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.

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.

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.

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

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

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.