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A view of Derwentwater from the summit of Blencathra (2847 feet above sea level). But I'm a bit ahead of myself here, first of all we've got to climb it... |
Date: 16th May 2008. Route: Ascent of Blencathra via Doddick Fell and descent via Scales Fell. Ascent of approx 2,100 feet and a total distance of approx 6 miles. Parking: We managed to squeeze into a small free parking area at GR 348273 Map: Outdoor Leisure 5. The English Lakes, North Eastern area. Weather: Fine and warm with hazy sunshine. |
Blencathra is a lovely mountain to climb and there are several choices of routes for ascent and descent. From it's summit there are splendid views. We'd parked up next to where we would be descending so first of all we needed to make our way over to Doddick Fell. Or in my case 'Doddery Fell'...... |
Looking over the wall to our left on the way to start our climb of Doddick Fell. |
First rest of many, at the 'first rock turret' (as described by Wainwright). Robin points out to me the next intended rest spot at the 'second rock turret'. Once we reach the top of Doddick Fell we'll turn left and climb to the summit which you can see on the photo. One our left is Hall's Fell which is the big brother of Doddick Fell and which leads directly to the summit. Having climbed both routes I think that Hall's Fell is the better, although I certainly enjoyed today's route as well. |
We brought along a copy of |
a guide by the late Alfred Wainwright. |
Although written years ago it is still useful today. His guides were a labour of love and it is quite amazing the amount of detail he put into them. |
Robin had spotted this man and his dogs RUNNING down from the summit towards us. The man advised us that this was how he checked out routes and then at a later date walked them with his wife and the dogs. We said we thought he was mad. He laughed and agreed with us! You see what a nice bunch of people you can meet when you're out walking? Mad possibly but nice definately. |
The dogs were in super condition, shiny coats and wet noses. A doggy version of me really! |
The view looking back from the top of Doddick Fell. In the distance to the right, just peeking through, is Thirlmere (resevoir). At the top of Doddick Fell I turn left, ready to tackle Blencathra's summit. On the right I soon see...... |
Scales Tarn and Sharp Edge. From this angle Sharp Edge looks quite innocuous, but unless you're quite at ease with exposed climbs (and believe me I'm not) then it's probably best left to others who are, even then only in good weather. I have been across it ONCE and Michael (who sometimes puts in an appearance on this site) has a photograph of me hanging on for dear life. Check out this link to some images of Sharp Edge - and do click onto the first one which reads statistics - it makes sobering reading. |
Photographer and copyright owner - Terry Smith 2008. |
While waiting for me to catch up with him on the summit, Robin takes a snooze out of the way of the cool breeze. |
Terry on Blencathra's summit with Derwentwater as a background. You'll note the knee straps I'm wearing. I guess a lot of people my age have problems with knees, especially walking down hills. I find that generally they do help. Although on the steep descent that followed this photo my hips, knees and everything else attached to my legs were sore!! |
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