Blencathra
Mountain Lake District fell with sharp ridges and viewpoints
Blencathra in England’s Lake District is a popular fell for hikers and scramblers, known for routes like Sharp Edge and wide Lakeland views.
Blencathra is a fell in the Lake District in Cumbria, England, rising to 868 metres above sea level. It is one of the prominent northern fells and is often called Saddleback in older guides.
The fell is noted for several steep ridges and rocky faces, most famously the narrow areate known as Sharp Edge which provides exposed scrambling. The summit affords wide views over the Northern Fells and surrounding valleys and is a popular objective for hillwalkers.
Blencathra is a natural landform shaped by glacial erosion during the last Ice Age; it has no human construction history. The mountain has been used for centuries for grazing and hillwalking as the Lake District developed as a recreational landscape.
The fell sits above the village of Threlkeld in the northern Lake District, north-east of the town of Keswick, overlooking the Glenderamackin valley and surrounding ridges. Parking and common access routes are from Threlkeld and nearby roads.
- Elevation: Summit altitude is 868 metres, making it one of the higher fells in the northern Lake District.
- Sharp Edge scramble: The northern ridge called Sharp Edge is a well-known exposed scramble and should only be attempted with appropriate experience and equipment.
What to See #
- Sharp Edge: A narrow areate and classic scrambling route on the northern ridge of the fell, exposing steep drops and rocky steps. Popular with experienced walkers and scramblers, it is a technical route requiring hands-on climbing in places.
- Hallsfell Top (summit, 868 m): The highest point of the fell, reaching 868 metres above sea level and offering panoramic views across the Northern Fells.
- Scales Tarn: A small upland tarn on the northern slopes beneath the areate; often used as a waypoint on routes up the fell.
How to Get to Blencathra #
Blencathra (a Lake District fell) is reached by road from the A66 that runs between Penrith and Keswick; turn off to the Threlkeld/Scales area and use the village or lay-by car parks near Threlkeld or Scales. From those parking points it’s a short walk (roughly 1-2 km) to the usual ascent starts such as Hallsfell and the Sharp Edge route; local buses from Keswick and Penrith serve nearby villages (check current timetables).
Tips for Visiting Blencathra #
- Aim for an early weekday start to avoid the busiest periods on popular routes and to get firmer, safer rock on the exposed sections.
- If you intend to tackle Sharp Edge, only attempt it in good, dry weather and with scrambling experience; plan a Halls Fell descent instead if conditions are marginal-Halls Fell is the standard safer alternative.
- Start from Threlkeld or Mungrisdale to access the classic ridges and allow time to explore quieter lower ridges-many walkers miss the less-travelled eastern slopes that offer solitude and different views.
Best Time to Visit Blencathra #
Aim for late spring to early autumn for the most reliable conditions for hiking; expect much cooler temperatures on the summit.
Weather & Climate near Blencathra #
Blencathra's climate is classified as Subpolar Oceanic - Subpolar Oceanic climate with cool summers (peaking in July) and cold winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from -2°C to 16°C. Heavy rainfall (2233 mm/year), wettest in January.
January
January is the coolest month with highs of 3°C and lows of -2°C. The wettest month with heavy rain (261 mm), mostly overcast skies, and windy conditions.
Comfort
Weather
February
February is the coolest month with highs of 3°C and lows of -2°C. Significant rainfall (187 mm), mostly overcast skies, and windy conditions.
Comfort
Weather
March
March is cold with highs of 5°C and lows of -1°C. Heavy rain (202 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.
Comfort
Weather
April
April is cold with highs of 8°C and lows of 0°C. Significant rainfall (130 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.
Comfort
Weather
May
May is cold with highs of 11°C and lows of 3°C. Significant rainfall (123 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.
Comfort
Weather
June
June is cold with highs of 14°C and lows of 6°C. Significant rainfall (119 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.
Comfort
Weather
July
July is cool with highs of 16°C and lows of 8°C. Significant rainfall (132 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.
Comfort
Weather
August
August is cool with highs of 15°C and lows of 8°C. Significant rainfall (156 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.
Comfort
Weather
September
September is cold with highs of 12°C and lows of 6°C. Significant rainfall (184 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.
Comfort
Weather
October
October is cold with highs of 9°C and lows of 3°C. Heavy rain (238 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.
Comfort
Weather
November
November is cold with highs of 5°C and lows of 0°C. Heavy rain (244 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.
Comfort
Weather
December
December is cold with highs of 3°C and lows of -1°C. Heavy rain (257 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.
Dec2004.jpg?width=600)
