Hike up Blencathra

Getting there: Follow the A66 towards Scales and once you are about 2 miles away from Threlkeld, you'll find a quaint pub called the White Horse Inn. To begin the hike, park your car anywhere along the side of the A66 (near the pub) or alternatively, you can park in the car park next to the White Horse Inn.

After gearing up and leaving your car, continue onwards towards the pub where you'll find the trailhead at the bottom of the hill. It begins with a steady incline and once you've made it to the top of the first rise you can choose from a variety of paths which will lead you to the top. 

It offers panoramic views of the Lake District in every direction and generally, it is quite isolated with only a handful of other hikers around. 

The return hike can take anywhere between 3 - 4 hours, with a stop along the way for lunch. The terrain is steep with cliffs lining either side of the trail for the majority of the hike and depending on the weather it can be muddy and slippery, making it a tough climb. Nonetheless, it is a worthwhile hike which is not only rewarding once you reach the top, but it also offers phenomenal views along the way! 

Although this hike is tough (especially if the weather is a rainy and/ or overcast), it is still incredibly rewarding and enjoyable. Plus, you can treat yourself to a beer at the pub once you've made it back down!