Blencathra [Saddleback]

Welcome to Blencathra, also known as Saddleback, a mountain that holds a special place in the heart of every Lake District enthusiast. As your scholarly guide, I must first draw your attention to its unique silhouette. …

The journey up Blencathra often begins from the village of Scales, following a path that winds its way up the eastern flank. This initial ascent is a steady climb through fields and open fellside, where the 'natural beauty' of…

We now stand at the foot of Sharp Edge, arguably the most famous and 'thrilling scramble' in the Lake District. This narrow arête is a razor-backed ridge of Skiddaw Slate, leading directly to the summit plateau of Blencathra. …

Emerging from the ridges, we find ourselves on the broad, gently sloping summit plateau of Blencathra. The transition from the 'jaggedy rocks' of Sharp Edge to this 'walk in the park' is startling. …

Moving toward the southern edge of the plateau, we reach Hallsfell Top, the most prominent of Blencathra's six fell tops. This is the apex of the 'saddle,' providing a direct view down the precipitous Hallsfell Ridge toward the…

As we head toward the northern and western reaches of the plateau, the terrain becomes much more 'roundy in nature,' a characteristic of the Skiddaw massif. We cross over toward Mungrisdale Common, an area described by some as…

Our journey across the top of Blencathra culminates at Blease Fell, the westernmost tip of the crescent. From here, the mountain begins its 'steady descent' toward the Glenderaterra Valley and the slopes of Lonscale Fell. …

Our scholarly circuit of Blencathra reaches its end. We have analyzed its complex geometry, from the razor-thin Sharp Edge to the broad, inclusive summit plateau. …