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The weather forecast was about as good as I have ever seen it - zero chance of any hazards except sunburn, and fantastic visibility was promised. This could be the last time the whole family got to walk together, with Robert (hopefully) off to University next year, so it seemed only right to make it something special. And they don't come much more special then Blencathra via Hall's Fell, described by Wainwright as "positively the finest way to any mountain-top in the district".
Parking at Threlkeld
The car park at Threlkeld was getting pretty full by the time we arrived, but we found space on the grass.
The path from the car parkThe path leads directly out of the top of the car park into a lovely wooded glen beside a stream.
Looking across the valley at Clough HeadAfter emerging from the glen we turned right, across the front of Gategill Fell. Already there were good views, particularly of Clough Head that we had climbed a few days ago.
The Mell Fells (Great and Little)Great Mell Fell and Little Mell Fell presenting a perfectly-formed pair.
First view of Hall's FellBefore long we were crossing Gate Gill to arrive at the foot of Hall's Fell
Hall's Fell, and summitThere were plenty of people about, mostly heading up the same way, but a few coming down, as we headed up the fellside.
Blencathra summit, from base of Hall's FellThroughout the route the destination was visible ahead - no chance of getting lost on this path!
Doddick Fell comes into viewJust before the start of the ridge proper (aka Narrow Edge), a fine view of the neighbouring ridge on Doddick Fell. Looks like a fine way up too.
Things start to get seriousFrom the 2000 foot contour to the summit is the stretch that Wainwright describes as delightful. My family all agree with that judgement (though I must confess to finding it terrifying at times too - my head for heights is not good these days). No time for photos on that stretch - too busy trying to make sure that the dogs were not pushing anyone off, trying to stay calm and keep going upwards despite my instincts telling me to stay rooted to the spot, and trying not to watch the kids making it all look easy.
View back down from the summitThe contrast as you arrive at the summit is amazing - one minute you are struggling up a narrow rocky ridge, the next you are standing on a grassy plain. It feels really fantastic to arrive safely at the top. Looking back, from the summit, the ridge is hidden until you are right on top of it.
Playing at the topThe dogs still had energy to play at the top.
Playing at the topNot sure where the stick came from - no trees round here!
Playing at the top
Playing at the top
Interesting cloudsOnce at the top we took a while just wandering around, enjoying the summit and seeing the sights.
Blencathra Summit
Gategill Fell, from Hall's Fell Top
More interesting clouds
Tarn on the saddleThe dogs were delighted to find some water to jump in - there had been none on Hall's Fell up to this point.
Brave souls on Sharp EdgeI promised I would show Thomas Sharp Edge - and this was about as close as I was prepared to go. He of course wanted to go along it straight away, but I told him if he wants to do it he will have to do it by himself, and not tell me about it until afterwards. I had a nasty experience on Sharp Edge a few years ago, and have struggled with narrow egdes ever since (getting up the Hall's Fell ridge today was quite an achievement for me).
Saddle tarn, with SkiddawWe wandered around the top for a while longer, not wanting to hurry down.
The white cross
Another view down Narrow EdgeOne last visit to the summit cairn to look at the way we had come up, before setting off down
View towards Doddick Fell
Heading home towards Blease FellWalking along the top of Blencathra towards Blease fell feels like a ridge walk of its own. It's a lovely route down - easy gradients, pleasant underfoot, and lovely views in front of you the whole way.
The easy route downSapphie went running towards one of these parasailers, and seemed rather surprised when he launched himself into the air - she barked at him furiously for quite a while.
Up...
Up...
And away..It did look like a fun way to travel for anyone withe the required head for heights - before long they were soaring above the summit after catching a few updrafts.
Another easy descent methodThe kids were having lots of fun on the way down, sliding, rolling and generally messing about.
Threlkeld villageSoon our destination was in sight.
Rainbow in the cloudsDidn't really come out in the photo, but there were rainbow colours in this cloud. Not seen that before.
Footbridge in the glenWe returned back through the same wooded glen that we had set off through, and back to the car.
At the Horse and Farrier, reviewing our route upAnd finally, to the pub for some rehydration and a chance to review where we had been and reflect on a great day.
One of the best days I can remember on the fells. The report and the pictures really don't do it justice. Blencathra is truly a wonderful mountain.
