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My brother’s turn to organise a walk and it turns out it was one of the walks we had on our list to do. Nobody’s birthday for a change, just a lovely get together to catch up, along with taking in the views and getting some steps in, of course lovely food at the end of it.
Total Distance: 8 Miles Steps: ~35,000 Steps Highest Point: 2843 Feet Total Realistic Time: ~6 Hours
Blencathra, also known as Saddleback, is one of the most northerly hills in the English Lake District. It has six separate fell tops, of which the highest is the Hallsfell Top at 2,848 feet (868 metres).
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Blencathra
There are many parking places around the area, mostly by the side of the road and lay-bys. We found a car park set into the village, an honesty box ran parking for the school. There are free toilets available just at the end of the road, in a village coffee shop.
This was the planned route but we had to cut it short as we somehow got lost in the middle of it around Mungrisdale Common as the path just disappeared 😳.
We ended up completing it in the following route, sometimes it does not go to plan but we still got to the top of Blencathra:
Start of the walk the sun was out with a little wind. Perfect weather for a good challenging walk.
The walk starts in the village of Threlkeld, walking on a small road a little way takes you to the gate that then leads you onto the path. This takes you all the way up to Halls Fell Ridge then to Halls Fell Top.
The clouds were gradually moving lower but very slowly. The path takes you on a gradual incline up along the top of Halls Fell, then some scrambling that turned out to be a nice change as it gave the legs a little rest. It was a good workout 🏋️♀️
Then just a little further on up, we made it to Blencathra summit. Not much to see as it was so cloudy at the top, rather refreshing as it started drizzling and a bit windy.
Coming down from Blencathra we headed towards Mungrisdale Common, it was very boggy and grassy, not much of a path on some parts.
We lost our brother part way (no idea how), all we could see was endless boggy grass and sheep, our feet being sucked in and no brother around. After some whistling back and forwards, we managed to meet back up. That was an experience 😱
We then had to cross a stream that got us back onto the path which takes you back towards the village (phew).
After that experience we were ready for some hot food, we went to the only pub which was open for food called Horse & Farrier Inn. Very generous portions, we tucked in and enjoyed it very much.
Conclusion:
Mostly enjoyable walk, apart from the grassy boggy part and getting lost. Sometimes it does not go to plan but it has given us an experience to remember, to learn from and to prepare better.
Although we did not do it via Sharp Edge as it was not the right weather, it was still a good feeling of achievement getting to the top of Blencathra finally. It was an experience though.
Enjoyed the scrambling, that was a different kind of challenge.
We can now cross Blencathra off our list.
GENERAL EQUIPMENT
- Apple iPhone 12 Pro (for taking photos/videos and mapping using OS Maps)
- Comfy walking shoes (most important)
- Flask with Hot/Cold drink (a good cuppa is always welcome)
- Waterproof jacket (weather changes quickly near the summit)
- Gloves (for the scrambling sections)
- ibuprofen (helping hand if you have any aches and pains)
- Food and snacks (fuel to keep you going)