Showers on Saddleback

Our ascent of Blencathra yesterday was a perfect example of how changeable Lake District weather can be.  Robin, Cathryn, Andy and I set off with Molly in glorious sunshine but after walking for half an hour along the valley, we met rain earlier than forecast and within minutes, waterproofs were essential. Fast forward to Mungrisdale Common, and we were back in sunshine and a drying wind!  But approaching Foule Crag, we were enveloped in a turbulent blanket of driving rain and cloud that had blown over from Skiddaw which remained until we dropped down from the summit via Scales Fell.

Saddleback Summit

Saddleback or Blencathra remains one of our favourite mountains, not least because it’s fairly close to home, is easily climbed in just a couple of hours and has extensive views across the Northern and Eastern fells.  Having climbed it before in all weathers, it really is our mountain for all seasons.  Our Orcadian friends had never climbed it before, so Saturday afternoon saw us taking to the path above Scales Farm en route to the summit.  It was an easy ascent in the warm afternoon sun and we were soon at the top, admiring the views and feeling pleased with our achievement

Having A Blast on Blencathra

We’d an amazing walk up Blencathra (or Saddleback) in the snow yesterday.  Easily distinguished from miles around by its distictive “Saddleback” topography,  it evokes a feeling of genuine contentment or homecoming in many people when they first glimpse the hill on their way to the Lake District as visitors or as locals returning home.  We preferred the safer route along Scales Fell to the summit, watching roped up walkers delicately negotiating the narrow ridge of Sharp Edge, with crampons and ice axes.  The views along the way were breathtaking with clear visibility across the fells and the Solway to Scotland