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. It is neccesary to have previous hill walking experience and a good level of fitness to take part in this walk.

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 more mountainous.

There are several other approaches to Blencathra, including Halls Fell Ridge, Gategill Fell and Sharp Edge - while we won't be tackling any of these more technical routes, it should be possible to observe the dramatic landscape and view other walkers scrambling across Sharp Edge.

From Blencathra, we will head across to a neighbouring summit, Bannerdale Crags. This is quite an easy traverse and will allow for a totally different perspective of the area, including a view over to Souther Fell that is reportedly haunted by a ghostly army of Jacobite soldiers.

This walk is limited to 6 PARTICIPANTS at £40.00 per person. Please select how many places you would like below and click "Checkout" to continue.

Our start point is the White Horse at Scales (CA12 4SY or NY343269), where there is parking available in an adjacent car park. We will be starting the walk at 10:00.

There are bus services to scales from Keswick and Penrith, and lots of various accommodation in the vicinity including camping, hostels and B&B's. It is advisable to book accommodation well in advance to avoid disappointment. Please ask me if you need any advice on where to stay, or if you need information about train and bus links to this area of the Lake District.

As far as Lakeland routes are concerned, this is neither a difficult or technical walk. However, a it is neccesary to have previous hill walking experience and a good level of fitness to take part in this walk.. There are steep sections to tackle, especially the starting climb up Scales Fell, and almost eight hundred metres of ascent involved.

Please bear in mind that I have calculated the route duration based on average speeds of clients. The walk may actually be done in a quicker time, but also may take longer than expected based on individual fitness levels within the group. As mentioned, it is neccesary to have previous hill walking experience and a good level of fitness to take part in this walk. 

It should be mentioned that weather in the Lake District can be unpredictable at all times of the year and so it isn't possible to guarantee excellent views on every walk. Multiple weather forecast sources are always studied before any Moors to Mountains activity. Unless there is a potential safety risk posed by the weather, walks will go ahead regardless of conditions.

What to expect when booking a professionally guided activity with Moors to Mountains.

I have had a number of individual clients book on to a group activity who have been anxious about not knowing the others on the day. Most people who join for the first time are in the same situation, but I assure you that you'll be making new friends and feeling comfortable in your surroundings in no time. Not only am I here to keep you safe and lead the group, I like to engage all participants in interesting conversation and always make a point of providing a friendly and welcoming experience for all my clients.

While I have led groups all different sizes over the years, all Moors to Mountains groups are designed for smaller parties. The number of participants that I allow for will depend on the terrain. But, I find this allows me to give each individual client the maximum attention throughout an activity. Whether this is to answer questions or helping an individual accross a section of unever terrain. My promise is to deliver that level of care and individual attentiveness to each member of the group.

As your guide, I am a qualified and insured Mountain Leader registered with the British Mountaineering Council. I only operate in areas where I have experience of the terrain and local knowledge. Before I received the ML award, I was already active in organising groups walks and wild camping expeditions across the UK from 2011. In that time, I have been lucky enough to spend time out on the hills and mountains with many people of different backgrounds and abilities. This experience has enabled me to develop an extensive knowledge of particular outdoor areas, and a penchant for designing routes that are both scenic and interesting. There are often places of historical or geological interest along the way and I enjoy sharing my knowledge of the landscape, history, industry, wildlife and geology.

All Moors to Mountains outings include some rewarding physical challenge, whether it be distance or terrain.

I also hold current DBS and Outdoor First Aid certificates.

Upon booking a space, please don't overlook the Moors to Mountains Footwear, Clothing and Equipment Requirements.

It is imperative to wear clothing that is suitable for both the activity and the time of year. Weather conditions can change very quicky while out and about in the hills. All participants must wear sturdy footwear, approved for use for the booked activity. Advice can be found from any reputable outdoor clothing retailer, and I am personally happy to give guidance prior to the activity. If you have not used an item of footwear, clothing or equipment for a similar activity previously, you must seek advice from me on the durability and suitability before the activity takes place.

Unless advised otherwise, a list of items that participant must have on their person (other than approved footwear) should include:

• Rucksack suitable for the activity. Minimum 20 litres, unless otherwise stated.
• Waterproof coat is essential, and trousers if possible.
• Mid layer, such as a fleece or gillet (synthetic or hydrophobic down).
• Suitable base layers and walking socks. Synthetic materials and Merino wool work best by wicking away sweat.
• Hat and gloves, stowed away in your pack if it is not perceivably cold at the start of the walk.
• IN SUMMER – cap or other sun hat, sunglasses and sun cream!
• Lunch and adequate food provisions..
• At least one litre of water.
• Personal medication, accessible and labelled with dosage information where necessary
• Headtorch, fully charged or with spare batteries.
• Mobile telephone fully charged.

Once a place has been booked on any activity...

I will personally contact each client by email with any relevant information to the specific activity. There will also be a link to a Participation Consent Form that should be completed in good time before any activity takes place. This will ask for important medical information, important contact details and also request consent for me to give first aid where neccesary, take any photographs (or not) and anything else relevant.

Cheers, COLIN.