The sheer scale of Blencathra is absoltley awe-inspiring and this route (which takes you through Hall’s Fell Ridge) allows you to access the very top of the Threlkeld peak – offering panoramic views of the surrounding Lake District.
This is a trail for experienced walkers and those who are ready for a challenge. There are difficult sections, so it is important to be vigilant and keep safety front of mind at all times.
It’s is a 8.5km route, but with some tricky slopes and advanced hiking and climbing experience is recommended.
The Route
The route begins in the pretty village of Threlkeld, which is an ideal place to park. Bear right onto the grass behind the ‘honesty box’ and the area quickly narrow to a small path, which sits between a low wall and Kilnhow Beck. Follow the beck above the ravine and across a footbridge and then climb the wall ahead to the right. Here, you’ll come to a gate. Head through it and stop and look to your left, as you’ll see a hillside at approximately 10 o’clock. Complete with two paths which mark your route back down after reaching the fell.
Turn right by the sheep pens and pass through a second gate, where you’ll see a sign for Gate Ghyll. You can then handrail the wall until you cross a field and over the stile to Blencathra kennels.
Next, you need to cross the gill and bear left onto a rough path with bracken to traverse along the hillside. This is where the path begins to require some scrambling experience, as you zigzag up the hillside to the ridge. Where you will pass several climbing areas and need to be careful with your footwork to avoid sheer drops. There are bypass paths to your left-hand side should you need to use them, but it is important to be mindful of loose slate scree which can be dangerous.
One you reach Hall’s Fell Top you have found the summit of Blencathra. Marked by a simple OS trig station, which is somewhat understated, but doesn’t detract from the exhilarating experience. From the top of the ridge you can turn left and simply follow the head of the hills to Knowe Crags and then onto Blease Fell.
As you continue along the wide gravel path, take the southwestern route and you’ll feel it drop into well-trodden zigzags, with splits marked out with a small cairn. Here, you should take the left path and enjoy a gentle meander down to a steep drop. Once you’ve passed this, you’ll encounter another path to your right and a faint cross-roads where you should turn left and head fell side on a gentle descent.
After 200 meter, bear left onto a path above the bracket, which will continue to descent until you meet a wall and path down to a kissing gate, where you turn left. You will then reach a gate at Kilnhow Beck and Blease Gill, making it easy to find your way back to Threlkeld.
Recommended For …
Experienced walkers and climbers. This route requires high levels of agility, scrambling skills and knowledge of sharp ridges and climbs. It is not recommended for dogs, unless they are equally as experienced as their owners.
This walk from Threlkeld to Blencathra is perfect for exploring the natural beauty of the Cumbrian countryside and can be easily accessed by car from the doorsteps of our Lake District holiday cottages.
