Third Blencathra ridge.

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In recent weeks I've climbed Blencathra via it's two most popular ridges - Sharp Edge and Halls Fell ridge - but today the route taken was Gategill Fell ridge. For some reason I've never climbed this in over 30 years of lakeland wandering and neither has my old 'Marra' Jim P. - and he's been wandering the fells for even longer. Jim drove up from home just outside Preston this morning and we met in Threlkeld. As we set off there was some light rain but the day turned into a 'cracker'.
The initial part of the ridge was steep and at times the path was not easy to follow but the views were excellent. Once up this section the route narrowed and levelled off and it was great wandering up it without the crowds found on the more popular routes. The final section up onto the summit ridge was steeper and gave a choice of lines all of which were easy.
We wandered up to the top of Blencathra and then out to Foule Crag before retracing our steps and descending via Blease Fell. It was then in to Keswick for Fish and Chips to round off an excellent day on the fells.

Blencathra ridges.


'Lakeland fellsmen' take a break on Gategill Ridge.


Jim enjoying the new route.


Gategill Fell ridge from Blancathra summit.


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