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In the market for a mountain?
Blencathra, one of the Lake Districts most famous fells, hit the headlines last week as the current owner has put the land up for sale to cover his debts. If you happen to have a few million in spare cash then the land also comes complete with a title, The Lordship of the Manor of Threlkeld.
There are many campaigning to keep the land out of the hands of foreign investors but let’s hope whoever does finally purchase the mountain see themselves as a custodian of the land so that the rest of us will still have free access to the many walking routes that cover this iconic mountain. In the meantime, why not make your own plans for a free viewing and include this on your itinerary for your next visit to The Lakes in Cumbria?
Blencathra from Castlerigg Stone Circle.
Blencathra, also known as Saddleback, is located in the Northern Fells of the Lake District National Park overlooking the A66 between Penrith and Keswick. Give yourself plenty of time to explore not only this mountain, but the surrounding area and stay close by in one of the many self-catering holiday cottages available. One option on Direct Holiday Cottages, is Crookwath Cottage, a traditional Lakeland stone cottage set high up in the fells above Ullswater, around 20 minutes drive away from Blencathra itself.
Property ID 1197.
There are several walking routes covering the slopes of Blencathra, but it is perhaps best known for Sharp Edge, the ‘scramble’ to the top. More climb than walk, Sharp Edge is not for the faint hearted but we tackled it as an extended family for the first time with two children under 10, their grandma and great uncle plus 3 dogs . . . and all survived to tell the tale!
Looking up Sharp Edge.
The route we selected started with a steady incline, the path flattening out in just enough stretches to give you chance to get your breath back. We stopped by the lake just below Sharp Edge for a picnic lunch, watching the tiny silhouettes making their way over the rocks. This is the point where you can make the final decision – the easier walk to the mountain top, or the scramble over Sharp Edge itself. From this distance it doesn’t look too daunting and since we’d come this far no one wanted to take the easy option.
The start of the climb.
It is only when you get to the base of the rocky face that you realise just how challenging it is. The first section definitely requires all four limbs. We did think even one of the dogs would have to be carried up at one point!
Nearly there.
Despite a few hairy moments (and a lot of helping each other) we all made it to enjoy the spectacular view back over the lake and the fells beyond.
The view down.
From here it’s a short walk to the cairn of stones that marks the top of the mountain.
We were all busy feeling very pleased with our achievement and enjoying the 360 degree view when half a dozen fell runners appeared, ran round the cairn and sped off back down the route we’d just climbed. Now that really is an achievement!
Made it! Celebrating at the top of Blencathra.
What is your most memorable walk in the Lake District?
Send your photos and stories to sarah@directvillasuk.com.
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