North-east from Threlkeld, passing Doddick Farm and Scales Farm, then continuing north along various footpaths to follow the course of the River Glendermackin. West to reach the top of Bannerdale Craggs, before heading south-west via Hallsfell Top to Blease Fell. Finally a climb down to Blease Farm and back to the starting point. A 12-mile walk in the Lake District.
Recommended Ordnance Survey Map
The best map to use on this walk is the Ordnance Survey map of the Lake District North-Eastern Area, reference OS Explorer OL5, scale 1:25,000. It clearly displays footpaths, rights of way, open access land and vegetation on the ground, making it ideal for walking, running and hiking. The map can be purchased from Amazon in either a standard, paper version or a weatherproof, laminated version, as shown below.
Standard Version
Car park in Threlkeld, perfect for walking in the Blencathra area. The car park is on the A66, on the opposite side of the village. I suppose it would be much busier in the summer.
The route into Threlkeld from the A66 car park.
Gate Gill, one of the streams running down from Blencathra.
Doddick Gill, one of the streams running down from Blencathra.
Scaley Beck, one of the streams running down from Blencathra.
The beautiful valley between White Horse Bent and Souther Fell.
Bannerdale Crags.
The view of Bannerdale from the top of Bannerdale Crags. Bannerdale Beck runs through the middle of the valley and joins the River Glenderamackin.
The summit of Blencathra, also known as Saddleback, comes into view from Mungrisdale Common.
The north-facing side of Sharp Edge.
The north-facing side of Sharp Edge and the view south-east over the Lake District.
Heading towards Hallsfell Top, the highest point of Blencathra, 868 metres (2847 feet).
Two walkers leaving the mountain via Doddick Fell.
The south-facing side of Blencathra from Hallsfell Top.
Hall’s Fell Ridge. The original plan was to come up this way. Looks icy, glad I didn’t.
Four walkers in very cold, windy conditions.
Looking down on Threlkeld.
Looking back at the mountain from Knowe Crags.
The view of Keswick and Derwent Water.
The view towards Thirlmere (actually a reservoir).
Looking down over Threlkeld as I descend Blencathra.
The view south towards Helvellyn in the far background.
Looking up at the snow-covered Blencathra.
