – Blencathra (Atkinson Pike – Hallsfell Top – Scales Fell) – Scales

Distance: 4.5 miles Total Ascent: 642 metres Time Taken: 2 hours Start Time: 07:25

Weather: Clearing, sunny spells, 12C

At last I was able to make it back on the fells – but where to go? Somewhere not too long but with a bit of excitement I thought and Sharp Edge fitted the bill perfectly. I enjoyed getting up at the crack of doom and getting out before most other people, the dogs managed it fine up there too and young Dougal took this big step in his stride as I knew he would.
Note: Just because I took my dogs over Sharp Edge, it doesn’t mean that every dog or indeed every person can do this one – it is a very exposed ridge and is treacherous in wet or icy conditions. Plenty of people have come a cropper crossing Sharp Edge. You have been warned!

Sharp Edge route map.

Early morning Great Mell Fell.

Looking across to the cloud capped Dodds - all the fells including Blencathra were shrouded this morning but things were looking promising.

First glimpse of Sharp Edge from Mousthwaite Comb.

It all looks a bit gloomy at the moment.

Looking along the valley of the River Glenderamackin.

Time for a drink for Dougal and Casper.

Sharp Edge with a lone figure on it across Scales Tarn.

Scales Tarn from the foot of Sharp Edge.

Yes Dougal, we are going that way.

At the foot of Sharp Edge.

Scales Tarn from Sharp Edge.

Looking back along the route of ascent.

Sharp Edge.

In portrait if you prefer.

Climbing higher.

Looking back along the polished rocks.

Looking down from higher up.

Scales Fell across Scales Tarn.

Sharp Edge from Foule Crag.

A panoramic view from Foule Crag.

Lonscale Pike and Mungrisdale Common from Atkinson Pike.

The white cross on Blencathra.

A view of Derwent Water from the summit of Blencathra.

Hall's Fell Ridge.

Scales Fell, the route of descent.

Threlkeld and a view of Thirlmere.

Dougal and Casper at the summit.

Hall's Fell Ridge with a lone climber on it.

Descending Scales Fell.

Sharp Edge.

Souther Fell.

A clear Blencathra by the time I drove to Castlerigg Stone Circle.

Blencathra via Hall’s fell Ridge

Walked on 29/04/2009

Start point: Threlkeld (NY 318 256)

Threlkeld – Hall’s Fell Ridge – Blencathra – Mungrisdale Common – Great Calva – Skiddaw House – Blencathra Centre – Threlkeld

Distance: 10.7 miles Total Ascent: 1123 metres Time Taken: 5 hours

Weather: Sunny spells, cold on the tops. 12°C.

Blencathra was not even considered when I set out from home this morning but when I saw it I knew I had to climb it. I decided on Hall’s Fell Ridge as it must be a good 10 years since I have climbed this way, the bonus of it is that it climbs directly to the summit cairn. After that I just made it up as I went along and it turned out to be quite a pleasant walk although towards the end it looked as though I might get a soaking as the clouds thickened and hovered ominously overhead, but in the end I thankfully made it back dry.

Blencathra via Hall's Fell Ridge route map.

Early morning at Threlkeld heading for Hall's Fell. The summit of Blencathra is the point at the top of Hall's Fell Ridge.

Blencathra panoramic.

Crossing Gate Gill.

Doddick Fell from the climb.

The mist was constantly swirling around Hall's Fell then lifting giving some enticing glimpses of the way ahead.

Hall's Fell Ridge.

Further along.

There is some excellent scrambling sections along here and the Hall's Fell Ridge makes a great alternative to the more popular Sharp Edge.

Casper the scrambler.

Narrow Edge.

Looking back down the ridge.

From further up with Clough Head and Thirlmere in view.

The summit of Blencathra.

It looks like there is plenty of sunshine over on Mungrisdale Common, so that's where we'll go Casper!

Lonscale Fell along Roughten Gill.

It is all cloudy over on Skiddaw from the cairn on Mungrisdale Common.

