FRIDAY FELLS - Blencathra via Hall's Fell Ridge
6 people attending
8 places left
Start your weekend early, with a 6.5 mile circular mountain walk (800m ascent) from Threlkeld, including a Grade 1 scramble over Hall's Fell Ridge.
You must be comfortable using your hands and feet to move over complex, rocky terrain and have a good head for heights to complete this route.
Looming over the A66 between Penrith and Keswick, Blencathra is a proper mountain. Hall's Fell Ridge is a really interesting way to get to the highest point - Hall's Fell Top. As Wainwright says: "For active walkers and scramblers, this route is positively the finest way to any mountain top in the district". Not as exposed as its more infamous neighbour, Sharp Edge, it is still a Grade 1 Scramble, albeit a relatively easy one. It can be made easier or harder depending on the line taken - if you follow the ridge line closely, it is a more difficult scramble but, if you take one of the lower by-pass paths, it is less challenging. If you have never scrambled before, this could be a good one to try because of the flexibility.
After warming up by walking across the lower slopes, we will start to climb steeply up Hall's Fell - at first, on a mountain path, but soon reaching the ridge and the scrambling section. We will probably split the group into two for this section with one group following the ridge line and the other taking the easier options. Once we get to the top, we'll join back up and enjoy exploring the summit area and coast back down the easy graded path the car park, enjoying the views as we go.
At the end of the day, we'll go for an optional drink at the Horse & Farrier Inn in Threlkeld.
You can find the route here.
Event full? Please join the waiting list. Places usually open up as the event gets nearer and, where necessary, we try to add additional leaders to increase the numbers, so you are highly likely to get a place.
New Members: Please feel free to join this as your first OutdoorLads event, do note that this walk is likely to require some experience. If you have any questions then feel free to message me, or go to the "My First Event" section under "About Us".
Is it dog friendly? Everyone's dog is different, but this walk unlikely to be suitable for most dogs due to the nature of the terrain.
Image / photo credits: All images (c) JPV with permission for OutdoorLads to use and reuse.
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What to bring
Waterproof jacket and trousers: essential when hiking in all but the calmest of weather, breathable fabrics are more comfortable and dry.
Walking Boots: waterproof and breathable hiking boots with good ankle support
Trousers: no jeans as they become heavy and cold in the rain, breathable fabrics are more comfortable and dry and on warm days shorts are OK
Layered clothing: lets you quickly adapt to changes in the weather and body temperature. Go for a base layer (vest or t-shirt) and a mid layer (a micro fleece or shirt) and in cooler weather add an outer layer (a windproof jacket or thick fleece)
Hat or cap: stay warm in winter and shaded in summer
Gloves: Windproof, or better still, waterproof gloves are the best choice, bring a spare pair if expecting rain.
Day Rucksack: typically 20-30 litres, they are comfortable to wear and allow you to use your arms freely
Socks: proper walking socks will keep your feet dry and help prevent blisters, and carry a spare, dry pair
Gaiters: recommended for wet weather or boggy conditions
Walking Poles: always optional, love them or hate them, but give them a try and decide for yourself
Water: bring at least two litres in a water bottle, or better still, a hydration bladder
Snacks: bring biscuits, energy bars, gels, bananas, chocolate or dried fruit for example and put them somewhere easy to get hold of
Medicines: if you have hay fever, diabetes, minor ailments etc.
Sunglasses: for any sunny day, even in winter
Sun cream: can be useful even on cloudy and winter days
Emergency equipment: the walk leader will bring any emergency equipment required for the group, but you are welcome to bring any that you have, such as additional high energy food, a survival bag, a whistle, a medical kit, a torch and something to make fire (either storm proof matches or a firelighter
Map and compass: the walk leader will have these, but if you like map reading or want to develop your skills, bring yours along
Food & drink
You will need to bring a packed lunch and plenty of water (at least 2 litres). Please note there are no facilities, shops or cafes at the start or en route. Nearest facilities are in Penrith or Keswick