Blencathra via Hall's Fell ridge from Scales
Lake District Walk
Nat Park - Lake District - Lake District Northern Fells
Wainwrights - Blencathra
County/Area - Cumbria
Author - Lou Johnson
Length - 6.0 miles / 9.8 km Ascent - 2230 feet / 676 metres
Time - 5 hours 10 minutes Grade - mod/hard
Maps
Ordnance Survey Explorer OL5 | Sheet Map | 1:25k | BUY |
Anquet OS Explorer OL5 | Digital Map | 1:25k | BUY |
Ordnance Survey Landranger 90 | Sheet Map | 1:50k | BUY |
Anquet OS Landranger 90 | Digital Map | 1:50k | BUY |
Walk Route Description
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Blencathra is one of the great mountains of Lakeland also referred to as the Saddleback. For those approaching Keswick from Penrith along the A66, it provides an awe inspiring sight as it climbs steeply from the road. Seen from further away it appears as though some giant has gouged four great marks on its southern face giving the mountain a rather ominous dominance on the landscape.
The Lake District walk starts from near Scales Farm. Park in one of the lay-bys on the A66 - on a good day spaces may be hard to find! - to take the short footpath (grid ref NY340267) that provides access beyond the intake wall and onto the fell. After breaching the wall turn left and follow the path at the base of Scales Fell to cross Scaley Beck where a little scrambling is required to exit the valley. Continue along the lower slopes of Doddick Fell and Halls Fell to reach Gate Gill. This is where the ascent begins.
Halls Fell is a wonderful approach to the summit of Blencathra. Besides being direct and leading straight to the summit is never tedious except perhaps in the early stages as you gain an initial foothold on the mountain. True it is a steep climb in places but as height is gained the view improves with wide ranging panoramas over the fells to the south. Eventually the going becomes rockier and there are a number of places where mild scrambling is the order of the day although for the more adventurous you can choose harder routes.
Arrival at the summit gives one an immediate sense of achievement. Suddenly you have a 360 degree view with Skiddaw and the Northern Lakeland Fells appearing. After scaling the steep southern slopes of Blencathra the tamer northern slopes are in complete contrast. There are many routes off the mountain but the way described offers an excellent look at some of the more interesting features of the Saddleback. From the summit cairn turn right and head east and then north to reach the subsidiary summit of Atkinson Pike. By doing this you traverse the saddle and are treated with a superb aerial view of Sharp Edge, which drops precipitously to Scales Tarn far below. From here you can safely decide whether a traverse is within your capabilities ...!
Retrace your steps south and then take the descending path that leads across Scales Fell - for this walk ignore the path descending Doddick Fell - and continue towards Mousthwaite Comb. Do not descend to the col but instead turn south on a narrow path that contours along the fellside. This offers an easy and delightful route back to the start. Finally it is worth saving this walk for a fine day as the views are tremendous. Good weather is also essential if you are to enjoy the ascent as you clamber upwards amongst the crags. Finally do not be put off by the "look" of the ascent - It is one Lakeland's greatest.
Other walks nearby
Walk 1354 | Bannerdale Crags & Souther Fell | moderate | 7.5 miles |
Walk 1073 | Skiddaw & Glenderaterra Beck | moderate | 9.0 miles |
Walk 1244 | Lonscale Fell & Latrigg | moderate | 7.5 miles |
Walk 2364 | Clough Head via Great Dodd from near Dockray | moderate | 8.1 miles |
Walk 1101 | Carrock Fell, High Pike and Knott | moderate | 11.0 miles |
Walk 1214 | Carrock Fell & High Pike from Mosedale | moderate | 7.0 miles |
Walk 2587 | Castlerigg Stone Circle & St John's in the Vale | easy/mod | 8.5 miles |
Walk 1158 | High Rigg | easy | 5.5 miles |
Walk 2005 | High Rigg & Legburthwaite | easy | 5.5 miles |
Walk 2049 | Calfhow Pike & the Dodds from Legburthwaite | moderate | 7.5 miles |
Recommended Books & eBooks
Walking the Lake District Fells - Keswick
Part of the Walking the Lake District Fells series, this guidebook covers a wide range of routes to 30 Lakeland summits that can be climbed from Keswick, Whinlatter, Bassenthwaite, Caldbeck, Mungrisdale and Threlkeld, with highlights including Skiddaw and Blencathra. Includes suggestions for longer ridge routes.
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Walking the Lake District Fells - Buttermere
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Mountain Weather
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