It looks like there is plenty of sunshine on Great Calva now Casper, so that's where we'll head for next!

There was one small problem and that was how to cross the River Caldew - wade or jump? I used the tried and tested method of trying break the Olympic long jump record - which worked out rather well as I made it across with dry feet!

One of the circular sheepfolds of Skiddaw Forest, Lonscale Fell behind.

Wiley Gill and Knott from the foot of Great Calva.

The view from Great Calva along the deep geological trough that runs to the south.

Casper in the sun, Knott behind.

Skiddaw from the descent.

Skiddaw House and Lonscale Fell catch the sun.

Heading for Skiddaw House YHA.

Great Calva from Skiddaw House.

Lonscale Fell.

Leaden skies now looking back along the Glenderaterra Valley.

High Rigg and Tewet Tarn from the path to the Blencathra Centre on Blease Fell.

Bluebells at the Blencathra Centre.

Blencathra via Sharp Edge

Walked on 11/09/2007

Start point: Mungrisdale (NY 361 303)

Mungrisdale – Souther Fell – Scales Tarn – Sharp Edge – Blencathra – Mungrisdale Common – Bannerdale Crags – Bowscale Fell – East Top on Bowscale Fell – Mungrisdale

Distance: 10.4 miles Total Ascent: 960 metres Time Taken: 4 hours 30 minutes

Weather: Sunny and bright. 18oC.

It was an early start again today, climbing Souther Fell with the sun rising across the low lying mist. By the time I reached Scales Tarn for the start of the climb of Sharp Edge, the sun was shining and the weather was glorious with lovely clear views all around; a glorious walk on a glorious day.

Sunrise in Mungrisdale at the start of the climb to Souther Fell, Little Mell Fell and Great Mell Fell in view.

There was lots of early morning mist this morning lying in the valleys.

Mungrisdale mist.

The Bowscale Fell ridge from Souther Fell. The final route of ascent later will be along it.

The summit of Souther Fell looking to Clough Head and the Dodds.

Blencathra clearly showing where the alternative name of Saddleback comes from with Bannerdale Crags in the foreground.

A lie down after the steep warm-up for Casper.

Blencathra from the southern cairn on Souther Fell.

A first glimpse of Sharp Edge from Mousthwaite Comb - it is the light band of rock arcing upwards to the highest pinnacle and looks almost impossible to climb from here.

Sharp Edge above Scales Tarn - it doesn't look quite as bad now.

The approach to Sharp Edge.

Up there?!

Climbing Sharp Edge.

Casper negotiates some of the slabs.

...and looking back down.

High above Scales Tarn now.

Made it! A lovely clear view from the summit of Blencathra today. To the north there were views to Scotland over low lying mist.

Wisps of cloud hang around on Hall's Fell Ridge.

The north western fells above Derwent Water and Keswick.

Casper.

Skiddaw from the summit tarn on Blencathra.

The Skiddaw massif across Mungrisdale Common.

Mungrisdale Common, that most derided of Wainwright fells as it is merely a large and grassy expanse with not a lot going for it - apart from today that is because Casper is there to liven the scene up! (Note: he is not there every day, unfortunately).

Sharp Edge from the climb to Bannerdale Crags, here seen rising from the centre up to the right.

Blencathra from the summit of Bannerdale Crags.

Looking east from the summit of Bowscale Fell.

Looking over Bowscale Tarn to Mosedale and High Pike from the East Top of Bowscale Fell.

Carrock Fell from the east ridge of Bowscale Fell.

Souther Fell from the descent across a sea of bracken.

Sharp Edge

Walked on 07/02/2007

Start point: Scales (NY 349 272)

Scales – Sharp Edge – Blencathra (Atkinson Pike – Hallsfell Top – Gategill Fell – Blease Fell – Doddick Fell – Scales Fell) – Scales

Distance: 6 miles Total Ascent: 800 metres Time Taken: 2 hours 30 minutes

Weather: Mainly sunny and clear with high cloud. 3°C.

