LUOAC - Blencathra & Skiddaw

Blencathra and Skiddaw are the northenmost peaks in the Lake District that the OAC regularly visit. Skiddaw, at 931 metres, is one of the country's highest peaks. Although not as high, Blencathra (also known as Saddleback) is well-known for its ridges - notably Sharp Edge, a knife-edge ridge which is regarded as an Alpine climb in winter conditions.

Both mountains are fairly isolated from the main walking regions of the Lake District, so if you pick the right day you can escape the crowds and have the summit to yourself.

Skiddaw is one of the highest peaks, positioned just north of Keswick. On a clear day, you can get views across to the central falls of the Lake District, and sometimes the views northwards include the Scottish borderlands.

Skiddaw from Crow Park

Skiddaw from Sale Fell

Blencathra from the south

Taking winter conditions seriously on Blencathra

Blencathra's most well-known view is from the south - the relatively flat summit with the three spurs coming down to the flat land near Threlkeld. One of these ridges, Narrow Edge, offers a short ridge scramble. Although the edge doesn't last for long, it offers an exciting route to the summit.

Narrow Edge and Hall's Fell

If narrow ridges aren't your thing, there are broader edges leading up to the summit - Doddick Fell at the east, and Blease Fell to the west. At the base of Blease Fell is an ancient stone circle. From here, you get good views of Blencathra and the Skiddaw fells.

Or if narrow ridges are your idea of fun, Sharp Edge on the north-east gives you 100 metres of exposedness. The ridge becomes knife-edge in a few sections, and in bad weather it isn't advisable to try it! For most of the ridge, there is an easier path just below the crest, but there is one tricky rock slab to cross near the end. After that, it's a straightforward scramble up the side of Blencathra and onto the summit.

Sharp Edge from near Scales Tarn

The crest of Sharp Edge from near Blencathra

Pubs

Most walks on Blencathra end somewhere near the village of Threlkeld, which has two walker-friendly pubs. Keswick, a few miles west (more suited for walks on Skiddaw) is a fairly large town and has a selection of pubs and tea rooms. Oh, and a pencil museum.

Maps

Blencathra:

OS Outdoor Leisure (scale 1:25,000) 5 : North East Lakes
OS Landranger (scale 1:50,000) 90 : Penrith & Keswick

Skiddaw:

OS Outdoor Leisure (scale 1:25,000) 4 : North West Lakes
OS Landranger (scale 1:50,000) 90 : Penrith & Keswick