The shapely Blencathra

Blencathra

Height868m (2,848ft)

Prominence461m (1,512ft)

RegionNorthern Fells

Climbed4 Times

Standing proud as one of the most northerly strongholds in the Lake District, Blencathra is an absolute titan of the Northern Fells. Featuring a sweeping crest lined with six separate tops, the mountain rises steeply and dramatically out of the surrounding landscapes to achieve its ultimate high point of 868 meters.

"Blencathra is one of the grandest objects in Lakeland. And one of the best known. Seen from the south-west, the popular aspect, the mountain rises steeply and in isolation above the broad green fields of Threlkeld, a feature being the great sweeping curve leaping out of the depths to a lofty summit ridge." — Wainwright 1962, Book Five

For decades, Ordnance Survey officially designated this mountain under its alternative name, Saddleback—coined by old cartographers in reference to its distinct, saddle-like profile when viewed from the east. However, guidebook author Alfred Wainwright heavily popularized the revival of its older, lyrical Cumbric name. Today, "Blencathra" is used almost exclusively by walkers, though the current OS maps compromise with the title "Saddleback or Blencathra."

For scramblers and thrill-seekers, the mountain's greatest allure lies between Tarn Crag and Foule Crag. Here sits Sharp Edge, a razor-sharp, glaciated knife-edge arête that stands as one of the most famous and exhilarating Grade 1 scrambles in England. For those seeking an equally direct but rocky line straight up the face, the relentless Hall's Fell Ridge offers a brilliant crest line route leading right to the roof.

A small ring of stones sits on the summit

The true high point sits directly above the top of the Hallsfell spur. Rather than a standard Ordnance Survey column, the summit features a neat ring of light stones set flush into the ground. Thanks to the sheer, plunging nature of the surrounding ridges and slopes, the panoramic view from the summit is incredibly dramatic, offering an uninterrupted, airy perspective looking out across the valley floor and across to the central groups of fells.