Blencathra is one of Lakelands most distinctive fells immediately recognised when it appears in a view. To the motorist heading for Keswick from the south it dominates the scene as Thirlspot and the Vale of St Johns opens out ahead when the road emerges from the trees by Thirlmere. From Castlerigg as seen in the picture above the frontal ridges are featured rising to the lofty skyline one behind the other. If approaching from the east it takes the form of a great saddle in the sky which gives the fell it's alternative name of Saddleback. There are many ways to Halls Fell Top the summit of the central ridge of the five and the highest point of the fell. Threlkeld at it's base provides easy access to Halls Fell and the others, of which Doddick Fell gives the best combination of grandeur and relative simplicity. The end ridges of Blease Fell and Scales Fell avoid all difficulties yet still afford views across the face and down to the valley. On the eastern side Blencathra hides Scales Tarn in a deep comb the northern face bearing the crest of Sharp Edge known to all walkers, which for a time at least during the ascent makes one forget other problems in life. In other directions the slopes fall without incident to the Glenderaterra Valley to the west, and most reluctantly over Mungrisdale Common to the River Caldew northwards. The small village of Mungrisdale in a charming setting is a good place to adopt for exploring these fells, giving the options of visiting Bowscale Fell and Bannerdale Crags on the way to Blencathra. Bowscale Fell boasts a fine tarn hidden on the northern face, together with a long east ridge the best way to the top. The crater like Bannerdale Crags is quite unique, and completely counters oppinions that say there is nothing worthwhile to the north of Blencathra. Blencathra has extensive views despite it's position on the edge of the district; a reward well merited after the effort expended to reach the summit. It is however the formation and and majesty of that southern face that is the glory of the fell. 

ROUTE ONE. BLENCATHRA FROM BOWSCALE VIA BOWSCALE FELL AND BANNERDALE CRAGS.
5.5 miles 2600ft of ascent

A wide track leaves Bowscale on the southern side of the Mosedale Valley. This leads clearly to the combe beneath the northern face of Bowscale Fell where the tarn of the same name nestles behind it's holding moraine. The setting is good, and the more so for being unusual in this particular area. Ascend the rake to the right of the rocks onto the broad ridge, and follow this up to the summit. It will seem a little further than expected perhaps, but the ground is pleasant enough. A good path now heads down from the wall shelter to cross the rather damp ridge that meets with the Glenderamackin Col and the route up to Atkinson Pike and Blencathra. The climb is better than it appears on the approach, and has views of Sharp Edge. A memorial cross of quartz stones and a small pool are passed between Atkinson Pike and the summit. Bannerdale Crags can conveniently be added to the walk by following the rim of the crater round on leaving Bowscale Fell. A path then heads back to the Glenderamackin Col from here. The mileage and ascent given above to Blencathra assumes that this will be done.

ROUTE TWO. BLENCATHRA FROM MUNGRISDALE VIA BOWSCALE FELL AND BANNERDALE CRAGS.
5 miles 2600ft of ascent.

From Mungrisdale turn into the short side valley by the telephone kiosk with the conical shape of The Tongue rising behind the cottages, and Souther Fell on the left. The track curves round to the left of The Tongue with another continuing upstream by the River Glenderamackin. A long gradual climb now follows to the right extremity of the crags at the head of Bannerdale. Be careful to take the upper branch marked by a cairn a short way up. Before turning to head round the rim of the crater, a detour to Bowscale Fell can be made by continuing ahead from the top of the incline to meet the path from Blencathra to Bowscale Fell. The walk above the crater is excellent, and while on Bannerdale Crags have a look down the East Ridge which is a fine ascent route to this summit. Now head west on a good path to the Glenderamackin Col and proceed up the facing track to Akinson Pike and Blencathra. This walk covers much of the ground of the route from Bowscale. Walkers who don't mind an initial steep climb may like to vary it by ascending Bowscale Fell up it's east ridge, though the gorse bushes focus the mind here!

ROUTE THREE. BLENCATHRA FROM MUNGRISDALE VIA SOUTHER FELL (and Scales fell)
3.5miles 2475ft of ascent. To Souther Fell it is 1mile 950ft of ascent.

