Blencathra and Bannerdale Crags

Blencathra, also famously known as "The Saddleback" is an impressive mountain in the northern Lake District. Due to offering many different routes to suit walkers of all abilities and having a commanding presence on the landscape, Blencathra is a very popular walking destination. 

The overall trail amounts to 11km, or 6.5 miles, and is expected to take 5 to 6 hours at a moderate pace with regular stops.

My route for this outing avoids the more "hands on" areas of the mountain and utilises good, safe paths throughout. We will begin the walk from the little hamlet of Scales by the White Horse pub. The climb leads us up Scales Fell, which is a steep but gradual ascent up to the summit of Blencathra, Halls Fell Top. As we reach higher elevation, views across the whole of the northern Lake District open up nicely, weather permitting, and the terrain becomes…