Sat 29th Apr 2017
Date
1 Walking Day
Duration
Lake District
Location
3-4
Grade

Blencathra Mountain Day Walk

“Blencathra is one of the grandest objects in Lakeland. And one of the best known. This is a mountain that compels attention…The supreme feature of Blencathra, the one that invests the mountain with special grandeur, is the imposing southern front, a remarkable example of the effect of elemental natural forces.” Alfred Wainwright

Sharp Edge is the highlight of this walk, a crest of rock, spectacular in appearance, that leads to the summit.  An alternative, easier footpath is available to anybody not wishing to reach the summit of Blencathra via Sharp Edge.

Highlights

  • Blencathra summit view
  • Option to walk one of the Lake District finest mountain ridges, Sharp Edge
  • Walking in the footsteps of A. Wainwright
  • Stunning scenery
INCLUDED
1 day of scenic guided walking Experienced guide
Transport for the walk Social Evening
Tour leader throughout
NOT INCLUDED
Meals and drinks
Accommodation

 

Accommodation for this tour is not included. For accommodation information and all essential tour information please click on the ‘Trip Notes’ tab.

Additional information

Min Age18
1

Saturday – Walk

Grade 3-4 walk – Blencathra plus Sharpe Edge option 7 miles (11.2km), with 3077 ft (938m) of ascent

Complimentary transport from Glenridding village will take the group to the start of today’s walk. Our route to Blencathra begins from Mungrisdale, an interesting approach, revealing an aspect of Blencathra not often seen and well-regarded by Alfred Wainwright. The scenic route continues onto Bannerdale Crags, and just below, the option of reaching the summit of Blencathra either via the ridge ascent of Sharpe Edge (Grade 4 walk option) or an easier ascent (500 ft less) Grade 3 walk following a less exposed trail leading up onto the summit of Blencathra. Either route offers exceptional views and fine mountain walking.

From the summit of Blencathra our descent via Doddick Fell offers striking views along a good footpath to the finish point in the valley below with time for refreshments at the local inn before our transport returns to Glenridding.

The day’s walk will finish between 4-5pm.

In the evening, an optional social evening is planned in the village of Glenridding (nr Ullswater) , where the group can meet up for a drink and enjoy an evening meal together.

2

Abseil & Gorge Scrambling Adventure Day

If you would like to extend your adventure trip to include a multi activity day of Abseiling & Gorge Scrambling on the Sunday, please book this separately. For further details please contact us.

Essential Info

Accommodation

Accommodation is not included as part of this tour. If you require help with booking accommodation you may find the following links useful:

Windermere Information Centre accommodation booking service.

Booking.com search for accommodation in Glenridding or Patterdale, Cumbria

We recommend booking accommodation in, or near to, Glenridding for easy reach to the meeting point for both the walks and social evenings. Alternatively if you are based elsewhere and wish to use your own transport and meet at the foot of Blencathra, details will be included in your booking confirmation.

Food & Drink

For the walk(s) please bring with you a packed lunch and refreshments. Occasionally on some guided walks (Grade 1 to 2 walks) we may pass a country inn or tea room where if we have time we can call in, however having a packed lunch with you gives the group the freedom to have lunch wherever we are on the walking route.

On Saturday evening, an optional social evening in Glenridding village is organised by Country Adventures, where the group can meet up for a drink and enjoy an evening meal together.

Transport

For guided walking tours that require transport from the meeting point to the start of the walk, we use a minibus or where necessary local transport. There is no extra charge for this, it is included in the tour price.

Fitness Levels

Our walks are by no means designed to be endurance tests where everyone sets off at a blistering pace. Far from it, it’s about a fine day in the hills in good company enjoying the best of fell walking with exceptional views but it is important to state that for everyone’s walking enjoyment walking does require a minimum level of fitness and stamina. Hill / Mountain walking experience is not essential as long as you have a reasonable level of fitness. For the higher level graded walks (i.e. Challenging Grade) it is advisable that you are someone who enjoys regular cardio exercise or have experience of mountain walking and have the stamina/ leg strength in order to be better prepared for longer sections of uphill & downhill walking associated with higher mountain treks.

Walking Grades Explained

Grade 1 (Leisurely) Normally 5-8 miles, may include gentle ascents and descents of up to a total 1100ft of ascent and similar descent over a day’s walk. Easier scenic walking at lower altitudes along paths and tracks.

Grade 2 (Moderate) Normally 6-10 miles on paths and tracks, between 800ft – 1700ft of total ascent and similar descent. Longer walks, on hills and moorland.

Grade 3 (Moderate Mountain) Normally ranging from 6-10 miles, between 1700ft – 2600ft of ascent, similar descent. Longer walks, over higher ground with possibly steeper ups and downs on paths and tracks.

Grade 4 (Challenging) Normally ranging from 8-13 miles, between 1500ft – 3000+ft of ascent, similar descent, over undulating mountain terrain, walking at higher levels with steep ups and downs. Suitable for people with a good level of fitness.

Kit List

What you need to bring with you for the walks

  • Good, comfortable walking boots with a cleated sole and good ankle support are essential.
  • Waterproof jacket and over-trousers.
  • Warm, dry walking clothing. Unsuitable clothing includes Jeans or cotton tracksuit bottoms and cotton t-shirts (cotton is a poor insulating fabric and when wet it takes a long time to dry, which can lead to a rapid loss of body heat as well as being uncomfortable).
  • A number of thin layers are better than one thick/ heavy jumper. We suggest a fleece for extra warmth especially when we stop on the hills for lunch.
  • Hat and gloves (even in summer – any wind chill on the mountain tops will lead to cooler temperatures).
  • Sunglasses, sun cream.
  • Hot or cold drinks (i.e. a minimum of 2 litres of water).
  • Plenty of food and drink for lunch and snacks.
  • A rucksack large enough to carry it all in (20-30 litres), ideally with a waterproof liner.
  • Any medication you need.
  • Thermos flask. We recommend bringing warm drinks with you, as even on sunny days it can occasionally feel cooler, especially on the summits of the higher-level mountain walks.
  • Walking poles (if you use them).

We want you to enjoy your time with Country Adventures and have the best possible adventure experience. Please be aware that if any participants are not properly equipped for the walk (i.e. with walking boots and waterproofs), at the guide’s discretion we reserve the right to not allow them on the walk for reasons of safety for both the individual and the group. If you need clarification any of the equipment requirements, please don’t hesitate to ask.

Tour Schedule & Activity Meeting Times

Please ensure you give yourself plenty of time to get to the meeting point at the required time. The transport for our day walks will leave promptly at the stated time and due to the nature of scheduled tours, we are unable to provide refunds if unfortunately, you miss the departure time.

Meeting Point

Please meet outside Ullswater Information Centre at 9.30am for the start of the walk.

Address: Ullswater Information Centre, Beckside Car Park, Glenridding, CA11 0PD

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