Blencathra via Blease Fell: A Winter Sunset Walk from Castlerigg Hall
Last month, on a crisp late afternoon, I headed up Blencathra with a good friend. Our aim was to capture the sunset on fresh snow and tick off another trig point in our 2026 Lake District charity challenge for Calvert Trust.
We parked at the car park behind the Blencathra Centre and chose the Blease Fell route. A quick note before you go: the final stretch of road is heavily potholed. It is not suitable for low sports cars and needs careful driving.
From our family-run base at Castlerigg Hall, we had been watching the snow settle on the tops. It was time to head up and see it for ourselves.
This walk is part of our ‘Walks from Castlerigg Hall’ series, designed to help guests discover the beauty, history, and wildlife of the Keswick area with, or without, ever needing the car. Explore them all and find your perfect Lake District adventure.”
Two walkers descend Blencathra via Blease Fell.
Why Choose the Blease Fell Route?
The Blencathra Blease Fell route is one of the steadier ways to reach the summit. A clear zig-zag path climbs gradually onto Blease Fell before continuing towards Knowe Crags and the summit plateau.
It avoids the exposed scrambling found on routes like Sharp Edge. In winter, that makes it a sensible choice. However, it still requires care, fitness and preparation.
As we passed Knowe Crags, I smiled. This was one of the backdrops for a scene I helped arrange for the Threlkeld Cricket Club extreme cricket calendar. On that occasion it was a warm and sunny August day. This time, the wind chill was strong and the ground frozen.
Preparing for the Extreme Cricket photoshoot back in August 2012.
A Mountain of Two Names: Blencathra or Saddleback?
The name Blencathra is believed to be of old Cumbric origin. Cumbric was an early Brythonic language once spoken across this region. The exact meaning is debated, but it reflects the mountain’s ancient roots.
The name Saddleback became popular later. It was widely used in the 19th and 20th centuries and was the term my grandfather used. The nickname refers to the mountain’s shape when viewed from the east, where the twin tops and dip resemble a riding saddle.
Today, Blencathra is the officially recognised name, popularised by Alfred Wainwright, though many still affectionately call it Saddleback.
Snow, Cornices and a Quiet Summit
We met very few people. Late starts in winter often mean you have the mountain to yourself, but they also require good timing and headtorches for the descent.
Along the ridge there were significant snow cornices. These overhang the edge and can collapse without warning. It was vital to keep well back from the lip. In white conditions, the true edge can be impossible to judge.
We had our two dogs with us — Monty, my black Labrador, and Peggy, my friend’s spirited Jack Russell. Both revelled in the snow, though we kept them well away from the corniced sections.
Snow cornices on Blencathra.
The views were spectacular.
Behind us, Skiddaw was cloaked in white. To our right stood Clough Head, the Dodds and Helvellyn, all gleaming in fresh snow.
As we continued around, we could see Castlerigg, Walla Crag, and Derwentwater with Catbells beyond. (If you’re planning lower-level winter walks, I’ve written separate blogs on Walla Crag and Catbells which are well worth a read.)
To the south, we caught a glimpse of Thirlmere. Below us lay Tewet Tarn, appearing frozen in the fading light. Due to its shallowness, it’s long been popular in hard winters for ice skating — though extreme caution is always advised.
And in the distance, just visible, was Castlerigg Hall — our family-run holiday park — nestled beneath the fells. Seeing it from the summit was a special moment.
Some of the peaks visible from Blease Fell earlier in the walk.
Mining Heritage of Blencathra
Blencathra has a rich industrial past. The slopes were once worked for lead and other minerals. Spoil heaps and adits still scar parts of the fellside.
We were reminded of this heritage by memories of a wonderful regular guest, Rudi Devries from Belgium. Rudi toured here each year with his caravan and would spend days exploring and logging the old mine workings with a local expert.
These mines are fascinating but dangerous. Many shafts are unstable, unmarked, and prone to collapse. Please admire them from a distance and never enter old mine workings.
Blencathra Put Up for Sale
In recent years, Blencathra made national headlines when it was put up for sale by its private owner. The news sparked widespread public interest and debate about mountain ownership in the Lake District.
The idea that one of Cumbria’s most iconic fells could change hands captured imaginations far beyond the county. It was a reminder that, while we enjoy open access under the right-to-roam laws to the upper fells, much of the Lake District is privately owned enclosed farmland and should be respected.
Ridges of windblown snow develop near the summit.
The Trig Point and Our 2026 Challenge
Our goal was the summit trig point. In 2026, we are attempting to climb every Lake District trig point to raise funds for the Calvert Trust.
As we reached the top, the sky turned orange and pink. The snow glowed softly as the sun sank in the west. The 360-degree panorama was unforgettable.
The partially damaged Ordnance Survey Trig Point
Another Trig Point ticked off
Capturing the sunset.
Twilight Descent, Jacksons Fold and Family Connections
We retraced our steps as twilight deepened. Across the valley we looked towards Burnt Horse ridge behind Lonscale Fell. A few years ago, following a tip-off, I photographed a “Borrowdale Banksy” stone sculpture there.
Beyond lies Jackson’s Fold. A fold is a sheep enclosure, traditionally used by hill farmers to gather and protect flocks, especially during lambing or harsh weather. I often wonder if there is a family link. My ancestors farmed at Eyecott Farm near Mungrisdale for generations.
We reached the car as darkness fell. The lights of Keswick shimmered below. Headlamps traced the A66 road along the Greta Gorge. We agreed it has been a memorable hike in the snow and if all our Trig Point adventures were half as good as this we were in for some fabulous fund-raising fun.
A solitary figure enjoys the sunset on Blencathra
Discovering a Borrowdale Banksy on Burnt Horse Ridge
My friends dog Peggy is very photogenic!
Frozen in the wind
Winter Walking Safety on Blencathra
Before walking the Blencathra Blease Fell route in winter:
- Check the Mountain Weather Information Service forecast
- Wear full winter clothing, hat and gloves
- Carry a headtorch
- Keep well back from cornices
- Do not enter old mine workings
- Inform someone of your route and return time
Conditions can change quickly. Preparation makes all the difference.
Frequently Asked Questions: Blencathra via Blease Fell
Is Blease Fell the easiest route up Blencathra?
It is one of the more gradual routes and avoids exposed scrambling. However, it still requires good fitness.
How long does the walk take?
Allow 4–5 hours at a steady pace. In winter, allow extra time.
Why was Blencathra put up for sale?
It was placed on the market by its private owner, which sparked national interest and debate about land ownership in the Lake District.
Is public transport available?
Yes. You can travel via Penrith or Keswick and connect by bus to the base of the mountain.
Why is it also called Saddleback?
Saddleback became popular during the Victorain era due to the mountain’s shape. Alfred Wainwright favoured the ancient Cumbric name of Blencathra in his guidebooks and is now more commonly used.
If you are planning your own Blencathra adventure, why not base yourself at Castlerigg Hall? With panoramic views, peaceful surroundings and easy access to the northern fells, it is the perfect place to rest after a day on the heights — and perhaps begin your own trig point challenge.
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