One of the Lake District's great northern fells, with a spread of ridges and a knife-edge scramble above Threlkeld
Open accesson open access land, where the right to roam applies
Blencathra is the big fell that fills the skyline north of the A66 as you come towards Keswick, its top drawn out into a long line of peaks above steep, fluted slopes. Its other name is Saddleback, after that dipped outline. The true summit, Hallsfell Top, is 868 metres, and it is one of the best-loved of the Wainwright fells, the 214 Lakeland tops listed in Alfred Wainwright’s guidebooks.
What makes Blencathra special is the choice of ways up. Several ridges run down towards the village of Threlkeld at its foot, and the classic direct line, Halls Fell, climbs a narrow crest straight to the summit. The most famous route, Sharp Edge, is a real scramble along an arête — a narrow rock ridge with steep drops on both sides. It is exhilarating in dry, calm weather and seriously dangerous in wind, rain or ice, and it has caught out many people over the years, so if in doubt take one of the grassier ridges instead.
Most walks start from Threlkeld or the lay-bys along the A66 nearby. As with any Lakeland fell the weather can change fast and cloud can sit on the tops, so carry a map and warm layers and be ready to turn back. Down in the valley, Castlerigg stone circle makes a fine, easy add-on, and The Horse and Farrier Inn is in Threlkeld itself.
More at hill-bagging.co.uk
