This mountain is the beast I’ve wanted to climb for the last ten years or more but one thing or another has gotten in the way. Knee injuries, ankle injuries, timing, to name but a few. This time I was ready for it. Even the snow was not going to stop me!
Given the snow and ice conditions sharp edge was a bit of a no-no though, so no traditional route. Instead it was up and down Blease Fell and over Gateskill Fell to the top of Blencathra. The route up Blease Fell is a pretty steep twisting circuit of switchbacks and the day was glorious. The sun was shining as we set out and the views were stunning.
We could see across all the northern and central fells. Scafell Pike, Helvellyn, Great Gable, Dale Head, Robinson, Great Dodd, Red Pike, Pillar. The Lakeland Giants. Glittering with snow capped peaks in the sunlight and for me it truly was the best view in all of Lakeland.
By the time we reached the top though the wind and snow were biting.
The view across the infamous ‘Saddleback’ of Blencathra with sheer cliffs at one side it looks like a knife edge.
But we all made it to the top and it was well worth the years of dreaming about conquering Blencathra.
Andrea Bramhall 