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.