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.