The best means of access to Souther Fell from Mungrisdale is to go along the lane by the Mill Inn to a gate beyond which a path diagonally ascends the fellside. It is not well defined to begin with, and when the bracken is high it will be even harder to locate. Once found though it makes this ascent very pleasant; though it does not aim for the summit which requires a short climb once the bracken zone eases. The ridge behind the village can also be gained from the gate along the lane, but the initial ground to it's base is difficult with the bracken and wetness. A path now leads from the summit along the broad ridge before descending to the Mousthwaite Col after which the main ascent to Scales Fell and Blencathra begins. At the col the route to Blencathra by way of Scales Tarn and Sharp Edge may be considered. Take the path contouring the Glenderamackin Valley if that option is taken. The views once Scales Fell is attained to the summit across the face of the fell are most rewarding. Just below Doddick Fell Top and the summit of Blencathra the path has been much improved. Please respect this work by following all the zig zags. To return to Mungrisdale go over Atkinson Pike and down to the Glenderamackin Col; where turn to the right on the north bank of the stream and keep to it all the way.

ROUTE FOUR. BLENCATHRA FROM SCALES VIA SHARP EDGE.
2.5miles 2150ft of ascent.

West of the inn at Scales there is access to the fell. Turn right above the intake wall and follow the path up to the head of Mousthwaite Comb. The path now curves round above the River Glenderamackin, but leave it when Scales Beck is reached; in fact staying with the main track. At Scales Tarn the path turns right to climb onto the ridge of Sharp Edge where some rock handling on a narrow crest is required. In good weather there should be no concerns if you have a head for heights though the crest is succeeded by a rough scramble up the face of Foule Crag. A simple walk across to the summit is then all that remains. The easiest way down is over the ridge of Scales Fell which maintains the views over the district.

ROUTE FIVE. BLENCATHRA FROM THRELKELD VIA HALLS FELL.
2 miles 2375ft of ascent.

At the north eastern end of Threlkeld village on leaving the by-pass take the lane rising to the right. This leads to Gategill Farm behind which Gategill Beck can be crossed at a weir.The path heading up the facing slope of Halls Fell is clear to see, and after the initial broad buttress has been negotiated the narrowing ridge becomes a series of rocky rises without any major problems other than a few awkward strides. Walkers who don't like rocky crests with steep downfalls to the adjacent becks may be a little unhappy in one or two places, but for most people this is the finest way up Blencathra being direct and maintaining interest all the way. Blease Fell or Scales Fell are the kindest routes down, though until somebody improves the awful crossing of Scaley Beck perhaps Doddick Fell, which is also quite suitable for descent, should be preferred to the latter. Doddick Fell is also the easiest of the three central ridges on Blancathra's front, and a good alternative to Halls Fell for people who wish to avoid narrow exposed places.

ROUTE SIX. BLENCATHRA FROM THRELKELD VIA BLEASE FELL.
2.5 miles 2425ft of ascent

Start up the lane to the Blencathra Centre, but where it swings left by a small car park a path continues ahead alongside Kilnhow Beck. At the sheepfold go left above Blease Farm, and watch for a path turning up the fell. Higher up incline to the edge of Knowe Crags for something to look at. Taking a wider sweep by ascending from the Blencathra Centre is only prolonging the agony. The walk along the ridge from Blease Fell to the summit is most enjoyable. At Gategill Fell Top midway the ridge below seems to promise a good line of approach. It is, but only after the very steep lower buttress has been climbed and the prominent rock peak of Knott Halloo reached.

ROUTE SEVEN. BLENCATHRA FROM THRELKELD OR SKIDDAW HOUSE VIA MUNGRISDALE COMMON.
6 miles 2450ft of ascent from Threlkeld. 3.5 miles 1550ft of ascent from Skiddaw House.

From Threlkeld take the lane to the Blencathra Centre beyond which it continues as a broad track above the Glenderaterra Valley. Turn up by Sinen Gill where the track swings left to cross the valley, and on reaching an old sheepfold head north over the fellside to the Cloven Stone a rare rock intrusion hereabouts. Go north east now and search for the summit cairn which is larger than might have been expected. If the start is from Skiddaw House turn down by the fence just beyond the crossing of Salehow Beck where the path swings right. Beyond the rather wet shallow depression look for the Cloven Stone on the slopes ahead before heading north east to the flat top of the Common. Having wondered why Mungrisdale Common is even included here, (and I have to say that I have done so because other guide books do), it is time to set off for Blencathra on a good if damp path that as I write gives up before meeting the track on the ridge above the Glenderamackin Col. Turn right and ascend the steep fragmented slate to the top of Atkinson Pike before crossing the saddle to the summit. Perhaps out of pity for the Commons lack of features my friends and I formed a Commons appreciation society; always including it in a round of the Blencathra Group. An unknown admirer even made a stone tablet to mark the summit with it's name and height inscribed. This was left by the cairn for any visitor to see, but sadly though not surprisingly some worthy individual has decided to take it as a souvenir. For the record I was on The Common one January day as the sun came out to transform the grasslands into a sea of gold. I could not have been in a better place at that moment.