Highlights

Cost: £39.00

• ROUTE – Circular
• DISTANCE – 8 miles
• TIME – 5-7 hours
• ASCENT – 1013m
• GUIDED – Walk with experienced Mountain Leaders
• DIFFICULTY – Moderate (some exposed grade1 scrambling)

“Blencathra is one of the grandest objects in Lakeland. And one of the best known. Seen from the south-west, the popular aspect, the mountain rises steeply and in isolation above the broad green fields of Threlkeld, a feature being the sweeping curve leaping out of the depths to a lofty summit-ridge, where the skyline then proceeds in a succession of waves to a sharp peak before descending, again in a graceful curve, to the valley pastures far to the east.”

Join us on a stunning walk of outstanding contrasts. Blencathra, also known as Saddleback, was possibly Alfred Wainwrights favourite fell, considering it was his most written about!
We start our walk from the village of Threlkeld and eventually make our way up the mountain, warming up and practising our scrambling on Narrow Edge, described by Wainwright as ‘the finest way to any mountain-top in the district’, on the ascent to Hallsfell Top (868m), the highest peak of Blencathra.

Once summiting we’ll drop down to Scales Tarn, where we’ll enjoy lunch and you can get your feet wet in this beautiful and ancient glacial lake.

Refreshed and replenished, we’ll now scramble back up to Hallsfell via the Jewel in the Crown of our day, which is Sharp Edge, one of the finest and most challenging of all ridges to the summit.

You should now feel more confident with your scrambling skills after navigating Narrow Edge on the way up and your Mountain Leader will be there to help and encourage you.
Once back on top, feeling exhilarated by your scramble and the stunning views, we now make our way around and back down on our way back to Threlkeld.

A classic scrambling day and one that will definitely never be forgotten. Voted  the no.1 Wainwright by members of  walkhighlands.co.uk!

For those who might be stepping up a notch in their scrambling experience, although this route is not for people with vertigo, you won’t be the first person, with a basic level of fitness, who’s not been a huge fan of heights and large drops thats ended up having a great time!

‘Then I realised that to be more alive, I had to be less afraid. So I did it. I lost my fear and gained my whole life.’
-Anonymous