Wednesday 29th April 2009

Start point: Threlkeld (NY 318 256)

Threlkeld - Hall's Fell Ridge - Blencathra - Mungrisdale Common - Great Calva - Skiddaw House - Blencathra Centre - Threlkeld

Distance: 10.7 miles     Total Ascent: 1123 metres     Time Taken: 5 hours

Weather: Sunny spells, cold on the tops. 12oC.

Route Map

Blencathra was not even considered when I set out from home this morning but when I saw it I knew I had to climb it. I decided on Hall's Fell Ridge as it must be a good 10 years since I have climbed this way, the bonus of it is that it climbs directly to the summit cairn. After that I just made it up as I went along and it turned out to be quite a pleasant walk although towards the end it looked as though I might get a soaking as the clouds thickened and hovered ominously overhead, but in the end I thankfully made it back dry.

Early morning at Threlkeld heading for Hall's Fell. The summit of Blencathra is the point at the top of Hall's Fell Ridge.

Blencathra panoramic.

Crossing Gate Gill.

Doddick Fell from the climb.

The mist was constantly swirling around Hall's Fell then lifting giving some enticing glimpses of the way ahead.

Hall's Fell Ridge.

Further along.

There is some excellent scrambling sections along here and the Hall's Fell Ridge makes a great alternative to the more popular Sharp Edge.

Casper the scrambler.

Narrow Edge.

Looking back down the ridge.

From further up with Clough Head and Thirlmere in view.

The summit of Blencathra.

It looks like there is plenty of sunshine over on Mungrisdale Common, so that's where we'll go Casper!

Lonscale Fell along Roughten Gill.

It is all cloudy over on Skiddaw from the cairn on Mungrisdale Common.

It looks like there is plenty of sunshine on Great Calva now Casper, so that's where we'll head for next!

There was one small problem and that was how to cross the River Caldew - wade or jump? I used the tried and tested method of trying break the Olympic long jump record - which worked out rather well as I made it across with dry feet!

One of the circular sheepfolds of Skiddaw Forest, Lonscale Fell behind.

Wiley Gill and Knott from the foot of Great Calva.

The view from Great Calva along the deep geological trough that runs to the south.

Casper in the sun, Knott behind.

Skiddaw from the descent.

Skiddaw House and Lonscale Fell catch the sun.

Heading for Skiddaw House YHA.

Great Calva from Skiddaw House.

Lonscale Fell.

Leaden skies now looking back along the Glenderaterra Valley.

High Rigg and Tewet Tarn from the path to the Blencathra Centre on Blease Fell.

Bluebells at the Blencathra Centre.

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