Blencathra is an absolute must do mountain. The ascent via Halls Fell Ridge is challenging and truly adventurous.The views are superb and just complete that feeling of wow! This is one of my favorite mountains and takes some beating. Do it!

(Written by: Jordanesq)

Blencathra (Saddleback) is my favourite Lakeland fell, as it offers everything. Sliding slopes to rocky ridges, as well as a beautiful tarn and gorgeous views. Sharp edge is an entertaining ridge and the ascent of foule crag is a great scramble. Would definately recommend this mountain. Wainwright loved it too! 2847 feet is a decent height and there are various routes to the summit. For those who dont mind heights, i would recommend the route starting at the white horse pub in scales, ascending up scales fell, along the glendermerackin river and up to scales tarn, and then onto sharp edge and foule crag to the summit. Hall's fell ridge provides an interesting descent.

(Written by: MissHillbilly)

Good days walking to be had here, starting from Threlkeld. Acending via sharp edge and walking the whole ridge before coming down off the west side. Don't have a map to hand for the name. Saw two tornadoes when up there. One from the RAF and one from mother nature, touching down near Penrith.

(Written by: monkeyman)

Simply the best compact mountain we have! Such a huge choice of routes catering for a wide range of abilities. Stunning views whatever the weather! Personally I enjoy the Hall's and Dodick fell ascents. If times short then Sharp Edge returning via Scales is an exellent quickie!

(Written by: Butty)

Ah did Blencathra for the first time this summer. We had gales blowing across and complete cloud cover as we ascended Hall's Fell. This was a shame for the view, but added to the atmosphere and chellenge! There was one "interesting" scramble on the route...but can be quite easily avoided. The range of routes is superb on the mountain, with trails on almost every "fell". A great trek!

(Written by: Chris Ellyatt)

After several aborted attempts, and a mention in Trail, I've finally managed to do blencathra, and enjoyed it so much I've now done it twice. Blencathra has something for everyone, for those wanting a relatively gentle walk to the summit, there's a clear route up scales fell. For those wanting adventure, the route to take is indisputably up sharp edge. A few heart stopping moments, but generally good fun, especially if you manage to go midweek when you are likely to have it to yourself. If you fancy keeping up the scrambling, then Halls Fell ridge makes for an enjoyable scrambly descent. And fromthe top, on a clear day the views are magic. Now I've got to the top, its a new contender for my favourite hill.

(Written by: lampetarian)

February 2006 - Got to Scales at midnight and slept in the car - woke up at first light -COLD!!! minus 7 according to the car thermometer - no fresh snow but a really beautiful frost covering everything in ice. Set off at about 6am via Mousethwaite Comb. Sharp Edge was amazing and not too slippery. It was incredible - I had the whole mountain to myself. The top was covered in a dusting of fresh snow and mine were the only footprints. The views were superb. One of those special days that make you glad to be alive. Go in winter and get up early - you won't regret it.

(Written by: iangosling)

Blencathra's very accessible, looming over the A66 as you head towards Keswick so it can get popular too. The best way up is over Sharp Edge and for that reason the rocks that make up this arete have been worn smooth by many boots, but just tell yourself if Wainwright could do it (and he hated sheer drops) so can you! If you've done Striding Edge, this should be next on your list of Lakeland ridges. After that, it's a steady final ascent to the summit cairn, with its good views into the heart of the Lakes.

(Written by: simonlo)