More fine and sunny weather today for a walk up to Blencathra over Sharp Edge. Sharp Edge itself was quite tricky on the difficult slabs today due to the icy frosting, so it was a case of treading with care. Casper managed it too, he did well – Angus continued his much needed R and R at home in the warmth! (NOTE: Just because I took a dog over Sharp Edge in winter conditions, it doesn’t mean that every dog, or every person for that matter, would be able to do it. As I left Scales today, the Keswick Mountain Rescue team passed me with lights and sirens ablaze – I hope it was nothing too serious).

Later Note: Check out this link; At the moment the latest rescue is 7th February….on Sharp Edge!) – Keswick MRT

Mousthwaite Comb - the path can be seen diagonally left to right up the fellside.

First view of Sharp Edge from Mousthwaite Comb.

Looking along the Glenderamackin Valley, Sharp Edge up to the left.

An icy Scales Beck.

Sharp Edge towers above a frozen Scales Tarn.

Golden light on Sharp Edge reflected on the ice.

Climbing to Sharp Edge.

Getting closer!

Looking along Sharp Edge.

...and looking back.

Climbing all the way.

Casper on Sharp Edge.

All is icy on the northern side of The Edge.

Climbing the slippery slabs.

Almost there.

Sharp Edge from Foule Crag.

The Skiddaw massif from Atkinson Pike.

Closer up.

Heading across the frozen fell to Hallsfell Top, the summit of Blencathra.

Looking back to Atkinson Pike with the white cross, centre.

Skiddaw across the frozen summit tarn on Blencathra.

The summit ridge of Blencathra from Hallsfell Top, Skiddaw beyond.

Well done lad! Made it over Sharp Edge and to the summit of Blencathra.

Casper enjoys the moment - solitude on Blencathra.

Walking along the summit ridge.

Looking back to Hallsfell Top.

Hall's Fell Ridge.

The Back o' Skiddaw.

Blencathra from Scales Fell.

Souther Fell.

Nice and sunny on Sharp Edge now.

Blencathra from Castlerigg Stone Circle.

Back O’ Skiddaw

Walked on 13/07/2005

Start point: Bowscale (NY 358 317)

Bowscale – Bowscale Tarn – East Top on Bowscale Fell (387) – Bowscale Fell (388) – The Tongue (389) – Bannerdale Crags (390) – Blencathra – Mungrisdale Common – Cloven Stone – Lonscale Pike (391) – Lonscale Fell (392) – Jenkin Hill (393) – Skiddaw Lesser Man (394) – Skiddaw Little Man (395) – Skiddaw – Bakestall – Whitewater Dash – Little Calva (396) – Knott – Coomb Height (397) – Little Lingy Hill (398) – Great Lingy Hill (399) – Hare Stones (400) – High Pike (401) – Miton Hill (402) – Round Knott (403) – Carrock Fell (404) – Mungrisdale – Bowscale

Distance: 25.8 miles Total Ascent: 2447 metres Time Taken: 10 hours 50 minutes

Weather: Sunny and warm with a slight breeze. 25°C.

Today’s walk was a long circuit of the quiet fells known as ‘The Back o’ Skiddaw’. The weather was very pleasant, not as hot and muggy as it has been recently with a slight, welcome, cooling breeze. The views were absolutely superb at times and I was glad I chose today to do this long walk. The only problem was I forgot my food and 26 miles is a long way without any fuel…

Back O' Skiddaw route map.

Early morning light on Carrock Fell. This was to be the last fell of the walk, some 11 long hours later.

Looking along the Mosedale valley.

Bowscale Tarn, keeper of two immortal fish so legend has it and mentioned by Wordsworth in his poem 'Song at the Feast of Brougham Castle', 1807. '...And both the undying fish that swim, Through Bowscale Tarn did wait on him, The pair were servants of his eye, In their immortality, They moved about in open sight, To and fro, for his delight...'

Strange light and a band of thick low lying cloud to the south from Bowscale Fell's subsidiary east top.

The north western fells seen between Blencathra and Skiddaw.

Blencathra from Bannerdale Crags.

Skiddaw across the summit tarn on Blencathra.

The summit of Blencathra.

Skiddaw from that most derided of Wainwright fells (for not being a true summit), Mungrisdale Common.

Lonscale Fell from Mungrisdale Common. It was a sharp drop off from Blencathra down to Mungrisdale Common then an incredibly steep pull to get back up onto Lonscale Fell via Burnt Horse.

Great Calva from the climb to Lonscale Fell.

The view from Lonscale Pike, the east peak of Lonscale Fell. In the centre is High Rigg with Tewet Tarn visible and Thirlmere behind.

Skiddaw Lesser Man. Little Man and Skiddaw from Jenkin Hill.

There were superb, breath taking views from the climb up to Skiddaw.

The north-western fells from Skiddaw.

Bassenthwaite Lake and Sale Fell from Skiddaw. Not as cold as the last time we were here.

The view reached as far as Scotland over the Solway Firth to Criffel.

Binsey along the Dash Valley. To reach this point was another steep drop off from Bakestall down Birkett Edge and then a hard climb following the fence up to Little Lingy Fell.

The path to Knott.

A quick rest on Coomb Height, Carrock Fell in the background.

High Pike had a welcoming seat...

Evening light and the cloud begins to form on Skiddaw, seen from Round Knott.

Blencathra via Sharp Edge

Walked on 12/07/2004

Start point: Car Park above The White Horse Inn (NY 349 272)

Scales – Sharp Edge – Blencathra (100 – 105) (Atkinson Pike – Hallsfell Top – Gategill Fell – Blease Fell – Doddick Fell – Scales Fell) – Souther Fell (106) – Scales

Weather: Overcast, raining by the end.

As it is the first day of the school summer holidays, today’s walk was chosen by my 13 year old – an ascent of Blencathra via Sharp Edge; an excellent choice, I must say.

Bill Birkett counts the 6 separate tops on Blencathra as individual fells, so after ascending Sharp Edge we traversed the full Blencathra ridge and then crossed over onto Souther Fell.

The path starts from the car park above The White Horse, just off the A66 and immediately it is straight into a cruelly steep climb until the col is reached overlooking Mousthwaite Comb.

Sharp Edge from the col. From the col, the path follows the contour along the valley of the River Glenderamackin and then climbs up with Scales Beck to Scales Tarn.

Sharp Edge from Scales Tarn. From Scales Tarn, there is an excellent profile of Sharp Edge which looms menacingly. A left turn up the side of the slope and the bottom of Sharp Edge is reached.

The start of Sharp Edge.

Onwards and upwards along the rocky traverse.

Scales Tarn from Sharp Edge.

Looking up Sharp Edge. The final part of the Edge is the steepest; it is an exhilarating feeling looking down from this climb.

Sharp Edge from the top. At the top of Sharp Edge, it was straight up to the highest point, Atkinson Pike.

Skiddaw from Atkinson Pike..

and Blease Fell. From Atkinson Pike, it is along 'the saddle' to the summit.

The highest point on Blencathra is Hallsfell Top. This view is from the summit overlooking Derwent Water with the rest of the Blencathra ridge to the right. Walking along the undulating ridge, the next top is Gategill Fell.

Skiddaw Forest and the Back O' Skiddaw fells from Gategill Fell Top.

St. John's in the Vale and Thirlmere from Gategill Fell. Traversing right to the end of the ridge, the farthest point is Blease Fell. From Blease Fell, we retraced our footsteps along to the main summit and the descended via Doddick Fell and Scales Fell.

Looking back to Hallsfell top from Doddick Fell

and Sharp Edge from Scales Fell, right. We walked back down to the col overlooking Mousthwaite Comb and then carried on up the grassy rise along the undulating Souther Fell. This is the fell where legend has it a Spectral Army was seen on Midsummer Day 1745 by the local population.

Great Mell Fell and Little Mell fell from Souther Fell summit. Immediately after we hit Souther Fell summit, the heavens opened so it was a soggy return to the col and descent by the same path we came up to reach the car.